CLEAR Members: Get Up to $100 to Invest When You Open a Public Account

If you're a CLEAR member, you're used to breezing through airport security. Now, that membership might help you breeze into a little extra investing cash. CLEAR and the investing platform Public have teamed up, offering a nice sign-up bonus for CLEAR users who open a new brokerage account. It's a straightforward way to get some free money to start investing, but as always, you've got to follow the steps exactly. Let's break down how it works and what you need to know.

Who Gets What? Check Your CLEAR Status

This offer has two tiers, and which one you qualify for depends entirely on your relationship with CLEAR. It's crucial to know which category you fall into before you start, so you know exactly what to expect.

If you pay for CLEAR Plus—the annual subscription that gets you through airport lanes—you're in the top tier. Open and fund a Public account through the proper link, and you'll get a $100 bonus credited to your account to invest.

If you're a free CLEAR member, you still get a nice perk. This is for anyone who has used CLEAR's service at a sports stadium, or to verify their identity with a partner like LinkedIn or Avis. You'll receive a $50 bonus under the same terms.

The Step-by-Step to Claim Your Bonus

The process is designed to be simple, especially since CLEAR's whole thing is easy identity verification. But missing one of these requirements means you likely won't get the bonus, so pay close attention.

• Start on the official CLEAR partner page for Public. This is non-negotiable—you must use the correct link to be eligible.
• Sign up for a new Public brokerage account. You'll verify your identity using CLEAR, which should streamline the process.
• Once your account is approved, you need to make an initial deposit of at least $20. You have a 30-day window from account opening to get this done.
• Here's the key holding period: that $20 deposit must stay in your account for a minimum of five business days. Don't deposit it and immediately withdraw it.
• After you meet all the conditions, Public will credit the bonus ($50 or $100) to your account. You can then use it to purchase stocks, ETFs, or other securities they offer.

Practical Advice and Points to Ponder

On the surface, this is a great return on a $20 deposit that you only need to park for a week. A 250% or 500% immediate gain is hard to beat. But let's think it through like savvy financial hobbyists.

First, this is for a new Public account. If you already have one, you're out of luck. Public is a solid, commission-free platform with social features, but make sure it's a fit for you. Do you want another brokerage account to manage?

Second, remember the bonus is for investing. It's not cash you can withdraw to your bank account. It will be used to buy securities, which can go up or down in value. Consider it a risk-free starter kit for your portfolio.

Finally, always keep records. Take a screenshot of the offer terms when you sign up and note the date you opened the account and made your deposit. If the bonus doesn't appear, you'll need this info for customer service.

Bottom Line

• A lucrative, low-effort bonus for existing CLEAR users, especially Plus members.
• The $20 deposit requirement and short hold period make this a very low-risk offer.
• The bonus is for investing within Public, not for cash withdrawal.
• Must use the specific CLEAR partner link—don't just sign up on Public's main site.

Common Questions