Heads up if you have a CLEAR subscription with dependents on it. We’ve now seen at least two reports of people being overcharged at renewal and it seems to relate to CLEAR double charging for each dependent.
The first report we had of this came from reader Rao. They were expecting to be charged $319 as it was due to be $179 for them and $70 each for two dependents. However, CLEAR charged them $459 which was due to both dependents being charged for twice (i.e. $140 per person).
It took Rao more than an hour chatting with CLEAR to get them to agree that an error had been made. It’s still not being fully resolved as the issue has been escalated, so hopefully their refund will be processed soon.
We’ve since seen at least one more instance of this happening. Someone else’s CLEAR membership renewed and they’d expected the renewal cost to be $189 – $129 for the primary member and $60 for their dependent (the lower price compared to Rao is due to the special pricing via an airline partnership). This CLEAR member was instead charged $249 which, again, appears to relate to the dependent being double charged. Although CLEAR pricing went up via these airline partnerships in January, we’ve had data points that people have been getting grandfathered in at the old, lower pricing.
What we’re not, ahem, CLEAR about right now is how widespread this issue is. The fact that at least two people on different types of CLEAR plans both appear to have been double charged for their dependents suggests it’s not an isolated incident. However, when asking for DPs in the Frequent Miler Insiders Facebook group, at least two people have confirmed that they renewed with dependents recently and were charged the expected amount. This issue therefore doesn’t seem to be affecting everyone with dependents on their plan. However, if your plan recently renewed or will be soon, it’s worth double checking how much you’re charged to ensure there’s no error.
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Signed up for CLEAR at the airport with a military discount. The pricing was $198 for me and up to 3 dependents. The rep even showed us the account page showing the cost. When I checked my account today the account said it was charging $397, almost twice what I was told!!! Tried to use the chat feature to clear up the discrepancy. It kept taking me back to some useless menu. immediately canceled my trial subscription. Not a good sign if you’re being double charged from the outset. Too bad, I was looking forward to using the service
Also happened to me. I have one dependent but was charged for two. Reached out on 29-Jul and the chat person said I’d get a refund within 3-5 business days, it didn’t happen. I reached out yesterday again, was told they didn’t see a refund request but would be putting one in – this time I got an email confirmation saying I should receive refund 3-5 business days. So definitely reach out and keep an eye out for refund.
Hit my renewal 7/7 for $219 (Delta Elite + one family member). Amex credit $189 7/10. Looks like I am outside of the double fee timeline others saw.
Happened to me too. I thought it was an error and they would reverse. Seems we need to get in touch with CLEAR and get this resolved based on the comments and experience below.
Happened to me. Charged $189 and $329 a few days later. Only took a few minutes on chat to resolve though thankfully and my refund came in a few days ago.
One thing to check is if you are actually linked with UA or DL. I notice Clear tends to drop that association with MP and SM and you have to put it back on. Now as a non elite the discount is $10 so I won’t lose sleep over it, but those of you with elite status with SM or MP need to put a calendar reminder to check a week before your renewal.
Happened to me. Took several chat sessions and two weeks to get a refund.
I am just seeing the $179 + $70 = $249, no grandfathering in to the older rates
Yes, that’s what it should be. Now, you actually need elite status with United or Delta (Clear shareholders) to get more than a $10 discount.
Thanks for the heads up, Stephen!
You can sign in and view your membership renewal date here: https://my.clearme.com/s/?action=aboutme
You can also see how much you should be charged for Clear here: https://my.clearme.com/s/?action=billing
Says $189 for me, but I will need to wait another month to see if the correct amount is charged.
I have the same issue, but it’s on a family member’s account I let them use one of my extra credits for. Was charged $319 for 2 people, which doesn’t add up. Still waiting for their login so I can investigate it, but it makes more sense now that others seem to be seeing the same.