Skip to main content
Chase logo, links to Chase home
Sign in
Credit Card Marketplace

A comprehensive guide to CLEAR Plus

Time to read min

    Quick insights

    • CLEAR Plus is a membership program that may help speed up airport security screenings and other security screenings.
    • Members can use CLEAR Lanes at airports and other venues that use biometric data rather than identification documents to verify identities.
    • CLEAR Plus members can choose to bundle TSA PreCheck® with their membership.

    If you travel frequently, you may be considering programs that could help streamline the security check-in process. While there are several programs designed to expedite airport security screening, CLEAR Plus has a few features that make it distinct from its counterparts, like biometric screening.

    How CLEAR Plus Works

    One big difference between the CLEAR Plus membership and similar traveler programs is that it's privately owned and operated. Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, by contrast, are government programs run by the Department of Homeland Security. 

    Another main difference is that CLEAR Plus uses biometrics to confirm your identity rather than traditional identification documents. When you arrive at the designated kiosk (called a CLEAR Plus lane), you first scan your boarding pass. Then the machine will scan your fingerprints and irises. This allows CLEAR Plus members to skip the initial security line where TSA agents review a passenger's travel identification, such as a passport or driver's license. 

    Once your identity has been authenticated by the biometric scan, a CLEAR ambassador will escort you to the screening lines to proceed as usual.

    The difference between CLEAR and CLEAR Plus

    CLEAR is the name of a security screening company, while CLEAR Plus is its paid security membership. CLEAR Plus is designed to potentially help its members move more quickly through airport security checkpoints or other locations like stadiums and concert venues.

    Travelers may also register for TSA PreCheck through CLEAR. If you purchase a CLEAR Plus membership, though, you can also choose to bundle it with TSA PreCheck for a potential discount. However, TSA PreCheck members cannot use CLEAR lanes at the airport unless they have a CLEAR Plus membership.

    Benefits of a CLEAR Plus membership

    One of the main benefits to the CLEAR Plus program is skipping the initial TSA line. This may help expedite your overall security experience by reducing airport wait times. 

    Another benefit is the ability to stack CLEAR Plus with other programs, such as TSA PreCheck. If you're registered with both programs, you can skip the identity verification line and use the TSA PreCheck screening line, which may shorten your waiting time. Bear in mind both programs include an application fee. 

    CLEAR Plus offers the additional benefit of being accepted at some other venues, giving it value outside of the airport. While you may still be subject to physical screenings or bag searches, you'll have access to CLEAR lines (where available), which are often shorter and faster. 

    You may also find CLEAR Plus useful if you travel with children, as anyone under the age of 18 can use the CLEAR lanes for free when traveling with an adult who is a member.

    Cost of CLEAR Plus

    As of July 2025, a CLEAR Plus membership is $209 per year. This allows access to over 150 CLEAR lanes nationwide. Family members under 18 can accompany adult members in the CLEAR lane for no additional cost.

    Members can also add up to three additional adults (either family or friends) to their account as part of a family plan. Each additional person costs $125 per year in addition to the $209 membership price. Members on the plan may travel together or separately.

    Can you get reimbursed for CLEAR Plus with a credit card?

    Chase credit cards do not offer reimbursement for CLEAR Plus fees, though a variety of Chase travel credit cards provide a statement credit toward select Trusted Traveler Program application fees once every four years. Eligible programs include TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and NEXUS, but not CLEAR Plus. Note that travel credit cards may have an annual fee.

    Chase cardmembers may enroll for TSA PreCheck via CLEAR, but the membership will not include CLEAR Plus biometric screenings. Be sure to read your card's terms and benefits carefully.

    In summary

    For travelers looking for another way to make security at airports a bit smoother, a CLEAR Plus membership could be an option. It uses biometrics to bypass the TSA identity verification line and may include the additional benefit of use at participating venues outside of the airport.

    Find a credit card

    Topics:

    What to read next