Airport security lines are an inevitable part of travel. Clear+ is an expedited screening program available at about 60 U.S. airports that uses fingerprint and iris scans to verify identity so you can skip the TSA ID check and move on to the next security step. Clear+ costs $209 per year, but four travel cards offer a statement credit up to $209 per calendar year to cover the membership.
Cards that provide a Clear+ statement credit
American Express Platinum Card
– Best for: Luxury-minded travelers
– Welcome offer: Up to 175,000 bonus points after $12,000 in purchases in the first six months (offers vary).
– Annual fee: $895
– Earning rates: 5x on airfare purchased directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 per year), 5x on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel, 1x on other purchases.
– Why it’s useful: The card’s suite of statement credits, extensive lounge access and travel perks make it a strong fit for travelers who will use multiple benefits; it includes up to $209 annually toward Clear+ (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal).
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
– Best for: Business travelers
– Welcome offer: 200,000 bonus points after $20,000 in purchases in the first three months.
– Annual fee: $895
– Earning rates: 5x on airfare and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com; 2x on certain eligible business categories up to $2 million per year; 1x on other purchases.
– Why it’s useful: Tailored to business owners who spend heavily and value luxury travel perks, including the Clear+ statement credit (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal).
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
– Best for: Hilton loyalists
– Welcome offer: 175,000 bonus points after $6,000 in purchases in the first six months (offer timing may vary).
– Annual fee: $550
– Earning rates: 14x on eligible Hilton purchases, 7x on flights booked directly and select car rentals, 7x on dining in the U.S., 3x on other purchases.
– Why it’s useful: Excellent for frequent Hilton guests thanks to elite benefits and strong hotel returns; also includes up to $209 annually for Clear+ (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal).
American Express Green Card
– Best for: Frequent travelers looking for a lower-fee option
– Welcome offer: 40,000 bonus points after $3,000 in purchases in the first six months.
– Annual fee: $150
– Earning rates: 3x on dining worldwide, 3x on travel and transit, 1x on other purchases.
– Why it’s useful: Lowest annual fee among the four cards listed while still offering the Clear+ statement credit up to $209 (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal); a solid Membership Rewards earner for travelers who want basic benefits without a high fee.
Other cards and discounts
These four cards provide a full statement credit for the Clear+ fee. Some other cards offer discounted Clear+ rates rather than a full credit—examples include many Delta American Express cards (not the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue) and some United Chase cards. It’s also a good idea to check targeted merchant offers through your card issuer, as occasional discounts on Clear+ may appear there.
Should you get a card for Clear+?
Because several of the cards that cover Clear+ carry high annual fees, applying for one solely to get Clear+ rarely makes sense. If you’ll use other benefits or earn outsized rewards that offset the fee, one of these cards may be worth it.
Bottom line
Clear+ can meaningfully speed up airport security, and four popular Amex cards offer an annual statement credit that can cover the $209 membership. Compare each card’s fees, earning rates and other perks to decide whether the overall package fits your travel habits.
