What Credit Cards Offer CLEAR for Free?

Expedited security screening has transformed the travel experience, moving beyond traditional queues to offer a more streamlined process. For many travelers, the efficiency gained at airports and other venues is highly valued, providing peace of mind and saving valuable time. Certain financial products, specifically credit cards, can help offset the cost of membership programs designed for this expedited access, making them more accessible to a broader audience.

Understanding CLEAR

CLEAR offers expedited identity verification at various locations, primarily airports and sports stadiums. It accelerates passage through security checkpoints by using biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, to confirm a member’s identity. This process bypasses the need to present a physical identification document at the initial security check. Once identity is verified through CLEAR’s dedicated lanes, members are then escorted to the physical screening area, such as TSA PreCheck or standard security lines.

Credit Cards with CLEAR Benefits

Many credit cards provide statement credits that can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus membership, effectively making the service free for cardholders. The American Express Platinum Card, for instance, offers up to a $189 statement credit per calendar year for CLEAR Plus membership. This credit is automatically applied to your statement when you use the card to pay for the membership. Similarly, the American Express Green Card provides up to a $189 statement credit annually for CLEAR Plus.

Another card offering this benefit is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which also provides up to a $189 statement credit per calendar year for CLEAR Plus membership. The credit typically appears on the card statement within a few weeks of the transaction.

The specific credit amount can vary, with some sources indicating up to $209 in statement credits for certain American Express cards, including The Platinum Card, American Express Green Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. It is important to verify the exact credit amount and terms directly with the card issuer, as benefits can be updated periodically. These statement credits are generally applied on a calendar year basis, meaning the benefit refreshes each January.

Activating Your CLEAR Membership

Activating your CLEAR Plus membership and ensuring the credit card benefit is applied involves a few straightforward steps. Begin by visiting the official CLEAR website or downloading their mobile application to start the enrollment process online.

When prompted for payment, it is crucial to use the specific credit card that offers the CLEAR Plus statement credit benefit. This ensures that the transaction is recognized by your card issuer, triggering the eligibility for the reimbursement. After completing the online portion, the final step requires an in-person visit to a CLEAR enrollment center, typically located at airports.

At the enrollment center, a CLEAR ambassador will assist with capturing your biometric data and verify your identity with a government-issued ID. This in-person step completes your enrollment and fully activates your CLEAR Plus membership. The statement credit from your eligible credit card should then be posted to your account, usually within a few weeks after the payment.