CLEAR is a tech firm that facilitates faster security clearance at specific airports in the United States. The company gathers biometric information from its members, enabling them to usually bypass the ID verification and head directly to the security line. When paired with TSA PreCheck, this forms the optimal approach for navigating security in the US.
CLEAR has recently raised the cost of its CLEAR+ membership, marking the fourth price hike we’ve encountered in less than four years. Thankfully, for those obtaining a membership via an Amex card, that credit amount is also being adjusted to still cover the complete fee.
CLEAR+ annual fee rises by $10 effective July 1, 2026
Effective July 1, 2026, the price of a CLEAR+ membership has risen by $10, increasing from $199 to $209. This time, the fee for adding an individual to a CLEAR+ family account remains unchanged at $125 (up to three individuals can be added to your account, and they don’t need to be family).
The price of a CLEAR+ membership has escalated significantly over time, both for the primary member and for additional members on a family account. For instance, prior to early 2023, the fee for adding someone to a family plan was $60, which later increased to $70, then to $99, followed by $119, and finally to $125.
Note that various Amex cards provide CLEAR+ credits, which have been adjusted to align with the increase in price. Therefore, an eligible card will still cover the full $219 membership cost.
These CLEAR price hikes aren’t a major concern, but…
No one enjoys price hikes; however, from my perspective, CLEAR+ simply isn’t worth paying for in cash. So, if you’re obtaining a CLEAR+ membership through an Amex card, there’s effectively no cost change since your membership fee will continue to be covered.
My primary concern isn’t with the cost of a CLEAR+ membership but rather that I find the entire CLEAR concept rather silly, at least regarding its current state and the overall evolution of the airport experience:
– When CLEAR initiated, it was a significant time saver, as few people had it, providing travelers with a distinct advantage.
– We’ve reached a point where it appears that nearly everyone possesses CLEAR (tens of millions of frequent flyers), and with everyone able to bypass the ID check, no one actually gains that benefit.
– The TSA ID check is straightforward today — often you merely insert your ID into a reader and proceed without needing to display your boarding pass.
– Meanwhile, the CLEAR process isn’t necessarily much simpler, considering the necessary verification.
– Airport security checkpoints tend to be limited in size, and I believe that space could be better optimized by expanding other, more efficient screening methods.
As a CLEAR member, I frequently find myself avoiding CLEAR and opting for the standard TSA PreCheck line, which usually ends up being the quickest route, despite being overtaken by numerous CLEAR members in line. This means that, on average, the presence of CLEAR actually hinders my progress instead of enhancing it, and that’s as a member.
I can’t shake the feeling that eventually, the CLEAR concept will become entirely superfluous. I am aware that CLEAR is introducing eGates at several airports for identity verification, but concurrently, the deployment of TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is also underway. Additionally, the TSA is advancing towards the introduction of eGates for identity checks. So if/when that happens, is there a valid argument for supporting CLEAR any longer? What’s the value proposition at that juncture?
In summary
As of July 2026, the cost of a CLEAR+ membership has risen. The price has gone up by $10 for the primary member. Fortunately, eligible Amex cards continue to cover the entire fee, making this a non-issue for those who obtain their membership in that manner.
What are your thoughts on this CLEAR+ price hike?