How To Cancel Clear Membership? 

I remember when I first signed up for Clear—traveling frequently for work made the fast-tracked security process a lifesaver. But after a job change that kept me grounded more often, I realized it was time to cancel my Clear membership since I wasn’t using the service enough to justify the cost.

If you’re in a similar boat, wondering whether it’s time to cancel Clear membership, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve been a frequent traveler or just tested out the trial, navigating the cancellation process is essential. Let’s get started and clear things up!

Understanding Clear Membership

Before we jump into the cancellation process, let’s take a moment to understand what Clear is and why it matters to travelers.

What is Clear and How Does it Work?

Clear is a private company that provides an expedited security screening service for travelers at select airports and venues across the United States. Using biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans, Clear verifies your identity quickly, allowing you to bypass the traditional ID verification lines at security checkpoints.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how Clear works:

1. You register with Clear, providing your personal information and biometric data.
2. At the airport, you visit a Clear kiosk instead of lining up for traditional ID checks.
3. Your identity is verified through a quick fingerprint or iris scan.
4. A Clear ambassador escorts you to the front of the physical security screening line.

Benefits of Clear Membership

Clear offers several advantages to its members:

• Faster security process: Skip the long lines for ID verification.
• Predictable wait times: Know exactly how long it’ll take to get through security.
• Available at numerous locations: Use Clear at over 50 airports and venues nationwide.
• Works alongside TSA PreCheck: Combine Clear with TSA PreCheck for an even speedier experience.

Membership Tiers and Pricing

Clear typically offers a single tier of membership, but pricing can vary:

Membership Type	Price	Notes
Standard Annual	$189/year	Most common option
Family Plan	+$60/year per adult	Up to 3 additional adults
Children under 18	Free	When accompanied by Clear member

Note: Some credit cards, like the United℠ Explorer Card, offer discounts on Clear membership.

Before You Cancel

Before you hit that cancel button, take a moment to consider a few important factors.

Reviewing Your Membership Terms

First, log into your Clear account and review your membership details:

• When did your membership start?
• When is your next billing date?
• Are you on an annual or monthly plan?

Understanding these details will help you time your cancellation effectively.

Assessing the Value of Your Membership

Ask yourself:

• How often do you travel?
• Do you frequently use airports where Clear is available?
• Have you calculated the time saved using Clear?

“Time is money, and for frequent travelers, Clear can be a significant time-saver.” – Travel expert John Doe

Timing Your Cancellation for Maximum Benefit

If you decide to cancel, consider:

• Canceling just before your renewal date to get the most out of your current membership.
• Whether there are any upcoming trips where Clear might be beneficial.

Step-by-Step Cancellation Methods

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to cancel your Clear membership.

Online Cancellation Through Your Clear Account

This is often the quickest and easiest method:

1. Log in to your Clear account at clearme.com.
2. Navigate to “Account Settings” or “Membership Details.”
3. Look for an option like “Cancel Membership” or “End Subscription.”
4. Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation.

Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation for your records.

Phone Cancellation Process

If you prefer a more personal touch:

1. Call Clear’s customer service at 1-855-CLEARME (253-2763).
2. Inform the representative that you wish to cancel your membership.
3. Be prepared to verify your identity and provide your membership details.

What to expect during the call:

• The representative may ask why you’re canceling and offer retention deals.
• Be polite but firm if you’ve made up your mind to cancel.

Email Cancellation Procedure

While less common, you can also cancel via email:

1. Compose an email to memberservices@clearme.com.
2. Subject line: “Request to Cancel Clear Membership”
3. In the body, include:

• Your full name
• Clear membership number
• Date of birth
• Request to cancel your membership

Sample email template:

Subject: Request to Cancel Clear Membership

Dear Clear Member Services,

I am writing to request the cancellation of my Clear membership.

Full Name: 
Membership Number: 
Date of Birth: 

Please process this cancellation request and confirm once it's complete. 

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Post-Cancellation Steps

After you’ve initiated the cancellation, there are a few more steps to ensure everything is wrapped up properly.

Confirming Your Cancellation

• Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Clear.
• Log into your account to verify that your membership status shows as canceled.
• If you don’t receive confirmation within 48 hours, follow up with Clear customer service.

Dealing with Any Remaining Charges

• Review your next credit card statement to ensure no further charges from Clear.
• If you see unexpected charges, contact Clear immediately.

What Happens to Your Biometric Data

Clear states that upon cancellation:

• Your biometric data will be deleted from their system.
• Your personal information will be retained for a period as required by law.

Important: If you’re concerned about your data, you can request explicit confirmation of its deletion.

Refund Policies and Prorated Charges

Understanding Clear’s refund policy is crucial when canceling your membership.

Clear’s Refund Policy Explained

• Clear typically does not offer refunds for canceled memberships.
• However, they may make exceptions in certain circumstances.

When You Might Be Eligible for a Refund

You might be eligible for a refund if:

• You’re within a trial period (if offered).
• There’s been an error in billing.
• You’ve experienced significant service issues.

How Prorated Charges Work

If Clear does agree to a refund:

• It’s usually calculated on a prorated basis.
• You’ll receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership.

Alternatives to Cancellation

Before you finalize your cancellation, consider these alternatives:

Pausing Your Membership

• Some members report success in pausing their membership for a period.
• This isn’t an officially advertised option, but it’s worth asking about if you’re unsure about permanent cancellation.

Downgrading Options

Currently, Clear doesn’t offer downgraded memberships, but keep an eye out for:

• Potential future introductions of lower-tier options.
• Special promotions or discounts that might make continuing more attractive.

Family Plan Considerations

If you’re on a family plan:

• Consider whether removing family members instead of canceling entirely might be beneficial.
• Assess if the per-person cost is still worthwhile for remaining members.

Comparing Clear with Alternatives

Let’s compare Clear with other expedited security options:

Feature	Clear	TSA PreCheck	Global Entry
Focus	Identity verification	Expedited screening	Customs and border
Cost	$189/year	$85 for 5 years	$100 for 5 years
Availability	50+ airports/venues	200+ airports	75+ airports
International travel	No	No	Yes
Application process	Quick, in-person	Background check, in-person	Background check, interview

TSA PreCheck

• Government-operated program focusing on expedited security screening.
• Allows you to keep shoes on, laptops in bags, etc.
• Works well in conjunction with Clear.

Global Entry

• Includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
• Provides expedited customs clearance when entering the US.
• Ideal for international travelers.

Airline-Specific Programs

Some airlines offer their own expedited security programs:

• Often cheaper or free with certain credit cards or elite status.
• Limited to specific airlines and airports.

Rejoining Clear After Cancellation

If you cancel but later decide to rejoin:

Waiting Periods

• Currently, Clear doesn’t impose a waiting period for rejoining.
• You can sign up again immediately after cancellation if you change your mind.

Special Offers for Returning Members

• Keep an eye out for win-back promotions targeted at former members.
• These might include discounted rates or extended trial periods.

Changes in Membership Terms

Before rejoining, check for any updates to:

• Pricing structure
• Membership benefits
• Terms of service

Troubleshooting Common Cancellation Issues

Even with a straightforward process, issues can arise. Here’s how to handle them:

What to Do If Your Cancellation Isn’t Processed

1. Double-check your account status online.
2. Contact Clear customer service with your cancellation details.
3. Provide any confirmation emails or screenshots you have.

Handling Unexpected Charges Post-Cancellation

If you see charges after canceling:

1. Document the charges and your cancellation confirmation.
2. Contact Clear immediately to dispute the charge.
3. If unresolved, consider disputing the charge with your credit card company.

Escalating Unresolved Issues

If you’re not getting satisfaction:

1. Ask to speak with a supervisor at Clear.
2. Document all communications.
3. As a last resort, consider reaching out to consumer protection agencies.

Conclusion

Canceling your Clear membership doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following this guide, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision and navigate the cancellation process smoothly. Before you proceed, take a moment to review your membership details and consider how frequently you’ve been using the service. If you’re no longer traveling as often or you feel the cost outweighs the benefits, it might be the right time to cancel.

Next, choose the cancellation method that works best for you. Whether you prefer to handle things online through Clear’s website, via a quick phone call, or by sending an email, there are multiple options available. Be sure to follow the steps carefully, and don’t forget to follow up with Clear’s customer service to confirm that your cancellation has been processed correctly.

Finally, before you finalize your decision, it’s worth exploring alternative options like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, especially if you still travel occasionally and need faster airport security processing. Take the time to compare their services and see if they better fit your current needs. Whether you’re taking a break from travel or simply cutting down on unnecessary expenses, it’s always good to consider all your options before making the final call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my Clear account after cancellation?

Your account will be deactivated, and your biometric data should be deleted from Clear’s system.

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-year?

Clear’s standard policy doesn’t offer refunds for partial years, but you can ask about exceptions in special circumstances.

How long does the cancellation process usually take?

Online cancellations are usually processed immediately. Phone or email cancellations might take 1-2 business days to be fully processed.