8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear

We may be starting a new year of travel, but flight delays and airport queues are perennial travel experiences, particularly in winter.

Regardless of whether you’re dodging winter storms, peak travel seasons or holiday travel, passing through the airport as quickly as possible is always a priority. To help you do just that, let’s talk about TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear.

Both Clear and TSA PreCheck can help travelers pass through Transportation Security Administration lines quicker, while Global Entry expedites the customs process upon returning to the U.S. from abroad.

Here’s what to know about each program — and how to get them for free or at a discounted rate.

What are TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear?

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck users can pass through airport security using a dedicated line — without removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets like passengers in the regular TSA line do. According to the TSA, 99% of TSA PreCheck users wait less than 10 minutes on average to get through airport security.

Clear

Thanks to biometric identification (via fingerprint or iris scans), Clear users typically do not have to show their IDs anytime during security screening. Clear users should still bring their ID when traveling, as the TSA reserves the right to subject all passengers to random ID checks. However, Clear members are escorted to the front of the line for the security screening machines, either to the front of the TSA PreCheck screening line for those with both Clear and TSA PreCheck or the front of the normal TSA screening line.

Global Entry

Global Entry gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival to the U.S. from abroad. Users can enter the country through automated kiosks at more than 75 airports.

How much do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear cost?

The cost of a five-year membership to TSA PreCheck varies depending on how you apply. Applying through Telos costs $85, with a $70 renewal fee. Meanwhile, applying through Idemia costs $76.75 as a new applicant. Renewal fees through Idemia vary depending on whether you apply in person ($66.75) or online ($58.75).

A five-year Global Entry membership costs $120 but also includes access to TSA PreCheck, making it an enticing two-in-one package for some travelers.

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Finally, an annual membership to Clear costs $199.

Several cobranded airline, hotel and other credit cards offer up to $120 in statement credit reimbursement for the application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is typically available every four to five years, though you should check the terms for your specific card for the exact frequency.

Some cards conveying free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry memberships include:

Here is a full list of credit cards offering this discount.

Clear users can enroll in TSA PreCheck for a bundled rate of $199 by applying for both TSA PreCheck and a Clear Plus membership through Clear. After being approved for both programs, users can expect a $77.95 rebate via Clear.

Your miles can pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Some loyalty programs allow members to use points or miles in exchange for membership fee coverage. However, the return per point is less than TPG’s valuation of these currencies, so this wouldn’t be our top recommendation.

Still, if you wish to go this route, here are a few options for members:

• Radisson Rewards Americas: Redeem 65,000 points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit.
• Orbitz Rewards: Platinum members get a free TSA PreCheck membership every five years.
• Marriott Bonvoy: Redeem 25,000 points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit.
• IHG One Rewards: Redeem 30,000 points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit.
• United MileagePlus: Members can redeem 11,000 miles for a TSA PreCheck membership.

There aren’t nearly as many credit cards that provide a free Clear Plus membership.

Cards that currently cover the Clear membership fee include:

Occasionally, American Express will target cardmembers with Amex Offers covering the cost of Clear, so be sure to look out for limited-time offers.

The information for the Centurion, Amex Green and Hilton Aspire cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion members can get Clear for free. Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members can pay a reduced price of $159, as can those without a Delta credit card.

All Delta SkyMiles members without elite status can get a discounted membership for $189 — a $10 discount.

United MileagePlus discounts

United’s Premier 1K members receive free Clear memberships, while United Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members can pay $159. United credit card holders also get this same discount.

General United MileagePlus members can access Clear for $189 per year.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan discounts

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 also receive 1,500 bonus miles, plus an additional 1,250 miles each year they renew for MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members.

Clear offers family plans that include up to three additional adults on a primary membership for $119 per additional person, per year.

TPG readers can try a two-month free trial using this link.

Bottom line

Not only do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear help travelers save time, but it’s also possible to get these memberships without paying full price. Before you sign up for one or more of the programs, see if you can get a membership for free or at a reduced cost by using one of these methods.

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