What Clear+ is
Clear+ is a biometric security service that uses fingerprint and iris scans to identify travelers, letting members bypass the standard ID check line at participating airports and some entertainment venues. It’s separate from TSA PreCheck and Global Entry—Clear+ speeds you to the security screening area, TSA PreCheck reduces what you remove from your bag and shoes during screening, and Global Entry expedites U.S. reentry at customs.
Which Amex cards include the credit
Several American Express cards offer an annual statement credit of up to $209 for Clear+ when you enroll the card and use it to pay for a membership. Cards that commonly carry this benefit include:
– American Express Platinum Card (personal)
– The Business Platinum Card from American Express
– Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
– American Express Green Card
(Enrollment is required and memberships are subject to auto-renewal.)
How the credit works
– Enroll the eligible Amex card for the Clear+ benefit in your American Express online account (see Rewards & Benefits and activate the Clear+ tile).
– Use that enrolled Amex to pay for your Clear+ membership. The statement credit will reimburse up to $209 per calendar year toward Clear+ charges.
– Amex states the credit posts in two to four weeks, although many cardholders report seeing it within a day or two.
Signing up for Clear+
– After you’ve enrolled the card with Amex, register for Clear+ online and pay with the enrolled Amex card.
– Complete the biometric enrollment at a Clear+ location (bring a government ID such as a driver’s license or passport). The in-person scan of eyes and fingerprints finalizes the membership.
Discounts through airline partners and stacking options
Clear+ offers discounted or complimentary memberships for certain airline loyalty members and cardholders when you enroll through that airline’s Clear partnership page. Examples of typical pricing tiers include:
– General Delta, United and Alaska members: around $199/year.
– Eligible Delta or United co-branded credit cardholders: reduced price (around $169/year).
– Mid-tier elite status in Delta or United: reduced price (typically $169/year).
– Top-tier elites: complimentary membership for some Delta Diamond, Delta 360º, or United Global Services members.
Alaska Atmos Rewards members may also earn bonus points for signing up. If you qualify for a partner discount, you can still charge the membership to your enrolled Amex to trigger the Amex statement credit—just be sure you paid with the enrolled Amex card. Stacking Amex’s credit with airline discounts and promotions can reduce your out-of-pocket cost significantly.
Using the benefit for others
– You can use the Amex Clear+ statement credit to pay for someone else’s Clear+ membership. If you pay for a family member (or friend), the credit should still apply to your account.
– Children under 18 can accompany a registered adult for free at Clear+ locations. Adding adult family members (18+) to your Clear+ account typically costs around $125 per person (up to three additional people), and the Amex credit may be used toward those charges if you pay with the enrolled card.
What won’t trigger the credit
– Purchasing Clear+ gift cards through third-party sellers (e.g., eGifter) usually will not count as a Clear+ membership purchase eligible for the Amex statement credit, because the transaction isn’t processed as a Clear membership charge.
Where Clear+ is available
Clear+ is not at every airport, but it’s available at many major U.S. airports (more than 50) and at select entertainment venues. If you rarely travel through participating airports or attend those venues, the benefit may have less value for you.
Common questions and tips
– Can you use Clear+ and TSA PreCheck together? Yes—Clear+ and TSA PreCheck address different parts of the screening process and can be used together for faster overall throughput.
– Do you have to use the full $209 at once? No—the statement credit applies to Clear+ charges up to $209 per calendar year, so you can spread charges across the year if needed (for example, a membership plus family additions) as long as payments are made with the enrolled card.
– How long until the credit posts? Amex says two to four weeks; cardholders often see it sooner.
– What if I have an airline discount? Use the airline-specific Clear sign-up path to claim any discounted pricing, then pay with your enrolled Amex to get the Amex statement credit.
Bottom line
If you hold one of the eligible Amex cards, enrolling the card for the Clear+ statement credit is an easy way to eliminate or greatly reduce the cost of a Clear+ membership. Because Clear+ can significantly shorten time at security and can be stacked with airline discounts and family add-ons, this benefit is valuable for frequent travelers. Remember to enroll your Amex card, pay for the Clear+ membership with that card, and complete your biometric enrollment at a Clear location to activate the service.