# clear

Source: https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/identity-verification/clear/
Last updated: 2026-10-16
License: content by Start with Identity. Cite the source URL.

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## Overview

CLEAR (clear-me) is a consumer identity network best known for biometric identity at airports and venues, expanding into reusable digital [identity verification](https://startwithidentity.com/guides/compliance/customer-identity-verification-guide/) for businesses. Its model is distinctive: members enroll their biometrics once with CLEAR, then reuse that verified identity across partners. It is identity-network-centric rather than a pure per-check verification API. See other [identity verification vendors](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/identity-verification/).

## What it is good at

The reusable-identity network is the differentiator. Because members are already biometrically enrolled and verified, partner businesses can authenticate returning users quickly with high assurance and low friction, and consumers avoid re-verifying everywhere. CLEAR's strong consumer brand and large enrolled base in the US give it a network advantage that pure verification vendors lack, which is valuable for healthcare, hospitality, and account recovery use cases.

## Where it falls short

The network model is US-centric and depends on consumers already being CLEAR members, so coverage for net-new or international users falls back to standard verification. It is less a flexible developer KYC tool than a network play, and businesses needing global document verification or regulated KYC across many markets will need additional vendors. Pricing is quote-based and partnership-oriented.

## Pricing

Quote-based, partnership and network-oriented. Model the cost with the [TCO calculator](https://startwithidentity.com/tools/tco-calculator/).

## Best for, and who should look elsewhere

Choose CLEAR when reusable, high-assurance consumer identity and a strong US enrolled base fit your use case, such as healthcare or account recovery. For standard global document KYC, see [Jumio](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/identity-verification/jumio/) or [Onfido](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/identity-verification/onfido/) (now Entrust IDV); for government and benefits identity, see [ID.me](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/identity-verification/id-me/).

## Bottom line

A reusable consumer identity network strongest in the US, valuable where returning, pre-enrolled members can be authenticated with low friction, less suited to global net-new KYC.