Which Credit Cards Cover a Clear Membership?

Understanding Clear Membership Benefits

CLEAR is a biometric identity verification service designed to expedite passage through security checkpoints at various locations, including airports and certain sports stadiums. Instead of presenting a physical ID, members utilize dedicated lanes where their identity is confirmed through unique biometric data, such as fingerprints or iris scans. This process allows individuals to bypass the traditional document check line and proceed directly to the physical screening area, potentially saving significant time.

The standard annual cost for a CLEAR Plus membership is $209. While this fee provides access to faster identity verification, it is separate from government programs like TSA PreCheck, which expedites the physical screening process by allowing travelers to keep on shoes and light jackets and leave liquids and laptops in bags. Many credit card issuers offer a valuable benefit that can offset or fully cover this annual membership fee. This typically functions as a statement credit, where the cardholder pays for the CLEAR membership with their eligible credit card, and the card issuer then automatically applies a credit to the account for the charged amount, up to a specified limit.

Credit Cards Offering Clear Coverage

Several premium travel credit cards provide statement credits that can fully or partially cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus membership. Using one of these cards to pay for the service triggers the reimbursement.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year for CLEAR Plus membership. This benefit also extends to the American Express® Business Platinum Card, providing the same up to $209 annual credit. Similarly, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card provides up to $209 in statement credits annually for CLEAR Plus membership, making it a valuable perk for frequent travelers who also prioritize hotel benefits. The American Express® Green Card also offers a statement credit of up to $209 per calendar year for CLEAR Plus membership, covering the full standard annual fee.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card includes a statement credit of up to $199 for a CLEAR Plus membership. While many premium travel cards offer various travel-related credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® does not specifically offer a direct statement credit for CLEAR membership, though it provides a general travel credit and covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

Activating and Maximizing the Benefit

Activating the CLEAR Plus membership benefit involves enrollment and payment with an eligible card. Begin by enrolling in CLEAR Plus online through their official website. After completing the initial online registration, the enrollment process concludes with an in-person visit to a CLEAR enrollment center, typically located at participating airports. During this visit, a valid government-issued ID, such as a U.S. passport, is required to finalize biometric data collection.

To ensure the statement credit is applied, the annual CLEAR Plus membership fee must be charged to the eligible credit card. Once the charge posts to the account, the statement credit is typically received within a few business days, though it can sometimes take up to six to eight weeks to appear. Cardholders are responsible for timely payment of all charges, even while awaiting the statement credit.

CLEAR also allows members to add up to three adult family members or friends to their account for an additional fee per person, while children under 18 can join an enrolled adult in the CLEAR lane for free. If the total cost of these additional memberships falls within the annual statement credit limit provided by the credit card, those fees can also be reimbursed.

Considerations for Choosing a Card

Selecting the right credit card to cover a CLEAR membership involves evaluating the card’s broader value proposition beyond just this one benefit. A primary consideration is the card’s annual fee, which can range significantly among premium travel cards. For example, while the American Express Platinum Card and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offer substantial CLEAR credits, they also carry higher annual fees that must be justified by other benefits. In contrast, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card generally has a comparatively lower annual fee than some competitors in the premium travel card space.

Beyond the annual fee, a card’s overall suite of travel benefits plays a significant role in its value. Many cards offering CLEAR coverage also provide benefits such as airport lounge access, which can include networks like Priority Pass, Capital One Lounges, or American Express Centurion Lounges. Additional perks might include airline fee credits, hotel credits, elite hotel status, or comprehensive travel insurance protections.

Considering sign-up bonuses can also be a factor, as these introductory offers often provide a large number of points or miles that can be redeemed for substantial travel value. Eligibility requirements, particularly credit score considerations, are another important aspect. Applicants typically need strong credit to qualify for premium travel cards that offer these types of benefits. Ultimately, the choice depends on an individual’s travel frequency, spending habits, and how well the card’s overall benefits align with their lifestyle.