The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a new partnership with Clear, making it the third TSA PreCheck enrollment provider.
TSA PreCheck is a program that gives members access to dedicated lines at airport security checkpoints. Members don’t have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets when they go through the scanner. Plus, they can keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage. More than 200 airports and 90 airlines provide TSA PreCheck.
Clear is a separate program that uses biometric data (like a fingerprint or eye scan) to speed travelers through airport security. Once Clear members use a kiosk to scan their biometrics, they skip the regular security and TSA PreCheck lines and proceed straight to the physical screening portion.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can have both Clear and TSA PreCheck. The first will skip you to the front of the line, and the second will give you access to the lane where you don’t have to take off your shoes, belt or jacket.
The new partnership between TSA and Clear will make it even easier for people to enroll in or renew TSA PreCheck since no appointments are required. It will also save applicants time and money if they enroll in both expedited security programs.
TSA PreCheck and Clear costs
TSA PreCheck costs vary depending on the enrollment provider. Registering for TSA PreCheck through Clear will cost $77.95 for a five-year membership. Online TSA PreCheck renewals through Clear will cost $68.95 for five years.
That’s a few cents cheaper than enrolling with Idemia and a few dollars cheaper than enrolling with Telos. Generally, it’s best to enroll with whichever enrollment provider has locations that are convenient for you.
You can often get your TSA PreCheck application costs covered with a travel credit card as well. These credit cards usually provide a statement credit that’ll reimburse you for the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Here are some popular cards that offer this benefit:
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
United℠ Explorer Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95.
Benefit
Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.
Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.
Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.
Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.
Here is a more comprehensive list:
Cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck fees
Clear, on the other hand, has one-year memberships that go for $189. There is a smaller batch of travel cards that include Clear fees as a benefit. You can also get a discount on Clear through its partnerships with United and Delta.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express® Green Card
Clear benefits
$189 credit each year when paying for a Clear membership. Terms apply.
$189 credit each year when paying for a Clear membership. Terms apply.
$189 credit each year when paying for a Clear membership. Terms apply.
One new option for getting both of these for less is applying for both through Clear. If you bundle TSA PreCheck and Clear, it’ll cost $199.95, which saves you about $66 off the full price of both programs.
Where to find Clear TSA PreCheck enrollment
Currently, Clear only offers enrollment for TSA PreCheck at three airports:
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Sacramento International Airport.
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Newark Liberty International Airport.
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Orlando International Airport.
Enrollment for TSA PreCheck at all three participating airports is available daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time. Except at Sacramento International Airport, where enrollment closes on Saturdays at 6 p.m.
Clear plans to expand to other airports in the future.
How to enroll at TSA PreCheck at the airport
You can’t exactly just show up to the airport to enroll in TSA PreCheck through Clear. If you want to enroll through one of the Clear airport locations, you’ll have to submit an application online first.
Then, the next time you’re at a participating airport, walk up to Clear’s enrollment pod (no appointment necessary). Clear will submit your TSA PreCheck application on your behalf, and you can expect to hear back within three to five days.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
