Amex offering complimentary Clear membership for targeted Amex Gold cardmembers
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
As the number of travelers begins to increase since the pandemic began, TSA wait times are also increasing. If you're considering traveling, now may be the time to enroll in a expedited security program such as Clear.
Recently, some American Express® Gold cardholders became eligible for a 100% return on clear membership, up to $179. Cardholders must enroll their Amex Gold card by Oct. 30, 2021, to receive the credit. This credit will not be valid for e-gift card purchases.
Clear is the expedited airport security system that allows you to get through security much faster. The system is currently in 38 airports and a number of other locations such as stadiums. Travelers enrolled in Clear have their own security lane that allows you to use biometric authentication to check your identification instead of waiting for a TSA screener to check your ID and boarding pass.
Related: Where you can save time using Clear outside of the airport
To take advantage of this credit you do need to apply for Clear through their website, but the application takes only five minutes. However, to complete the enrollment process you do have to finish in person at an airport Clear checkpoint to verify your identity.
This credit will only cover the cardholder, but you can add three additional family members for $50 each, per year. Clear membership is available to those 18 and older and children under 18 can use Clear for free when accompanied by a Clear member.
Once you enroll in Clear, you will have to wait up to 90 days after Oct. 30, 2021, to see the credit reflected on your card statement though you'll likely see it much faster.
This new offer comes unexpectedly, as The Platinum Card® from American Express just recently added new, lifestyle focused benefits, including an annual Clear statement credit for up to $179, as part of an increased annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees). Unlike the Amex Gold Clear credit, the Amex Platinum credit reoccurs annually (enrollment required). For now, the Amex Gold Clear credit seems to be for one year only. Make sure to remember that this subscription will be set to auto-renew and your card will be charged for Clear again next year if not canceled.
The American Express® Green Card offers an up to $100 Clear statement credit (enrollment required), plus travelers can pay between $109 and $119 a year when they belong to Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus. Delta Diamond Medallions and United 1K members get Clear for free.
Clear can be a helpful tool to jump to the front of the airport security line. However Clear doesn't allow you to use Trusted Traveler lines such as TSA PreCheck. It might be worth getting both to make security a breeze.
The information for the Amex Green card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
Additional reporting by Jordyn Fields