As we move through the summer travel months, it’s hard to think that fall and the holidays will be here before we know it.
With flight delays and airport queues becoming a universal travel experience – especially during the summer and winter holiday seasons – there’s no better time to arm yourself with the tools to get through the airport as quickly as possible. We are specifically talking about Transportation Security Administration checkpoints and customs lines when returning from abroad.
Both Clear and TSA PreCheck can speed travelers through the TSA security line; Global access can be great if you travel abroad regularly. Each service is a little different — and offers ways to join for less or even free.
What are TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear?
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck enables users to pass through airport security using a dedicated line. In this line, users do not need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets like passengers in regular TSA lines.
Global access
Global access is often useful for international travelers. It grants pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited approval upon arrival in the US from abroad. Global Entry Users can enter the country through automated kiosks 75 Airports.
the net
Like TSA PreCheck, Clear users begin the security process in a dedicated Clear-only lane. They are biometrically identified through a fingerprint or iris scan, saving them from having to show their ID at any point during security screening. Users are then taken to the front of the line for the security screening machines (either to the front of the TSA PreCheck screening line for those with Clear and TSA PreCheck or to the front of the general TSA screening line).
How much does TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear cost?
A five-year TSA PreCheck membership costs $78 to $85, while five-year Global Access costs $100. However, starting in October, it will cost $120 to apply for Global Entry.
TSA PreCheck fees vary by provider. It costs $78 to apply through it Idemia and by $85 Telos. Online renewal through any provider costs $70.
With Global Entry membership comes membership in the TSA PreCheck program. Essentially, you get both program benefits for an extra $22 for applications before October, or an extra $42 from October.
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For Clear, an annual membership costs $199.
Global entry via ‘free’ TSA PreCheck and credit card
There are many co-branded airlines, hotels and others Credit cards offering up to $100 in statement credit reimbursement for application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is usually available every four to five years, although you should check the terms of your specific card for the exact frequency.
Some cards that offer free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry membership are:
interview TSA website For a complete list of credit cards that offer discounts for TSA PreCheck. By August, Citi, Chase and American Express confirmed that an increased statement credit of $120 would be issued starting in October to match the program’s price increase.
Bundled TSA PreCheck and Clear
Your miles can pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
In addition to the aforementioned cards that offer credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, some loyalty programs allow members to use points or miles in exchange for membership fee coverage. While these are options, the return per point is lower than TPG’s August 2024 evaluation, so it’s not our top picks for ways to save on this membership.
However, if you want to go this route, these are the programs that offer this option for members:
- Radisson Rewards Americas: Members can redeem 65,000 points for an $85 application credit to TSA PreCheck only.
- Orbitz Rewards: Platinum members receive free TSA PreCheck membership every five years.
- Marriott Bonvoy: Members can redeem 25,000 points for an $85 application credit.
- IHG One Rewards: Members can redeem 30,000 points for an $85 application credit.
- United MileagePlus: Members can redeem 11,000 miles for TSA PreCheck membership.
Clear ‘free’ membership by credit card
Since Clear costs $199 per year instead of $85 to $100 per five years, there aren’t nearly as many credit cards that offer a free Clear Plus membership with others.
However, you still have a few options if you want your travel credit card to pay for your Clear Plus membership.
Cards that currently cover membership fees include:
Occasionally, targeted Amex offers that cover the cost of a Clear Plus membership are available for those with different. American Express Cards. So, keep your eyes peeled for limited time offers.
Information for Centurion, Green and Hilton Aspire cards is independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
A credit card that saves you money on Clear
If you don’t have a credit card that makes Clear completely free with statement credits, some additional credit cards can at least reduce the cost of your annual Clear membership:
Save on Clear with a frequent flyer membership
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines offer free or discounted memberships to clear frequent flyers.
Discounts from Delta SkyMiles
Top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion members can get CLEAR for free. The airline’s Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members can pay as low as $149. The same price applies for those without it Delta Credit Card.
All Delta SkyMiles members without Elite status can get a discounted membership for $189 – a $10 discount.
Discount from United MileagePlus
Similarly, United Premier 1K members are entitled to free membership in Clear, while United Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members can pay $149. United Credit Card holders get the same discount.
United MileagePlus members without status can access Clear for $179 per year.
Discounts from the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can enroll in Clear at a slightly discounted rate of $189 annually.
Mileage Plan members who sign up for Clear Bonus miles will also be earned. MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members will earn 1,500 miles, plus an additional 1,250 miles each year they renew.
Explicit discounts for families and students
For families, children under 18 can go through Clear for free with an adult without having their eyes or fingerprints scanned.
College students can use the discounted student clear rate of $60 per year for up to four years.
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Bottom line
Not only does TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear help travelers save time, it’s also possible to get a membership without breaking the bank. Before you sign up for one or more programs, see if you can get a free or low-cost membership through one of these methods.
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