TPG exclusive: Clear prices going up July 1, but you can still get it for free
Prices are going up for membership with the security screening company Clear. Beginning July 1, membership in the expedited security program Clear Plus will go up to $209 a year (it had been $199).
No one wants to see price increases, but the good news is that there are still lots of ways to get Clear for free.
A Clear spokesperson reminded TPG that this is only the third price adjustment in its 15-year history (the program started at $179 in 2010). "[It] reflects our continued investment in making airport travel faster, safer, and more predictable across our 150+ lanes and network of 59 airports nationwide."
Clear pointed out several recent enhancements to membership, including adding 45 lanes and 19 airports, plus new technology like their EnVe pods and biometric e-gates; letting passengers upload passports to get Real ID ready; and expanding the technology into areas like stadiums.
Remember that Clear offers discounted or even free membership for Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members. Some top-tier elite members even get a free membership as a perk of their status.
Additionally, several credit cards give a statement credit for a Clear membership.
Statement credits for Clear memberships going up at Amex
In fact, the company told us that, "starting July 1, 2025, American Express will increase the statement credits to $209 per year when paying for an auto-renewing Clear Plus Membership with an eligible American Express Card."
Eligible cards include:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- The American Express® Green Card
- The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®
- The Centurion Card from American Express
The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, the American Express Green Card, the American Express Corporate Platinum Card and the Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Cardmembers must be enrolled in a Clear Plus membership and use an eligible American Express card as the form of payment to receive this benefit.
You don't need to enroll for this benefit through American Express in advance. Simply use your eligible credit card to pay for a Clear membership and get a statement credit as reimbursement.
Related: Guide to using the American Express Clear Plus benefit
New pricing for United and Delta elite members and cardholders
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines pricing will also update according to the member's loyalty tier.
Here's a handy chart showing the various membership perks for different elite levels. As you can see, Delta Diamond Medallions and Delta 360 members get free membership, with other elite tiers getting reduced membership fees.
United | Delta | Cost |
|---|---|---|
United Global Services | Diamond Medallion and Delta 360 | Complimentary (no change) |
Premier 1k | N/A | $129 (no change) |
Premier Silver, Platinum and Gold members, plus United U.S. credit card members | Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members, plus eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express cardmembers | $169 |
MileagePlus | SkyMiles | $199 |
Prices for cardholders, basic members and lower-level elite members have all gone up by $10.
Also, on July 1, adding a second adult to your account will cost $125. However, the veteran, military and government employee rates will remain the same at $119 per person, per year.
Related: How to sign up for Clear for expedited security at airports and stadiums
Bottom line
We never like to hear of price increases and weaker discounts.
Still, it will remain possible to get a complimentary Clear membership with the right credit card strategy (or having top-tier elite status with a few airlines).
Remember that children still can use Clear lanes for free, as long as they are traveling with an adult with a membership.
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