8 methods to access TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear for free or at a discount

As we dive into the summer travel season, it’s hard to believe that fall and the holidays will soon be upon us.

With flight delays and long airport lines becoming common experiences — especially during the summer and winter holiday periods — now is the perfect time to equip yourself with tools to navigate the airport swiftly. This includes the Transportation Security Administration checkpoints and customs lines upon your return from international trips.

Both Clear and TSA PreCheck can expedite your journey through TSA security; Global Entry is ideal for frequent international travelers. Each service has unique features and offers opportunities to enroll at a lower price or even for free.

What are TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear?

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck allows travelers to navigate airport security through a dedicated lane. In this lane, travelers can keep on their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets, unlike those in the standard TSA line.

Global Entry

Global Entry is designed for frequent international travelers. It provides pre-approved, low-risk individuals with faster processing upon arrival in the U.S. from international destinations. Users of Global Entry can enter the country via automated kiosks located at over 75 airports.

Clear

Similar to TSA PreCheck, Clear participants start their security journey in an exclusive Clear lane. They are identified through biometric scans of their fingerprints or irises, which allows them to avoid showing IDs during the security check. Following this, they are moved to the front of the line for security screening machines (either at the front of the TSA PreCheck line for those who hold both Clear and TSA PreCheck or at the front of the standard TSA line).

What are the costs for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear?

A five-year membership for TSA PreCheck ranges from $78 to $85, while Global Entry costs $100 for five years. However, starting in October, the application fee for Global Entry will increase to $120.

The fees for TSA PreCheck vary depending on the provider: it costs $78 to apply through Idemia and $85 through Telos. Renewing online through either provider costs $70.

A Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Essentially, you enjoy both programs for an additional $22 if you apply before October or $42 starting in October.

For Clear, the cost of an annual membership is $199.

'Free' TSA PreCheck and Global Entry through credit cards

Several cobranded airline, hotel, and other credit cards offer up to $100 in statement credit reimbursement for application fees related to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is usually available every four to five years, but it’s important to review your specific card's terms for precise details.

Some cards that offer complimentary TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry memberships include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• United℠ Explorer Card
• Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($120 starting Oct. 1, 2024)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($120 starting Oct. 1, 2024)
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card ($120 starting Oct. 1, 2024)
• United Club℠ Infinite Card

Visit the TSA website for a complete list of credit cards that provide discounts for TSA PreCheck. As of August, Citi, Chase, and American Express have confirmed that a higher statement credit of $120 will be available starting in October to align with the price increase of the program.

TSA PreCheck and Clear Bundled Together

As of April, Clear users can sign up for TSA PreCheck at a bundled rate of $199 instead of the standalone fee of $78 for TSA PreCheck. To access this price, travelers must apply for both TSA PreCheck and a Clear Plus membership on the Clear website. Clear will provide a rebate of $77.95 once travelers complete the application process and receive approval.

Your miles can cover TSA PreCheck and Global Entry fees

In addition to the previously mentioned cards that offer credits for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, several loyalty programs allow members to use points or miles to cover membership fees. However, these options generally offer a lower return per point compared to TPG's August 2024 valuations, making them less ideal for saving on these memberships.

If you're interested in this option, here are the programs that offer it to their members:

• Radisson Rewards Americas: Members can exchange 65,000 points for an $85 application credit towards TSA PreCheck only.
• Orbitz Rewards: Platinum members receive a complimentary TSA PreCheck membership every five years.
• Marriott Bonvoy: Members can use 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 use 11,000 miles to obtain a TSA PreCheck membership.

'Free' Clear memberships available through credit cards

Since Clear has an annual fee of $199, compared to $85 to $100 every five years for other options, there are significantly fewer credit cards that offer free Clear Plus memberships.

Nevertheless, there are still some choices available if you'd like your travel credit card to cover your Clear Plus membership costs.

Currently, the cards that cover the membership fee include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Centurion Card from American Express
• American Express® Green Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Occasionally, targeted Amex Offers that cover the cost of Clear Plus membership may be available for holders of various American Express cards. So, be sure to watch out for these limited-time deals.

The details for the Centurion, Green, and Hilton Aspire cards have been gathered independently by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.

Credit cards that help you save on Clear

If you don’t possess a credit card that offers Clear for free through statement credits, there are other cards that can help lower your annual Clear membership fee:

• All Delta SkyMiles co-branded Amex cards: $159 yearly membership
• All United credit cards available in the U.S.: $149 yearly membership

Reduce your Clear costs with a frequent flyer membership

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines provide their frequent flyers with complimentary or discounted Clear memberships.

Discounts for Delta SkyMiles members

Top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion members enjoy free access to Clear, while Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion members can obtain it for a reduced rate of $149. This same rate is available to those who do not hold a Delta credit card.

All Delta SkyMiles members without elite status can secure a discounted membership for $189, reflecting a $10 savings.

Savings from United MileagePlus

United's Premier 1K members enjoy complimentary Clear memberships, while Premier Platinum, Gold, and Silver members can obtain theirs for $149. This discount is also available to those holding a United credit card.

Members of United MileagePlus without elite status can sign up for Clear at an annual cost of $179.

Savings from Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Members of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan can enroll in Clear for an annual fee of $189, which is a slight discount.

Those who enroll in Clear as Mileage Plan members will earn bonus miles. MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP Gold 100K members can receive 1,500 miles, along with an extra 1,250 miles for each year they renew their membership.

Clear savings for families and students

Families can enjoy Clear benefits, as children under 18 can accompany an adult through Clear for free, without the need to scan their eyes or fingerprints.

College students have the option to pay a discounted Clear fee of $60 per year for up to four years.

Clear offers a family plan that allows you to add up to three adults to your primary membership for an annual fee of $119 per additional person.

Experience Clear for free with a referral code

Readers of TPG can enjoy a two-month free trial of Clear before making a decision on whether to keep it. Just a heads up: once you try Clear, it’s hard to go back.

Conclusion

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear not only expedite travel for passengers but can also be accessed without hefty fees. Before enrolling in any of these programs, explore options to obtain a membership for free or at a discounted rate through various avenues.