Have you noticed those “CLEAR” check-in stations near security at the airports? They are a way to make your airport check-in times go even faster and I’m all about that. Get me to my airport lounge! I have both CLEAR and Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck). This gets me through an airport security line about as fast as you possibly can. Did you know that there are ways you can pay for the cost of a CLEAR membership? Let’s go over all the ways that will help reduce or completely cover the cost of CLEAR for you.

CLEAR isn’t offered at every airport, but it is available in most major airports. There are 50+ sites where you can use your membership, including some major stadiums/venues. You apply online or at the airport (they often offer a 3-month free trial). I love that I don’t have to show my ID—it uses your facial biometrics or finger recognition. One person costs $199/year and it costs $119 each/year to add family members. Children under 18 can automatically go free with you.

Ways to Reduce the Cost

This cost can be reduced to $189 in the simplest, fastest way by becoming a member of United MileagePlus or Delta SkyMiles. You don’t even have to have a credit card from them; just become a loyalty member with those airlines.  If you have elite status with either airline, it goes to $159/year (unless you have Premier 1K status with United or Diamond Medallion status with Delta in which case it’s free). You can also get it for $159/year if you have one of the following credit cards:

• United℠ Explorer Card
• United Quest℠ Card
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• United℠ Business Card
• Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles^® Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card

Sign up for the discounted United membership here and the discounted Delta membership here.

How to Get a Free Membership

Three credit cards will completely cover the cost of your CLEAR membership. The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Green Card, and the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card will give you a $199 statement credit for your CLEAR membership when you pay with one of those cards. The Platinum and Business Platinum have high annual fees, so it is nice to recoup some of those fees with your CLEAR membership!

Bottom Line

Standing in an airport security line is a necessary pain to get to where we want to go. A CLEAR membership can make it quicker and less painful—and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Use one of these methods to help pay for or reduce the cost of your CLEAR membership.