Not just for airports: Clear now helps you get seated faster at restaurants
Expedited security program Clear has been expanding significantly over the last few years. Not only has it added its biometric identity scanners to more airports, but you'll now find Clear at over a dozen stadiums, as well as other places, such as some Hertz car rental lanes. Then, earlier this year, it began offering digital COVID-19 vaccination and pre-travel testing verification.
Now, Clear is further expanding its offerings to include digital vaccination checks for restaurants. This news comes on the heels of major cities throughout the U.S. mandating proof of vaccination for indoor dining, including New York City, San Francisco and New Orleans.
Clear and OpenTable have partnered to streamline vaccination checks at restaurants. Starting in September, you'll be able to link your digital vaccine card from the Clear app with your OpenTable reservations. This way, when you arrive at the restaurant, you'll be able to quickly show proof of vaccination simply by pulling up the OpenTable app and tapping the Clear button on the reservations confirmation page.
"Now more than ever, it is important that the people and experiences which make up the lifeblood of our communities safely stay open for business," said Caryn Seidman-Becker, the CEO of Clear, in a statement. "We are proud to work with OpenTable to make it easy and safe for diners and restaurants to come back together during this time."
The integration will be available on both OpenTable's iPhone and Android apps. Plus, unlike Clear's expedited security screening, which carries an annual fee, the digital vaccine card is available free of charge through the company's app.
Related: Clear expedited airport security program — is it worth it?
Although the integration isn't fully live yet, you can already set up your digital vaccine card through Clear's mobile app. Look for the "Digital vaccine card" banner on the homepage and tap "add my vaccination."
Next, you'll be asked to snap a selfie to verify your identity.
You'll then be able to scan your vaccination card or Smart-QR code. Alternatively, you can log in to your account with vaccine providers, such as Walmart, Atlantic Health System and Rite Aid, and the proof will be linked to the app.
Related: What it's like dining out in LA now that some restaurants require proof of vaccination
Just like that, you'll get a digital card that shows your name, photo and a QR code. As mentioned, this feature is available free of charge, making it accessible to anyone with a mobile device. That said, if you're thinking about signing up for Clear to expedite the process of getting through security at airports, there are many ways to save on your membership. In particular, you may be able to get a free membership with an eligible American Express card.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.