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Most people know the pain of standing in a slow-moving, never-ending line at airport security. For many, credit cards that offer TSA PreCheck enrollment or renewal fee credits are a lifesaver, allowing cardholders to enter the shorter, quicker-moving PreCheck line.
But you may have noticed a third airport security line: the CLEAR lane. Those willing to shell out nearly $200 annually for a CLEAR® Plus membership can access these exclusive, often short lines. If you've ever jealously watched travelers breeze through security with a fingerprint or iris scan, you may be in luck.
That’s because several American Express cards offer full reimbursement for your CLEAR Plus membership each year. This means you could enjoy the convenience of expedited security without the hefty price tag. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Here's how the benefit works and which cards offer it.
Page Contents
What Is CLEAR Plus?
CLEAR Plus is a paid subscription service that uses biometric data — either a fingerprint or iris scan — to verify your identity. This lets you skip the long wait at the TSA ID check and head straight to a shorter security screening line.
Even better, if you also have TSA PreCheck, you can still use that benefit after clearing the biometric check. Together, the two services can make for a much faster airport security experience.
While CLEAR kiosks aren’t available everywhere, they are in more than 50 U.S. airports. You’ll also find CLEAR lanes at 17 stadiums and arenas across the country, so your membership can come in handy at concerts and sporting events, too.
Which Amex Cards Offer CLEAR Credits?
Five American Express cards offer up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year when you use them to cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus membership:
- American Express® Green Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
How Does the Amex CLEAR Credit Work?
To use the annual credit, simply sign up for a CLEAR Plus membership and pay with your eligible American Express card. There’s no need to enroll beforehand (but it's always worth double-checking your account in case it's made a requirement); Amex will automatically issue a statement credit for up to $199 worth of charges.
You’ll need to complete your enrollment in person at a participating airport. Plan to bring a government-issued ID and allow a few extra minutes on your next trip to finish the process.
It's also worth noting that subscriptions are subject to auto-renewal.
How long does it take the Amex CLEAR credit to post?
In my experience, the credit posted in less than a week, but Amex’s terms say it can take up to eight weeks. As long as you use an eligible card for the purchase, the statement credit should show up automatically.
What if you already have CLEAR?
Existing CLEAR members can still take advantage of the credit. Just update your payment method to your eligible Amex card.
You can also use your credit to pay for someone else’s membership. I have more than one eligible card, so I use one to cover my membership and another to pay for my husband’s. The great thing for families is that children under 18 can accompany a parent through CLEAR without needing their own membership. So, with just two memberships, our whole family can use the CLEAR lane.
Can you stack the Amex CLEAR credit with other discounts?
Yes! Some airlines offer discounted CLEAR membership rates for loyalty program members. For example, United flyers can sign up at the following discounted rates:
- $189 for United Plus members
- $159 for elite members and United cardholders
- $129 for Premier 1K members
- Complimentary for United Global Services members
You can also add up to three family members to your plan for $119 each. And since you’ll still get a $199 statement credit, your effective cost for a family plan could be as low as $49 — depending on your airline status.
There’s also a CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck bundle available to new members for $199. If you use your eligible Amex to pay, that charge can qualify for reimbursement, too.
Is CLEAR Plus Worth It?
I’ve had mixed experiences with CLEAR. I also have TSA PreCheck, and sometimes CLEAR only saves me a few minutes. Other times, it’s a huge time-saver. Personally, I wouldn’t pay $199 out of pocket, but as a credit card perk? I’m happy to use it. On the days it really helps, it’s absolutely worth it.
Bottom Line
If you have one of the five eligible Amex cards, a CLEAR Plus membership is an easy win. Not only does it save you time at the airport, but it’s also fully reimbursed each year, thanks to the credit. And if you want to stretch the value even further, don’t forget — you can stack the credit with loyalty discounts for even more savings.
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