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 queues at airports are perennial travel experiences, especially in winter.

Whether you’re dodging winter storms, peak travel seasons, or vacation trips, getting 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 get through Transportation Security Administration lines faster, while Global Entry speeds up the customs process when returning to the U.S. from abroad.

Here’s what you should know about each program and how to get them for free or at a discount.

What are TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear?

TSA Precheck

TSA PreCheck users can go through airport security using a dedicated lane, without removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets like passengers in the regular TSA line do. According to the TSA99% of TSA PreCheck users wait less than 10 minutes on average to go through airport security.

Clear

Thanks to biometric identification (via fingerprints or iris scans), Clear users typically do not have to show their IDs at any time during security screening. Clear users are still required to 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 security screening machines, either to the front of the TSA PreCheck screening line for those with Clear and TSA PreCheck or the front of the normal TSA screening line.

Global Entry

Global Entry provides pre-approved, low-risk travelers with expedited clearance upon arrival to the U.S. from abroad. Users can enter the country through automated kiosks in more than 75 airports.

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

The cost of a five-year TSA PreCheck membership varies depending on how you apply. Applying through telos It costs $85, with a $70 renewal fee. Meanwhile, apply via ideology It 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 attractive two-in-one package for some travelers.

Finally, an annual membership to Clear costs $199.

‘Free’ TSA PreCheck and Global Entry via credit cards

Various co-branded airlines, hotels and others credit cards Offer up to $120 in statement credit reimbursement for application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is typically available every four or five years, although you should check the terms of your specific card for the exact frequency.

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

Here There is a complete list of credit cards that offer this discount.

TSA PreCheck and Clear included

Clear users can sign up for TSA PreCheck for a combined rate from $199 when you order both TSA PreCheck and a Clear Plus membership through Clear. After being approved for both programs, users can expect a $77.95 refund through Clear.

Your miles can pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Some loyalty programs allow members to use points or miles in exchange for covering the membership fee. However, the performance per point is lower than TPG valuation of these coinsso this would not be our main recommendation.

Still, if you want to go this route, here are some 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 Mileage Plus: Members can redeem 11,000 miles for a TSA PreCheck membership.

‘Free’ Delete credit card memberships

There are not so many credit cards which provide a free Clear Plus membership.

Cards that currently cover the Clear membership fee include:

From time to time, American Express will address cardholders with Amex Offers covering the cost of Clear, so be sure to look for limited-time offers.

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

Credit cards that save you money at Clear

If you don’t have a credit card that offers statement credits that cover Clear, some additional credit cards reduce the annual cost:

Save on Clear with a frequent flyer membership

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines offer their frequent travelers free or discounted memberships to Clear.

Delta SkyMiles Discounts

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 delta credit card.

All Delta Sky Miles Members without elite status can get a discounted membership for $189, a $10 discount.

United MileagePlus Discounts

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

General United Mileage Plus Members can access Clear for $189 per year.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Discounts

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Members can sign up for Clear at a slightly reduced rate of $189 per year.

Mileage Plan Members Enrolling in 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 discounts for families and students.

Travelers under 18 can pass through Clear with an adult for free.

College students can use a discounted Clear Student Rate of $60 per year for up to four years.

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

Try Clear for free with a referral code

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

In a nutshell

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 programs, see if you can get a free or reduced-cost membership using one of these methods.

Related reading: