Security lines.
Nobody loves them.
You’re standing in the mush while the Clear+ lane moves at light speed. It feels unfair. Until it’s not. If you’re carrying specific Amex cards, that frustration gets deleted. The bank covers the cost.
Let’s get the mechanics sorted.
Which cards actually count?
You don’t need the gold star for this one. Really. The following four cards give you up to $209 back every calendar year. That’s the exact price of a Clear+ subscription.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Business Platinum Card® from American Expre s
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
- The Green Card
Enrollment is required. Yes. Even if you bought the card yesterday. Auto-renewal applies too, so keep that in mind if your habits change.
Side note: The Amex Green data here? Collected by TPG, not Amex. But it checks out.
What are we actually buying?
Clear+ is biometric. You walk in. They scan your eyes and fingers. You walk through. It’s faster than showing a driver’s license. It works at airports. It works at concerts and stadiums too.
You go to the gray bins. If you have TSA PreCheck? Use both. The universe loves stacking privileges.
Here’s the trick though. You can pay for your own membership. Or. If you already have one. You can put a family member or friend on there instead.
TPG Tip: Have the Amex Gold Card? Check Amex Offers. There might be a $99 credit if you spend $99 on Clear Concierge before July 30. Not everyone sees it. Check yours.
The enrollment hurdle
Don’t just sign up for Clear+ yet. That’s the most common mistake. You have to turn on the credit inside Amex first. It doesn’t happen by magic.
- Log in.
- Pick the right card (not just any card).
- Hit “Rewards and Benefits” at the top.
- Click “Benefits” on the right.
- Find the “Clear+ statement credit” tile.
- Click activate if it’s grey. If it says you’re enrolled, you’re good to go.
Now. Sign up for Clear+.
Hack the price further
The credit is $209. Clear+ usually costs $209. But airlines hate paying full price for these things. So do loyalty programs.
If you are in Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, or Alaska Airlines, look up those specific links on the Clear+ site. The discounts are real. And they stack with the credit.
- General members: Pay $199. You get $109 profit.
- Cardholders / Silver & Gold status: Pay $169. Profit increases.
- United Premier 1K: Pay $129.
- Diamond / 1K / Global Services / Delta 360: Free. Zero cost. You pocket the whole $209 credit.
Alaska has its own twist. Atmos Silver and up get 1,500 signup points. Plus 1,250 renewal points. That’s cash in a different currency.
And the kids? Under 18? They fly for free with a registered adult. So a family of four? The credit might cover it all. Adult over 18 costs $125 extra. You can add three.
Pay with your enrolled Amex card. Wait.
Most people say it takes weeks. TPG staff sees the credit in one or two days. Maybe three.
Why the variance? No one knows. Banking infrastructure is a black box.
Is it worth it?
Global Entry gets all the glory. TSA PreCheck gets the mentions. Clear+ is the quiet workhorse. It saves time at the metal detector. And right now, it costs you nothing out of pocket.
Take the discount from the airline. Pay with Amex. Keep the change.
The credit resets every calendar year. So use it up or lose it, essentially.
Are you standing in line still? Or are you already through
