Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

We've all been there — you get to the airport, and you see the security line snaking around longer than you'd hoped, with travelers anxiously waiting for their turn as the minutes tick by. That's not fun for anyone, but the good news is you don't necessarily have to be one of them.

These days, there are multiple ways to increase the odds of zipping through security as fast as possible by joining a program that can help expedite your journey through airport security screening and avoid the worst bottlenecks. The two main options to consider here in the U.S. are TSA PreCheck and Clear+. And speaking as a frequent traveler, there are very good reasons you may want access to both of these programs.

TPG exclusive: $40 off your first year of Clear+ and a free Clear Concierge booking

Here's what you need to know about TSA PreCheck and Clear+, the differences between the two programs and how to stack them to get through airport security even faster.

TSA PreCheck vs. Clear+

A TSA PreCheck line at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). DAVID TRAN/GETTY IMAGES

Although some travelers think Clear+ and TSA PreCheck are basically the same thing, they are actually two different components of a potentially faster airport security process.

With Clear+, your biometric information helps shorten the identity verification process — no more waiting for a Transportation Security Administration agent to always have to scan your ID — and you get to jump to the front of the security line with a Clear escort once you go through the line for Clear.

TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, is a government-run program that lets you access special security lines where you don't have to do things like take off your shoes or remove laptops or TSA-compliant liquids from your bag.

So, Clear+ speeds up the start of the security process, and TSA PreCheck helps quicken it after an agent has confirmed your identity. Clear+ does not give you access to TSA PreCheck security lines, though, unless you also have TSA PreCheck.

If you want to have the quickest airport security experience possible, you might want to consider getting both TSA PreCheck and Clear+, as many of us here at TPG have.

Start here to apply for Clear+ and TSA PreCheck.

On a side note, you might also want to consider getting Global Entry, which allows preapproved, low-risk travelers to access quicker, often automated lanes for U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing when arriving back into the U.S.

The reason it's worth thinking about is that Global Entry assigns members a Known Traveler Number that also includes TSA PreCheck status. So, instead of just the single benefit of TSA PreCheck, you can have the benefits of both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck after going through the Global Entry process and paying the Global Entry application fee ($120 per person for a five-year membership).

For now, though, let’s focus on TSA PreCheck and Clear+, which will speed up your passage through U.S. security lines.

Unfortunately, neither Clear+ nor TSA PreCheck is free to join. However, you can bundle them together and get both for a discounted rate of $219. That breaks down to $77.95 for five years of TSA PreCheck and $141.05 for one year of Clear+ (which will renew at $219; terms apply for this offer).

And Clear is actually now an enrollment provider for TSA PreCheck, which can make the whole signing-up process easier.

There are other ways to save on PreCheck and/or Clear thanks to airline elite status or credit cards you may already have in your wallet that we will cover shortly, too.

Here's what you need to know about TSA PreCheck versus Clear+, including their retail costs, benefits and requirements.

	TSA PreCheck	Clear+
Regular application fee	$85; $77.95 (through Clear); $68.95 for online renewals	$219
Membership period	Five years	One year
Total members	More than 20 million (40 million when including those with Global Entry)	More than 17 million
Number of airports	More than 200	More than 50
Age restriction	Children under 18 can use the lane if on the same reservation with the traveler with a TSA PreCheck designation, though they must be at least 13 to use it alone	Must be at least 18 years old, though children under 18 may use this lane for free when accompanied by a Clear+ member
Application process	An online form followed by an in-person background check and interview; can also be done completely in person	An online form followed by a five-minute enrollment process that includes presenting a valid ID at a participating airport; can also be done completely at the airport
Credit card discounts available	Yes	Yes
Elite status discounts available	No	Yes

TSA PreCheck

First launched in 2013, TSA PreCheck allows travelers deemed low risk by the TSA to use special security lines at airports. These travelers don’t have to take off their shoes or belts or remove laptops or liquids from their bags. They’re also usually screened with standard walk-through machines rather than full-body scanners.

Availability

TSA PreCheck sign at airport — PATRICK T. FALLON/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

The program currently counts over 20 million members (40 million when including those with Global Entry) and works with around 100 airlines in more than 200 airports. That means folks traveling through those airports on a participating airline should be able to use the special TSA PreCheck lanes.

About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes at security checkpoints, according to the TSA.

Eligibility

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. There is no age restriction to apply, but children 12 and under can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with a parent or guardian who is a member of the program. Children between 13 and 17 can go through TSA PreCheck lanes alone or when accompanied by parents if they have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

Applying

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you can enroll online or visit any available Clear airport location (no appointment necessary).

Regardless of the application method used, you'll submit fingerprints, photos and approved identification documents. You'll also pay a $77.95 to $85 application fee (or $68.95 if renewing your membership online), depending on where you apply. The process will include a background check to verify your eligibility.

Adding TSA PreCheck to reservations

Once you are approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number, which you must enter into your frequent flyer profiles to automatically attach to any reservations you make. Barring that, you can always add it at check-in for a flight.

Expiration and renewal

TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years. You can renew your membership online up to six months before your current TSA PreCheck status expires. All you need is your name, date of birth and KTN, though some members may be directed to renew in person at an enrollment center.

How to get TSA PreCheck at a discount or for free

Many credit cards include a statement credit for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee once every four or 4 1/2 years (depending on the card and the program you apply for) as part of their benefits, meaning you can essentially apply and be reimbursed for the fee.

Among the popular cards that feature this benefit are:

The Platinum Card® from American Express: A $120 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or up to an $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4 1/2 years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first)
Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see ): Up to a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Up to a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Up to a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Up to a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years

Pros

There are many reasons to apply for TSA PreCheck, including the wide availability of TSA PreCheck lanes at hundreds of airports around the country, the ease of applying and the fact that many credit cards include a statement credit that covers the application fee.

Cons

Because of the program’s popularity, TSA PreCheck lanes can sometimes be longer than the normal security lanes, though that is pretty rare and you can always decide to use the regular security lines if you wish. However, an extra few minutes of waiting here and there might be worth it to avoid having to empty your carry-on bags, take off your shoes and go through the hassle of a full-body scanner every time you fly.

Just remember that TSA PreCheck members are not guaranteed access to expedited security every time they fly and can be randomly excluded.

Clear+

While the TSA says that 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less for security screening, when you're unlucky enough to fall into that 1% category with a longer wait, it's great to have Clear+ and not have to count solely on PreCheck to get you through security as you'll be able to utilize the Clear+ process and line.

There are other benefits and reasons to have Clear+, too, like often getting to keep your ID safely packed away when going through security.

Clear is a secure identity platform that collects biometric data on members, including fingerprints and iris scans. It then uses this data to automate the identity verification step in the security screening process. Travelers who enroll in Clear+ can use a separate lane with dedicated kiosks for this part of the screening process rather than lining up to wait for a TSA agent to glance over their license or passport.

Once your identity is confirmed, a Clear ambassador escorts you to the front of the line for security screening. If you are enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you can use the TSA PreCheck screening lines and not worry about taking off your shoes or belt or removing items such as laptops or 3-ounce and smaller liquids from your carry-on.

However, if you do not have TSA PreCheck, you have to use the normal screening lines when you use Clear+, which is why you might consider enrolling in both Clear+ and TSA PreCheck.

Availability

Clear+ is currently available at more than 50 airports across the country.

Eligibility

To join Clear+, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident at least 18 years old. You must also present a valid form of unexpired ID, such as a U.S. driver’s license, U.S. passport book or U.S. state-issued ID.

Applying

Enrolling in Clear+ takes as little as five minutes. You can start by registering online or completing the entire process in person with an ambassador at a Clear kiosk at a participating airport. You will need to answer a few identifying questions, scan your fingerprints and the irises of your eyes at one of the machines, snap a profile photo, and hand over your identification card or document for another scan.

Once you belong to Clear+, you can add up to three family members or friends for $119 per person, per year. Children under 18 can use Clear lanes for free when accompanied by a Clear+ member.

Expiration and renewal

Clear+ membership is only good for one year. You can set it to renew automatically or cancel it before your renewal date by logging in to your account online and changing your settings.

How to get Clear+ at a discount or for free

Clear+ membership costs $219 per year, but depending on the credit cards you carry, your airline elite status or if you bundle TSA PreCheck and Clear+, you might be able to get it for less.

In terms of cards, the American Express® Green Card, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and The Platinum Card from American Express give cardmembers an annual Clear+ statement credit of up to $219 each calendar year to cover the cost of membership. Enrollment is required; subject to auto-renewal.

The information for the American Express 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.

If you belong to Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus and have elite status or an eligible cobranded credit card, you might also be able to enjoy Clea+ at a discount.

Here's how it works for Delta Air Lines travelers:

General SkyMiles members can enjoy a slightly reduced annual membership fee of $209 per year.
Silver, Gold and Platinum Medallions and folks with a Delta credit card, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, can purchase Clear for $179 per year.
Delta Diamond Medallion and 360 members can enjoy Clear+ for free.

United Airlines has a similar partnership with Clear:

General MileagePlus members can purchase Clear for $209 annually.
Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum elite members and flyers with a United cobranded credit card, such as the United℠ Explorer Card (see ) or the United Club℠ Card (see ), can get Clear+ for $179 per year.
United Premier 1K members can get Clear+ for $129 a year.
Top-tier Global Services elite members can get Clear+ membership for free.

But if you need to sign up for both Clear+ and PreCheck, then definitely consider bundling them. When you enroll in Clear+ and then TSA PreCheck (within seven days), you pay just $219 total for both services for the first year.

Pros

Unlike with TSA PreCheck, you will not be randomly excluded from using the Clear+ pods if you’re an active Clear+ member. Likewise, even if you’re not flying an airline participating in TSA PreCheck, you can still use the Clear pods to jump to the head of the regular screening line.

Cons

Joining Clear+ requires handing over your biometric data, and if you want to use TSA PreCheck security screening, you must join that program separately. However, you can bundle both Clear+ and TSA PreCheck to save on fees the first year you have Clear+.

TPG Tip: If you want to try Clear and sign up using TPG's special offer, you can save $40 on the first year's membership.

Bottom line

Since its inception, TSA PreCheck has shortened security wait times for millions of flyers who either joined the program or were occasionally granted access to its expedited security lanes. Despite long queues from time to time, it continues to be a great timesaver for frequent travelers.

Clear+ can reduce your wait time even further by automating the identity verification process and whisking you to the front of security lines, often while you keep your ID safely packed away. However, Clear+ does not confer TSA PreCheck status by itself and is available at fewer airports than TSA PreCheck.

If you don't mind handing over biometric data, having both Clear+ and TSA PreCheck is a solid airport strategy. It will allow you to skip the regular ID check lines and use TSA PreCheck screening lanes, so you don't have to remove your shoes or take items out of your carry-on. At a minimum, having both will give you the most options for getting through airport security faster.

With both of these programs, you can choose the shortest line available and minimize your time in security screening lines.

What's more, you can reduce the expense of both programs by taking advantage of the $219 bundle price or utilizing credit cards that reimburse cardholders for TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry) applications and Clear+ membership. Some cards, like the Amex Platinum, even do both by offering statement credits toward the application fees for both TSA PreCheck and Clear.

If you don't have a card with this type of benefit, though, consider bundling the two services by applying at the same time (which unlocks a discounted Clear+ membership fee for the first year) and save yourself some money that way. After the first year, you can then decide if you want to continue holding Clear+ membership based on your experiences at the airport.

Related reading:

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

Pros + cons

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

More details

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.
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.
$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.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status 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.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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.

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.
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.
$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.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status 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.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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.

TPG exclusive: $40 off your first year of Clear+ and a free Clear Concierge booking

Here's what you need to know about TSA PreCheck and Clear+, the differences between the two programs and how to stack them to get through airport security even faster.

TSA PreCheck vs. Clear+

Although some travelers think Clear+ and TSA PreCheck are basically the same thing, they are actually two different components of a potentially faster airport security process.

If you want to have the quickest airport security experience possible, you might want to consider getting both TSA PreCheck and Clear+, as many of us here at TPG have.

Start here to apply for Clear+ and TSA PreCheck.

For now, though, let’s focus on TSA PreCheck and Clear+, which will speed up your passage through U.S. security lines.

And Clear is actually now an enrollment provider for TSA PreCheck, which can make the whole signing-up process easier.

There are other ways to save on PreCheck and/or Clear thanks to airline elite status or credit cards you may already have in your wallet that we will cover shortly, too.

Here's what you need to know about TSA PreCheck versus Clear+, including their retail costs, benefits and requirements.

	TSA PreCheck	Clear+
Regular application fee	$85; $77.95 (through Clear); $68.95 for online renewals	$219
Membership period	Five years	One year
Total members	More than 20 million (40 million when including those with Global Entry)	More than 17 million
Number of airports	More than 200	More than 50
Age restriction	Children under 18 can use the lane if on the same reservation with the traveler with a TSA PreCheck designation, though they must be at least 13 to use it alone	Must be at least 18 years old, though children under 18 may use this lane for free when accompanied by a Clear+ member
Application process	An online form followed by an in-person background check and interview; can also be done completely in person	An online form followed by a five-minute enrollment process that includes presenting a valid ID at a participating airport; can also be done completely at the airport
Credit card discounts available	Yes	Yes
Elite status discounts available	No	Yes

TSA PreCheck

Availability

About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes at security checkpoints, according to the TSA.

Eligibility

Applying

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you can enroll online or visit any available Clear airport location (no appointment necessary).

Adding TSA PreCheck to reservations

Expiration and renewal

How to get TSA PreCheck at a discount or for free

Among the popular cards that feature this benefit are:

The Platinum Card® from American Express: A $120 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or up to an $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4 1/2 years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first)
Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see ): Up to a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Up to a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Up to a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Up to a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years

Pros

Cons

Just remember that TSA PreCheck members are not guaranteed access to expedited security every time they fly and can be randomly excluded.

Clear+

There are other benefits and reasons to have Clear+, too, like often getting to keep your ID safely packed away when going through security.

However, if you do not have TSA PreCheck, you have to use the normal screening lines when you use Clear+, which is why you might consider enrolling in both Clear+ and TSA PreCheck.

Availability

Clear+ is currently available at more than 50 airports across the country.

Eligibility

Applying

Once you belong to Clear+, you can add up to three family members or friends for $119 per person, per year. Children under 18 can use Clear lanes for free when accompanied by a Clear+ member.

Expiration and renewal

Clear+ membership is only good for one year. You can set it to renew automatically or cancel it before your renewal date by logging in to your account online and changing your settings.

How to get Clear+ at a discount or for free

Clear+ membership costs $219 per year, but depending on the credit cards you carry, your airline elite status or if you bundle TSA PreCheck and Clear+, you might be able to get it for less.

The information for the American Express 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.

If you belong to Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus and have elite status or an eligible cobranded credit card, you might also be able to enjoy Clea+ at a discount.

Here's how it works for Delta Air Lines travelers:

General SkyMiles members can enjoy a slightly reduced annual membership fee of $209 per year.
Silver, Gold and Platinum Medallions and folks with a Delta credit card, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, can purchase Clear for $179 per year.
Delta Diamond Medallion and 360 members can enjoy Clear+ for free.

United Airlines has a similar partnership with Clear:

General MileagePlus members can purchase Clear for $209 annually.
Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum elite members and flyers with a United cobranded credit card, such as the United℠ Explorer Card (see ) or the United Club℠ Card (see ), can get Clear+ for $179 per year.
United Premier 1K members can get Clear+ for $129 a year.
Top-tier Global Services elite members can get Clear+ membership for free.

Pros

Cons

TPG Tip: If you want to try Clear and sign up using TPG's special offer, you can save $40 on the first year's membership.

Bottom line

With both of these programs, you can choose the shortest line available and minimize your time in security screening lines.

Related reading:

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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	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.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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	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.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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	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.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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	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.

TSA PreCheck vs. Clear+

TSA PreCheck

Availability

Eligibility

Applying

Adding TSA PreCheck to reservations

Expiration and renewal

How to get TSA PreCheck at a discount or for free

Pros

Cons

Clear+

Availability

Eligibility

Applying

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