How to Sign Up for CLEAR^®

If you’re looking for a way to save time while traveling, CLEAR^® Plus is one option that’s worth exploring. This program can help preapproved travelers expedite the airport security process and could help to reduce the amount of time spent standing in line at select airports. There’s also a free version of CLEAR that can be used for certain stadiums and arenas.

In this article, we’ll look at how CLEAR Plus works, and show you how you can sign up for it. You’ll also see how you could get the cost of CLEAR Plus reimbursed if you have the right credit card.

CLEAR Plus is a Trusted Traveler Program that can help people get through security lines faster at select U.S. airports. It works by allowing members to verify their identities at biometric kiosks. This helps to streamline the first part of the security screening process. Once you’re through the biometric screening, a Clear Ambassador will escort you to the physical and luggage scanning part of the screening process.¹

CLEAR uses biometric data, and once you enroll, you’ll connect your biometrics, which may be a fingerprint or eye scan to your personal identity.

The paid membership “CLEAR Plus” is required for use at airports, while membership is free for those who are just using it for stadiums and arenas.² This is known as Sports & Events access, and all you’ll need for that is the free CLEAR app.³

As long as you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years old, you may be eligible for CLEAR Plus. All you need is a valid photo ID, such as a:

• U.S. driver’s license
• U.S. passport
• U.S. permanent resident card
• U.S. passport card
• U.S.-issued permanent resident card
• State-issued ID
• U.S. military ID

You can enroll online by visiting the CLEAR website’s enroll page. Alternatively, you can enroll in person at an airport. If you choose the online route, you’ll still need to complete the process at the airport with a CLEAR ambassador next time you’re there for a flight. Fortunately, the online application is short and only requires basic personal information, like your name, email address, and zip code.⁴

CLEAR Plus is currently available at more than 55 U.S. airports.⁵

Here are just a few of the airports where CLEAR locations can be found:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Minneapolis—Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

See all locations where CLEAR is available by using CLEAR’s location finder.

To join CLEAR Plus you’ll need to pay $189 per year. Please visit the CLEAR website for the most up-to-date information on pricing. If you’d like, you can add up to three friends or family members to your account for $99 per person. Regardless of if you travel with them or solo, they’ll be able to reap the benefits of CLEAR as well. Note that children under 18 are able to use the CLEAR lane for free when they are traveling with a CLEAR Plus member.⁶

Certain credit cards may also offer reimbursement for CLEAR Plus. With The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The American Express^® Green Card, you can get up to $189 back per calendar year on your CLEAR Plus membership.^7,8  Note that terms and conditions apply, and enrollment may be required. Membership is subject to auto-renewal.