Join CLEAR, Get 15,000 United Miles
There’s a current promotion where you can get 15,000 United miles if you sign up for CLEAR. What makes this a great deal is that you should be able to get CLEAR membership very cheaply–or free. It depends on what credit cards you hold, but this can turn into a profitable deal.
What is CLEAR?
First things first, CLEAR is not a TSA program (like TSA pre-check) or a government program (like Global Entry). CLEAR is a private company. Instead of using your ID, they use biometrics. This includes fingerprints and retina scans (of your eyes). This confirms your identity very quickly by comparing your face against a database. They confirm it’s you, and then you’re ready to pass through the checkpoint. Here’s more on how CLEAR works.
CLEAR members do not use the regular TSA or TSA Pre-Check lines for security. Instead, you go through the CLEAR line. Scan your eyes and your boarding pass. Then, the CLEAR employee will take you to the front of the line to complete security procedures (talk to the TSA employee, put your bags through the scanner, etc.).
You can have CLEAR and TSA Pre-Check. This can be advantageous, so you can choose whichever line is shorter. Remember that CLEAR isn’t available in all airports, though.
RELATED: It’s Totally Worth It! Here’s How To Sign Up For CLEAR Airport Security
Promotion: Join CLEAR, Get 15,000 United Miles
Currently, United MileagePlus members can get 15,000 free miles after signing up for CLEAR. United hasn’t spelled out which status levels qualify, but the terms say “Premier” members, so it’s likely that you need to have some type of status, but any level should work (Silver and above).
Key terms:
- Must register using this link
- Valid for registrations March 17-April 1, 2022
- Only available for those with United elite status
- Allow 6-8 weeks for miles to post to your account
- Bonus miles don’t count toward status
CLEAR Pricing, How to Get it for Free
What does CLEAR cost?
- $179 regular pricing, per year
- $119 per year for United MileagePlus members with no status
- $109 per year for members with United status or with a United credit card
Get CLEAR for cheap or free
- The Platinum Card from American Express – $179 annual CLEAR credit if you pay with your card
- The Business Platinum Card from American Express – $179 annual CLEAR credit if you pay with your card
- The American Express Green Card – offers $189 annual CLEAR credit if you pay with your card
Worst-case scenario: you could pay $9 per year for CLEAR if you have United status or a Untied credit card and then pay with your Amex Green Card for the membership. Lots of people should be able to get CLEAR for free, though.
Unlike other Amex benefits, you don’t need to opt-in / enroll for the benefit on your Amex cards before you’re eligible for the credits. Simply use the card to pay for CLEAR and you should get the credit.
Final Thoughts
You need to be a new member, and you need to have some type of United status, but this is a good deal for 15,000 United miles. You should be able to get these totally for free, as well. Those miles are worth over $250. Free miles, free CLEAR membership–doesn’t get much better than being paid to participate in something.
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Thanks Ryan. Gpod news for me! Did they mention at which time the points are sent? After sign up or after airport visit?
Thanks for all your reporting!
Not sure what to do: What is the right procedure to ensure getting the Amex credit and the 15,000 points? My Platinum card doesn’t have an opt-in to enroll, seems to loosely indicate that just using the card for payment will trigger the credit, but also says go to clearme.com/enroll. Must I go there to enroll or to do something? Or can I ignore that and go through the MileagePlus/enroll process which clearly states you must in order to receive the 15,000 points? Thank you for your help.
Don-simply use the Amex card to pay, no other work required. The points will post from United in 6-8 weeks after completing the promotion.
Thank you.
Anyone know if there is a time limit between ‘signing up’ and going to the airport to complete the task? No close airport to me, however, we are going out of IAD in early May. If I ‘sign up’ before 4/1, then complete things before we board (like they say to do on their website) in May, will that get me the bonus points??
I am assuming as soon as funds are exchanged, the requirement for the points would be fulfilled.
Can anyone confirm??
I reached out to CLEAR, and they said this: “you can do your in person enrollment at any point after you completely your on time enrollment.”