How Much Does Clear Plus Cost?

Published on October 3, 2025 | Prices Last Reviewed for Freshness: January 2026
Written by Alec Pow - Economic & Pricing Investigator | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Educational content; not financial advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rates, fees, taxes, and terms with providers or official sources.

Air travel is often stressful, with security lines ranking high on the list of frustrations. CLEAR Plus, a biometric identity verification program, was designed to minimize that wait by letting enrolled members bypass the standard ID check at security checkpoints. Instead of presenting a boarding pass and license, travelers use iris or fingerprint scans at dedicated kiosks before being escorted to the screening lane.

The service promises faster entry, but one question comes up again and again: how much does it actually cost? Understanding the membership fee, family add-ons, and available discounts helps travelers decide whether CLEAR Plus fits into their budget. This guide breaks down the price, compares it to alternatives, and explains who gets the best value.

Article Insights

• CLEAR Plus costs $209 per year for individuals.
• Adults can be added for $125 each, while children under 18 are free.
• Credit cards like Amex Platinum may cover up to $189 annually.
• TSA PreCheck is far cheaper at $78 for five years, but CLEAR lanes are faster.
• Value depends heavily on travel frequency and airport coverage.
• Couples and families can expect totals of $334+ annually before discounts.

How Much Does Clear Plus Cost?

The standard CLEAR Plus membership costs $209 per year for individuals, according to Clear (as of April 2025) clearme.com. That fee covers unlimited use across the 50+ airports and stadiums that support the program. The price does not vary by airport or by how often a person travels.

Adults who want to add family members can do so at $125 per year per person. Up to three additional adults may be linked to a single primary account, while children under 18 can accompany a parent for free. This structure means a frequent traveler can bring family along without each child requiring a separate subscription.

UpgradedPoints notes that the program provides express access through security checkpoints by verifying members’ identities using biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans. CLEAR Plus membership is popular for frequent travelers seeking to reduce wait times and enhance convenience at over 59 airports nationwide.

Award Wallet says that additional features introduced around this time include 45 new CLEAR lanes, expansion into 19 more airports, and innovative technology such as face-first EnVe Pods that facilitate faster biometric verification. Some travelers can offset costs with statement credits offered by specific credit cards such as American Express. Membership for children under 18 remains free when accompanied by an adult, but adding a second adult to an account costs $125 annually as of July 2025.

According to the AmericanExpress, discounted or complimentary CLEAR memberships are still available for select airline loyalty program members and certain credit card holders. Veterans, military personnel, and government employees continue to receive unchanged discounted rates. CLEAR Plus also extends benefits to venues such as sports stadiums and has expanded use cases beyond airports.

Real-Life Cost Examples

Take a frequent flyer traveling twice a month between New York and Los Angeles. Their yearly membership at $209 breaks down to less than $9 per trip if used 24 times. The more often the program is used, the lower the effective cost per trip becomes.

A family scenario illustrates the impact differently. Suppose two parents both want the service so they can split travel duties. The combined bill would be $209 + $125 = $334 annually, while their children pass through free. For families with young kids, the value is often higher because the children avoid waiting in lines as well.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Global Entry, a passport, or TSA PreCheck.

Credit card perks also reduce costs significantly. An Amex Platinum cardholder receives up to $189 in annual statement credits toward CLEAR Plus fees (American Express, 2025), which effectively lowers the out-of-pocket cost to about $20 a year. Other cards, such as the United Explorer, offer partial rebates, making membership far more affordable.

Cost Breakdown

CLEAR Plus pricing is straightforward, but it helps to see it itemized. The following table shows the main options for 2025:

The flat structure simplifies budgeting. Unlike some loyalty programs or premium credit card fees, there are no tiered access levels based on travel frequency. However, because the service is billed annually and upfront, members need to commit for the full year whether they travel often or not.

Factors That Influence the Price

The benefit of paying $209 each year depends heavily on how often and where someone travels. A weekly business traveler from Dallas to Chicago may save hours over the course of a year, while an occasional vacationer might use it just twice, making the effective cost per use more than $100.

Airport coverage is another factor. CLEAR Plus is currently active in more than 50 airports across the United States, but not every regional or secondary hub has lanes. A traveler based in Orlando or Denver will see high availability, but someone flying mostly out of smaller airports like Des Moines may find it less useful.

Personal travel style matters too. Solo flyers prioritize speed, while families appreciate the ability to move children through without extra costs. The return on investment rises further when paired with TSA PreCheck, since members who hold both can bypass both ID lines and most physical screening steps.

Alternatives to CLEAR Plus

Several programs offer faster security or boarding, though at different price points. TSA PreCheck is the most direct competitor. Enrollment costs $78 for five years, which equals about $15 per year, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA, 2025). Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

Airline-specific perks such as priority boarding are often bundled with business-class tickets or elite loyalty tiers. These do not bypass ID checks but provide earlier access to the plane. Prices vary depending on the airline, but upgrades often exceed $50 per flight, making CLEAR Plus more consistent for travelers who care most about security lines.

CLEAR Plus remains the most expensive option, but it also delivers the fastest lane access. TSA PreCheck shortens the screening process, but members must still wait in line for an officer to check ID. Global Entry streamlines customs rather than domestic security, so it is best for international travelers.

Ways to Save

The best strategy for lowering costs is to check credit card partnerships. American Express Platinum, Green, and certain Delta- or United-branded credit cards cover $100–$189 annually (Amex, 2025). This reimbursement almost wipes out the fee for some customers.

Airline loyalty programs also offer reduced rates. Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members can enroll at discounted prices, sometimes as low as $149 annually. Promotions often appear during holiday seasons or peak travel periods. For example, Delta ran a summer 2024 campaign that offered new members a $60 discount, dropping the cost to $149.

Pairing CLEAR with TSA PreCheck also increases perceived value. A traveler might spend $209 for CLEAR Plus and $78 for five years of PreCheck, averaging $224 per year combined, but the time saved can outweigh the higher bill for frequent flyers.

Expert Insights

Travel experts often describe CLEAR Plus as a program with a high convenience premium. Scott Keyes, founder of Going.com, told CNBC in 2024 that CLEAR “offers the greatest time savings for those flying from the busiest airports like Atlanta or New York” (CNBC, 2024). His assessment reflects the fact that benefits are concentrated in high-volume hubs.

Frequent flyers echo that view. A business consultant based in San Francisco reported saving nearly 30 minutes per trip at SFO and LAX, which added up to more than 20 hours saved in a year. On the other hand, a leisure traveler from Nashville explained that limited coverage at smaller airports made the program “not worth the cost.”

Airlines also highlight the partnership aspect. Delta and United both advertise CLEAR as a member perk, positioning it as a service that reinforces loyalty. By embedding CLEAR into premium travel packages, they increase perceived membership value while encouraging flyers to sign up.

Total Costs

Looking at just the annual fee overlooks the broader economics of time and travel. If a frequent flyer uses CLEAR Plus 40 times in a year, each use costs about $5.22. If that traveler saves an average of 15 minutes each time, that totals 10 hours annually. For high-earning professionals, those 10 hours may be worth more than the $209 spent.

Couples and families calculate differently. Adding a spouse brings the total to $334 annually, but if both parents travel multiple times a year with children, the convenience of moving through lines faster can outweigh the expense. Travelers who use both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck can expect even greater time savings, though at a higher combined bill.

Hidden & Unexpected Costs

CLEAR Plus does not replace TSA screening entirely. Unless paired with PreCheck, members still remove shoes and liquids. That means paying $209 does not eliminate all inconveniences.

Another hidden cost is availability. If a traveler enrolls but their local airport lacks a CLEAR lane, the membership loses much of its value. Families adding multiple adults also find the total grows quickly, with a couple paying $334 before discounts. Finally, since fees are billed annually, a member who cancels mid-year may not recover the unused portion.

Financing & Payment Options

Members pay for CLEAR Plus with a single annual charge of $209. There is no monthly installment plan offered directly, though credit card statement credits effectively spread out the reimbursement. Airline partnerships may allow members to redeem miles or use loyalty points for partial coverage, though these programs change periodically.

Payment is generally made by credit or debit card at the time of enrollment. Renewals occur automatically each year, but members can cancel before renewal to avoid another charge. Travelers using Amex Platinum or Delta Reserve cards often see credits applied to their account within two billing cycles.

Seasonal & Enrollment Timing

CLEAR does not adjust pricing based on travel seasons. Whether joining in January or July, the annual fee remains $209. However, promotions often appear during holiday travel surges or through airline partnerships. For example, in December 2024 several airlines offered new members reduced rates of $149 when enrolling through co-branded portals.

Enrollment itself requires an in-person identity verification at an airport kiosk. Wait times vary by airport, but many flyers complete the process in under 10 minutes. Signing up just before a busy season like Thanksgiving can maximize value, since the full year begins immediately after enrollment.

Answers to Common Questions

How much does CLEAR Plus cost per year?

The standard membership is $209 annually, with add-ons at $125 each for adults.

Is CLEAR free for kids?

Yes, children under 18 can accompany a parent at no additional charge.

Do airlines cover CLEAR membership?

Delta and United offer discounts through loyalty programs, and certain credit cards like Amex Platinum reimburse most or all of the fee.

Is CLEAR worth it if I already have TSA PreCheck?

Yes, the combination is often the fastest way through security, though the total yearly cost rises.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

CLEAR does not provide pro-rated refunds after cancellation. Members must cancel before annual renewal to avoid another charge.

Sources:

Clear, 2025: https://www.clearme.com

Transportation Security Administration (TSA), 2025: https://www.tsa.gov

CNBC, 2024: https://www.cnbc.com/select/clear-vs-tsa-precheck

American Express, 2025: https://www.americanexpress.com