Guide to Using Amex Platinum Clear Benefits

In practice, you enter a dedicated lane at the TSA security checkpoint, input your biometric data at a kiosk, and head to the gray carry-on bin. No need to show your ID as your biometrics identify you. If you have TSA PreCheck, you can still use that option.

A one-year Clear membership usually costs $189. Conveniently, the Amex Platinum comes with up to $189 in clear statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required. This means you can get a complimentary membership — and potentially extend this benefit to others in your family.

RELATED: Clear Expedited Airport Security Program — Is It Worth It?

How to Use Amex Platinum Clear Credit

You must enroll your card to activate this statement credit, but the process is simple.

First, log into your American Express account and then select your Amex Platinum (if it’s not the default card). Above, click on the “Rewards and Benefits” icon.

On the next screen, click on “Benefits” at the top right. This will bring you to a page of tiles, each explaining a different benefit of the Platinum Card. Look for the one labeled “$189 Clear Credit” and note your status. Once you are enrolled, you are ready to use special benefits.

Otherwise, click the icon to activate the facility.

That’s because Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members can sign up for a discounted Clear membership — from $10 off to full complimentary membership, depending on your status level and which credit card you have:

• General members of this program: $179 per year ($10 off).
• Delta Silver, Gold and Platinum Medallion Members: $149 per year ($40 off).
• United Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum Members: $149 per year ($40 off).
• Delta Air Lines and United Airlines Credit Card Holders: $149 per year ($40 off).
• Delta Diamond Medallion and 360º Members: Complimentary membership.
• United Premier 1K and Global Services members: Complimentary membership.

The discounts that United and Delta flyers have received have been higher in the past, but the discounts were adjusted in February 2023.

Children under 18 can travel free with a registered adult, meaning your family can use the program while combining Amex Platinum benefits and Clear discounts – free or close.

Regardless of how you apply for Clear, you must use your registered Amex Platinum to pay for your membership (and your family members, if applicable).

Amex says the statement credit should appear within two to four weeks, but TPG staff members have found that it usually triggers within a day or two.

Your results may vary of course.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amex Platinum Clear Credit

Where does CLEAR work?

If you don’t think you will travel through these airports or visit these locations regularly, this facility may not represent much value to you.

Can I get both TSA PreCheck/Global Entry and Clear?

You can – and you should. These loyal traveler programs cater to completely different needs:

• CLEAR allows you to effectively cut the line at airport security checkpoints.
• TSA PreCheck allows you to keep your shoes, belt, and jacket on while going through the TSA metal detector. You can also put your laptop and TSA-compliant toiletries in your carry-on bag.
• Global Entry expedites your immigration process when entering the United States

Read our post on the best credit cards for Global Entry to learn how to get free TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

RELATED: Why you should TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

Can I use Clear Credit for friends and family?

Yes. You don’t have to use it for your own membership; It can be for anyone. As long as you enroll your Amex Platinum Card and then use it to pay for Clear, you’ll get up to $189 in rebates per calendar year.

Here is a screenshot of a TPG staff member who added three family members to his account (If you add someone to your account, Clear will prorate the year to match your current membership — so the odd dollar amount.)

Plus, when you add family members to your account, they get a full Clear membership themselves. They don’t need to travel with you to use its benefits.

Can I use credit to purchase Clear Gift Cards?

Unfortunately not. Clear Gift Cards are processed by a third party called Ezifter. In other words, your Amex Platinum card won’t see it as a cleared purchase, so the credit won’t trigger.

Is this the only way to get clear membership?

Two other cards offer a clear discount: The American Express® Green Card and Business Platinum Card® from American Express (registration required). Both offer $189 in clear statement credits per calendar year – enough to cover the entire membership.

Amex Green Card information is independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

As mentioned earlier, savings on Clear are possible through two major airline loyalty programs: Delta and United both offer discounted (or even complimentary) membership lanes.

Here are the details:

To take advantage of these offers, be sure to enroll through Delta Link or United Link. Clear should automatically pull your qualifying discount.

An important clarification: if you have Amex Platinum, do no Charge the CLEAR membership fee to your Delta or United card. To unlock the discount value while becoming a cardholder, you must use Amex Platinum to trigger Clear Credit.

Do I have to use Clear Credit at once?

You don’t have to redeem this $189 credit in a single payment. It will be activated when you clear payment – up to $189 per calendar year. It’s easy if you qualify for a discount from any of the methods above. That way, you can pay for your membership and then add a family member (or more, if you have top-tier status with Delta or United).

How do I complete my enrollment?

Unfortunately, the first step to enrollment is paying your Clear membership fee with your Amex Platinum to trigger the statement credit. Once you have submitted your information online, you must complete the process at any airport clearing location. Bring your government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.

The representative will scan your eyes and fingerprints. From there, you’ll be ready to use enhanced security on your flight. Then you can use the facility immediately.

Related: How to Get and Use Clear to Avoid Lines

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Amex Platinum offers up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year that can be used with Clear. By stacking this benefit with other discount options, you can access these biometric security lanes on your next trip and be able to add family members at no out-of-pocket cost.

Official Application Link: Platinum Card from American Express

Check out the CardMatch tool to see if you’ve been targeted for the 125,000 or 150,000-point Platinum Card offer (after meeting minimum spending requirements). This offer is subject to change at any time.

Additional reporting by Ryan Smith.

For Amex Platinum rates and fees, click here.