What Credit Cards Pay for CLEAR Membership?

Navigating airport security can often be a time-consuming aspect of air travel. CLEAR Plus is a private membership program designed to streamline this process by utilizing biometric technology for identity verification. Rather than presenting physical identification documents, members can use their fingerprints or iris scans at designated kiosks. This allows them to bypass the traditional identity check line and proceed directly to the physical security screening area.

The standard annual membership fee for CLEAR Plus is around $189 to $209. For frequent travelers seeking to reduce their wait times, this service can offer significant convenience. Many premium travel credit cards offer a statement credit or reimbursement for the CLEAR Plus membership fee, offsetting this cost for eligible cardholders.

Credit Cards Offering CLEAR Reimbursement

Several premium credit cards provide a statement credit or reimbursement for the annual CLEAR Plus membership fee, which can offset the cost for cardholders. These benefits are designed for frequent travelers and are often associated with cards that carry substantial annual fees. The specific amount of the credit and the card’s annual fee vary among issuers and card products.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $209 in statement credits annually for a CLEAR Plus membership. This card, known for its extensive travel benefits, carries an annual fee of $695. Similarly, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also provides up to a $209 statement credit for CLEAR Plus, with its annual fee matching the personal version at $695. The American Express® Green Card also provides a complimentary CLEAR Plus membership and has a lower annual fee.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, a hotel-branded premium card, provides up to $209 in statement credits each calendar year for CLEAR Plus. This card is considered a strong value proposition for Hilton loyalists, despite its $550 annual fee. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, a newer entrant in the premium travel card market, offers up to a $199 annual statement credit for CLEAR Plus. This card features a $395 annual fee, appealing to those seeking a balance of benefits and a comparatively lower fee among top-tier travel cards.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® also includes a statement credit for a CLEAR Plus membership. It covers the membership fee, and the card carries an annual fee of $595. These cards offer full or near-full reimbursement for a CLEAR Plus membership for eligible cardholders.

Beyond full reimbursement, certain airline co-branded credit cards offer discounted rates on CLEAR Plus memberships. United Airlines, through its MileagePlus program and co-branded credit cards, provides various levels of discounts. United credit cardholders and Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum elite members can obtain a CLEAR Plus membership for $169 annually, a reduction from the standard rate. United Premier 1K members receive an even greater discount, paying $129 per year, while United Global Services members receive a complimentary membership.

Similarly, Delta SkyMiles American Express Credit Cards and Delta SkyMiles loyalty program tiers offer preferred pricing. Delta Amex Card Members and Platinum, Gold, or Silver Medallion members can access CLEAR Plus for $159 per year. General Delta SkyMiles members receive a smaller discount, paying $189 annually, but Diamond Medallion and Delta 360 members are eligible for a free CLEAR Plus membership.

Activating and Receiving the CLEAR Credit

Obtaining the CLEAR Plus credit from an eligible credit card involves a straightforward process. The initial step is to enroll in a CLEAR Plus membership, which can be started online through the CLEAR website. During this enrollment, or renewal if already a member, the cardholder must use their eligible credit card as the payment method for the annual fee. This direct payment with the card is the primary trigger for the statement credit.

After the CLEAR Plus membership fee is charged to the eligible credit card, the card issuer processes the transaction for reimbursement. While the exact timeframe can vary, statement credits are received within a few business days. However, card issuers advise allowing up to six to eight weeks for the credit to appear on the account statement. Cardholders should monitor their statements to confirm the credit has been applied.

For new CLEAR Plus members, online enrollment is followed by an in-person verification at a CLEAR airport location. During this visit, individuals will need to present a valid government-issued ID, such as a U.S. passport or driver’s license. Biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans, will be collected to complete the enrollment process.

Existing CLEAR Plus members who wish to utilize this benefit can update their payment method on file with CLEAR to their eligible credit card. This ensures that when their membership automatically renews, the charge will be placed on the correct card, triggering the statement credit. Keeping the payment information current is important, especially if a card is replaced or expires, to avoid any disruption in receiving the benefit.