What Credit Cards Offer CLEAR Benefits?

CLEAR Plus is a service designed to streamline the airport security experience, offering travelers an expedited path through checkpoints. It utilizes biometric identification, such as fingerprints and iris scans, to verify a traveler’s identity, allowing them to bypass the traditional document check line. This service aims to reduce wait times at over 50 participating airports nationwide, appealing to frequent travelers seeking greater efficiency and convenience. The annual membership for CLEAR Plus is $209, though many credit cards offer benefits that can offset this cost.

Credit Cards Providing CLEAR Benefits

Several premium travel credit cards offer statement credits that can fully or partially cover the annual cost of a CLEAR Plus membership. These benefits are typically provided as a reimbursement when the eligible credit card is used to pay for the membership fee. The specific amount of the credit can vary by card, but many now align with the current $209 annual membership fee. This allows cardholders to effectively receive the CLEAR Plus service at no additional out-of-pocket expense.

The Platinum Card from American Express provides cardholders with up to $199 in statement credits annually for a CLEAR Plus membership. This benefit is applied when the membership fee is charged to the card account. While the annual CLEAR Plus fee increased to $209, this credit amount for The Platinum Card may adjust to match the full cost. The credit is available per calendar year for the primary cardholder and authorized users.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express provides up to $209 in statement credits each calendar year toward a CLEAR Plus membership. The credit is automatically applied when the membership is paid for using the eligible business card.

The American Express Green Card provides up to $209 in statement credits annually for CLEAR Plus membership. The credit applies automatically upon payment of the membership fee with the card.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers up to $209 in annual statement credits for CLEAR Plus. The credit covers the full annual membership cost when charged to the card.

How to Utilize Your CLEAR Credit

Utilizing your credit card’s CLEAR Plus benefit involves a straightforward process, beginning with enrollment in the CLEAR program. You can start the application online through the CLEAR website, providing basic personal information. Complete your enrollment in person at a CLEAR location within a participating airport. There, a CLEAR ambassador will verify your government-issued identification and capture your biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans.

To receive the statement credit, use your eligible credit card for the CLEAR Plus membership payment. New members should use the card during the initial sign-up process. Existing CLEAR Plus members can update their payment method on file with CLEAR to their eligible credit card. This action triggers the statement credit from your card issuer.

After the CLEAR Plus membership fee is charged to your eligible credit card, the statement credit typically appears on your account within a few days. While some card issuers state it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks for the credit to post, many cardholders report receiving it much sooner. Monitor your credit card statements to confirm the credit has been applied. If the credit does not appear within the stated timeframe, contact your credit card issuer’s customer service department.

CLEAR Plus memberships automatically renew each year, and the annual fee will be charged to the credit card on file. Your eligible credit card’s statement credit benefit will typically apply again at the time of renewal, continuing to offset the cost annually. This ongoing benefit ensures continued expedited airport security access as long as your card remains eligible and is used for payment.