Clear+ is an expedited identity-verification service available at about 60 U.S. airports that uses fingerprint and iris scans to bypass the TSA ID check. Membership costs $209 per year, but four popular American Express cards offer a statement credit up to $209 annually to offset that fee.
Cards that reimburse Clear+
American Express Platinum Card
- Best for: Luxury travelers who use many premium airport perks
- Welcome offer: Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after meeting the initial spending threshold (offers vary)
- Annual fee: $895
- Rewards: 5x on airfare booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 per year), 5x on prepaid hotels with Amex Travel, 1x on other purchases
- Why it helps: The Platinum’s extensive travel credits, lounge access, and perks pair well with frequent flyers; it provides up to $209 per year toward Clear+ (enrollment required; benefit may auto-renew).
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
- Best for: High-spending business travelers
- Welcome offer: Large bonus (example: 200,000 points) after meeting a higher initial spend (terms vary)
- Annual fee: $895
- Rewards: 5x on airfare and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, 2x in certain eligible business categories up to a cap, 1x on other purchases
- Why it helps: Designed for business owners who want premium travel perks and generous point-earning; includes the Clear+ statement credit (enrollment required; may auto-renew).
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Best for: Frequent Hilton guests and hotel loyalists
- Welcome offer: Large Hilton Honors points bonus after meeting spending requirement (offer timing varies)
- Annual fee: $550
- Rewards: Strong Hilton earning (example: 14x on eligible Hilton purchases), elevated returns on flights and dining, plus baseline points on other spend
- Why it helps: Excellent hotel benefits and elite status-boosting perks for Hilton loyalists; also offers up to $209 per year toward Clear+ (enrollment required; may auto-renew).
American Express Green Card
- Best for: Travelers who want benefits with a lower annual fee
- Welcome offer: Example: 40,000 Membership Rewards points after a modest initial spend (offers may change)
- Annual fee: $150
- Rewards: 3x on travel and transit and on dining worldwide, 1x on other purchases
- Why it helps: Lowest annual fee of the four while still providing the Clear+ credit up to $209 (enrollment required; may auto-renew); a solid option for frequent travelers who want Membership Rewards without a heavy fee.
Other cards and discounted Clear+ options
These four cards typically provide a full statement credit that can cover the $209 Clear+ membership. Other issuers and co-branded airline cards sometimes offer discounted Clear+ rates rather than a full credit — for example, many Delta Amex cards (excluding no-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue) and some United cards from Chase have offered discounts. Keep an eye on targeted merchant offers through your card issuer: occasional promotions can reduce the effective cost of Clear+.
Should you apply just for Clear+?
Because several of the cards that include the Clear+ credit have high annual fees, it usually doesn’t make sense to get one solely for the Clear+ reimbursement. If you’ll also use other high-value benefits (lounge access, hotel perks, travel credits) or earn outsized rewards that offset the fee, one of these cards could be worth it. For more budget-conscious travelers, the Amex Green provides the Clear+ credit with a much lower annual cost.
Bottom line
Clear+ can noticeably speed up the airport security process, and four well-known American Express cards offer an annual statement credit that can cover the $209 membership. Compare annual fees, reward rates, and the other travel benefits you’ll actually use to decide which card — if any — makes sense for your travel habits.
Tag: Card Strategy