Amex Platinum CLEAR Benefit Guide (2024)

The American Express CLEAR Plus credit offers a $199 statement credit to fully cover the cost of a one-year CLEAR® Plus membership with enrollment. The credit renews each year, so you’re getting a complimentary CLEAR® Plus membership for as long as you hold certain Amex cards.

Here’s a list of the Amex cards that offer the CLEAR Plus benefit:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees)
• American Express® Green Card*
• The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®

The secretive, invite-only Centurion® Card from American Express* (a.k.a. the “Black” Card) includes the benefit as well, per CLEAR’s website, offering a $398 statement credit for the program annually.

All information about American Express® Green Card, Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor

CLEAR® Plus is an annual membership that lets you skip the security line at over 50 domestic airports in the U.S.

Here’s how it works:

1. Approach a CLEAR kiosk (aka “pod”) outside of the airport security line.
2. Verify your ID using your eyes and fingerprints and scan your boarding pass.
3. Once you’re verified, a CLEAR ambassador will escort you to the front of the security line.

CLEAR® Plus doesn’t let you skip TSA security entirely. You’ll be escorted right past the point where TSA checks your ID and boarding pass. You’ll still have to go through regular security from there.

Many frequent flyers enroll in both CLEAR® Plus and TSA PreCheck. The former lets you skip the security line (regular and PreCheck), and the latter lets you keep your belt on.

It’s worth noting that The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also let you choose between a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck.

Unlike with some other Amex benefits, you can’t simply wave your Platinum card to gain access to the CLEAR® Plus line.

Instead, you’ll need to apply for CLEAR® Plus online, pay the $199 membership fee using your qualifying Amex and complete your enrollment at an airport kiosk. Once the payment clears, you’ll receive your statement credit within a few days (though American Express says it can take six to eight weeks).

If you’re already enrolled in CLEAR® Plus, you can apply your $199 statement credit toward a family member or friend (up to three) to your CLEAR® Plus account for $119 each. Family members under 18 can always join you in the CLEAR Lane for free; no membership is required.

Here’s a more detailed walkthrough on how to apply for CLEAR and get reimbursed through Amex.

1. Apply for CLEAR Plus

To apply for CLEAR® Plus, be at least 18 years old and have a government-issued ID. The process takes just a few minutes and can be done online.

2. Pay for Membership Using Your Qualifying Amex

To receive your statement credit, you or your authorized card member must use your qualifying Amex during online checkout.

3. Complete Your Enrollment at a CLEAR Airport Location

Once you’ve applied online and paid your membership fee, you must complete your enrollment at an airport CLEAR pod.

The pods—located right outside security—will scan your face, log your fingerprint and request a copy of your boarding pass. The process reportedly takes just a few minutes, so you don’t have to arrive too early for your flight just for this.

4. Renewal and Reimbursem*nt are Automatic

By default, your CLEAR® Plus membership will automatically renew on the anniversary of your signup. And as long as you have a qualifying Amex on file and CLEAR® Plus remains a benefit, your statement credit should appear within one billing cycle.

The CLEAR Plus benefit applies to all CLEAR transactions made by you or your additional cardholders up to $199 per year.

That means if you qualify for CLEAR® Plus discounted memberships, you may be able to cover multiple members using a single $199 statement credit.

Here are some of the ways you can save on a CLEAR® Plus membership:

• Veterans and active duty military pay $99 per year
• You can bundle five years of TSA PreCheck with one year of CLEAR® Plus for $199
• United MileagePlus and Delta SkyMiles members save between $10 and $40, depending on level (1K members and Diamond Medallion status holders get CLEAR® Plus for free)

Read more. How Much Is CLEAR? Is It Worth The Cost?

By taking advantage of your Amex Platinum CLEAR Plus Benefit, you can skip the security line at many major domestic airports in the U.S., saving time when you fly. Combined with TSA PreCheck (also covered in your Platinum benefits), you can fly right through security, shoes on, and spend all that extra time relaxing at the airport lounge.

To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.