As we head into the holiday season, there's no better time to arm yourself with tools to pass through the airport as quickly as possible — specifically the TSA security line at U.S. airports and the customs line when coming back from abroad.
I've written extensively about TSA PreCheck and Clear, both of which help travelers speed through TSA security.
PreCheck users pass through security using a dedicated line for PreCheck users only, in which they do not have to remove their shoes, laptop, liquids, belt or light jacket like passengers in the regular TSA line.
Like TSA PreCheck, Clear users also begin the security process in a Clear-only lane, where they are biometrically identified via fingerprint or iris scans, sparing them from having to show their ID anytime during security screening. Users are then taken to the front of the line for the security screening machines (either the front of the PreCheck screening line for those with Clear and PreCheck, or the front of the normal TSA screening line).
The third program, Global Entry, is useful for frequent international travelers, as it gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival to the U.S. from abroad. Global Entry users can enter the country through automated kiosks at 75-plus airports.
Enrollment in the three programs costs money, including an annual fee for Clear. Memberships to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry last five years each.
While these programs may be worth their retail price tags in their own right, there's no need to pay full price if you don't have to.
At TPG, we aim to help you save money when traveling. We do this by sharing which credit cards you should have in your wallet, explaining how to leverage airline and hotel elite status levels, and showing you the perks of those frequent flyer memberships — including how to enjoy these programs at a discounted rate or even for free.
So before enrolling in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Clear, keep reading this guide for seven ways to save money on their associated fees.
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How much do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear cost?
Normally, a five-year membership to TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85, while five years of Global Entry runs you $100.
Two providers manage TSA applications. You'll pay $78 to apply through IDEMIA and $85 through Telos. Renewing costs $70 if you do it online through either provider.
If you have a Global Entry membership, you also receive the benefits of TSA PreCheck. Essentially, you reap the benefits of both programs for an extra $22 every five years.
An annual membership to Clear is $189. Together, using all these programs can add up if you don't take advantage of available discounts and credits.
If you're not yet familiar with the details of these different programs, check out our guides to TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear to find the right one(s) for your travel needs.
'Free' TSA PreCheck and Global Entry via credit cards
Currently, there are 39 cobranded airline, hotel and other credit cards offering up to $100 in statement credit reimbursem*nt 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 of the cards conveying free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry are:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- 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
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- United Club Infinite Card
See here for a complete list of credit cards that offer a discount for TSA PreCheck.
Your miles can pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
In addition to the aforementioned cards offering credits for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, some loyalty programs allow members to use points or miles in exchange for covering the membership fees. While these are options, the return per point is less than TPG point valuations, so they're not our top picks for ways to save on these memberships.
Those programs include:
- Radisson Rewards Americas: Members can redeem 65,000 points for an $85 application credit to TSA PreCheck only
- Orbitz Rewards: Platinum members get a 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 10,000 miles for a TSA PreCheck membership
'Free' Clear memberships via credit cards
Since Clear costs $189 per year instead of $85 to $100 every five years, there aren't nearly as many credit cards that provide a free Clear Plus membership as there are with the others. However, there are a few options if you want your travel credit card to pay for your Clear Plus membership.
They 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, there are targeted Amex Offers covering the cost of Clear Plus membership for those with different American Express cards, so keep your eyes peeled for limited-time offers like that.
The information for the Centurion, 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.
Credit cards that save 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 your annual Clear membership cost:
- All Delta SkyMiles cobranded Amex cards: $149 annual membership ($40 off the standard rate)
- All United U.S. credit cards: $149 annual membership ($40 off the standard rate)
Save on Clear with a frequent flyer membership
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines offer their frequent flyers free or discounted memberships to Clear.
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 a reduced price of $149. The same price applies to those without a Delta credit card.
All Delta SkyMiles members without elite status can get a discounted membership for $179 — a $10 discount.
Similarly, United's Premier 1K members are entitled to free memberships in Clear, while United MileagePlus Platinum, Gold and Silver members can pay $149. Those with a United credit card receive this same discount.
United MileagePlus members without status can access Clear for $179 per year.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can enroll in Clear at a slightly discounted rate of $179 annually.
Mileage Plan members who sign up for Clear will also receive bonus miles: MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members will receive 1,500 miles, plus an additional 1,250 miles each year they renew.
Clear discounts for families and students
For families, children under 18 can pass through Clear with you for free without needing to scan their eyes or fingerprints.
College students can use a discounted student Clear rate of $60 per year for up to four years.
Clear also has a family plan, and you can add up to three adults to your primary membership for $99 per additional person per year without incurring another full $189 fee for each person every year.
Try Clear for free with a referral code
TPG readers can try Clear for free for two months before deciding if it's worth keeping. Fair warning: In my experience, once you go Clear, you never go back.
Bottom line
Not only do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear help travelers save time, it's possible to get memberships without breaking the bank. Before you sign up for one or more, see if you can get it for no cost or at a reduced cost through one of these methods.
Related reading:
- Best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck of October 2023
- How to sign up for Clear for expedited security at airports and stadiums
- Where is Global Entry accepted?
- 13 things you need to know about Global Entry
- Which airports and airlines use TSA PreCheck?
- Should you get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
- Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
- Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
- Skip the wait: Enroll in TSA PreCheck at Staples, not the airport
- TSA PreCheck adds four carriers to program, bringing total to 90 participating airlines
- TSA announces Telos as latest TSA PreCheck enrollment provider
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
