Do Any Credit Cards Pay for CLEAR Membership?
Maximize travel perks. See if your credit card can reimburse your CLEAR membership for faster airport security.
CLEAR is an expedited airport security program that streamlines identity verification for travelers. It uses biometric technology, such as fingerprints and iris scans, to confirm a member’s identity at designated airport kiosks. This allows travelers to bypass the traditional identity check line, accelerating their journey through the initial stages of airport security. CLEAR is a paid membership service.
What is CLEAR Membership
CLEAR membership offers an expedited way to navigate the identification portion of airport security. Members use dedicated lanes where they verify their identity with biometric data at a kiosk, eliminating the need to present a physical ID to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent. This moves members directly to the physical screening area.
An annual individual CLEAR Plus membership costs $209. This service operates independently from government programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, but it complements them. CLEAR focuses on identity verification, while TSA PreCheck expedites physical screening. A primary member can add up to three adult family members for an additional $125 per person annually. Children under 18 can accompany a CLEAR member at no extra charge.
Credit Cards That Offer CLEAR Benefits
Several premium credit cards offer benefits that can offset the cost of a CLEAR membership, providing a statement credit or a discounted annual rate. The specific amount of the credit and any associated requirements vary by card issuer and product.
The Platinum Card® from American Express provides up to $199 in annual statement credits toward a CLEAR Plus membership. This credit helps cover a significant portion of the $209 annual fee. The card carries a $695 annual fee. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $209 in annual statement credits for CLEAR Plus, fully covering the membership fee. This card also has a $695 annual fee.
Other American Express cards also offer this benefit. The American Express® Green Card provides up to $209 in annual statement credits for a CLEAR Plus membership, covering the full cost, and has a $150 annual fee. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card also offers up to $209 in annual statement credits toward a CLEAR Plus membership annually.
Some credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, offer statement credits for other expedited travel programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, but not directly for CLEAR membership. Co-branded airline credit cards, including Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cards and United MileagePlus® credit cards, offer a discounted annual rate for CLEAR Plus, typically $169, rather than a full statement credit.
Claiming Your CLEAR Statement Credit
Once you possess an eligible credit card, claiming the CLEAR statement credit involves a straightforward process. The initial step is to enroll in CLEAR Plus, which can be done either online or in person at a participating airport or venue. If you begin enrollment online, you will need to complete identity verification and biometric scanning at a CLEAR location.
During the enrollment or renewal process for your CLEAR Plus membership, use your eligible credit card as the payment method. The credit card issuer’s system is designed to identify qualifying transactions. After the CLEAR membership fee is charged, the statement credit will typically appear on your credit card statement within a few days, though it can take up to six to eight weeks to process.
Review your credit card statements to confirm the statement credit has been applied. If the credit does not appear within the expected timeframe, contact your credit card issuer’s customer service. If your credit card number changes, update your payment information with CLEAR to ensure continuous receipt of the benefit.