Several people received an email from CLEAR, with a targeted offer related to their Plus membership, inviting them to apply for a complimentary 12-month Founders Card membership (Standard Level).
I’d assume that this very same email has gone out to most, if not all, CLEAR Plus members and those targeted can sign up using the link provided in the email (although the linked signup code is generic).
This campaign is for new accounts only, and all applications are reviewed before approval. Applicants who had an account before are not eligible, but I think it’s also important to highlight that the membership that is conferred under this campaign is the Standard version, which doesn’t confer any of the really interesting Elite tiers with other travel providers.
The promotion is open for signup until June 30, 2025.
Here are some details of what the free membership really entails:
Offer valid for new FoundersCard Members only and cannot be applied to existing or former accounts. Some benefits may not be available on the trial period and will require an upgrade to a paid plan to access. Applications are subject to review and approval by FoundersCard. You may cancel your Membership at any time during the complimentary trial period. Your complimentary period will be followed by a preferred annual Membership rate of $395.
For the Elite membership, which offers the entire suite of benefits, there will likely be an upgrade offer at a flexible rate (likely depending on the timing of membership expiration), and while many might think that’s a high price for a card that’s not even a payment instrument, I think for someone without any existing elite tiers, this might be an interesting value proposition.
Either way, you must also provide a credit card. If you intend to cancel the membership within the 12-month trial, you must email the Founders Card department or cancel through the button on the account maintenance site.
The only allure for me was the Caesars Rewards Diamond membership. However, this was recently replaced by Wynn Rewards Platinum status and it won’t include any of the credits regular qualified customers receive.
Now, there are some benefits under the Elite membership and if you get an upgrade offer like this one you might just try it for the fun of it:
The status benefits are solid, such as Hilton Gold, Wynn Platinum and access to a status via challenge with Marriott Gold (Platinum Fast Track). Rental car status is attractive if you frequently use Avis/Hertz/Sixt.
Right now, even as a standard member, I have access to a large variety of travel benefits such as airline, cruise, and hotel discounts. There are also preferential rates for many business services.
Conclusion
CLEAR and Founders Card have returned their promotional campaign offering CLEAR Plus members—anyone who pays for the service is a plus member—a complimentary 12-month trial of the Founders Card Standard membership.
I would recommend signing up for someone who has access to this offer via CLEAR. Being able to get an Elite membership for a moderate upgrade fee might also be a good deal if these memberships make sense to you. You will be given a complete list of the benefits before you pay.
Eligible members will have received an email from CLEAR with the sign-up link, and you should receive approval within 24-48 hours. It’s highly unlikely you’ll be approved if you weren’t targeted.
