Does the Amex Platinum Card Pay for CLEAR? Buckle Up, Jetsetters!

Yes, indeed, the Amex Platinum card comes packing a punch with a statement credit that can absolutely cover your CLEAR membership! This perk is designed to make your airport security experience smoother than a freshly paved runway. But hold on, there’s more to this story than just a simple “yes.” Let’s dive deep into the nitty-gritty and unravel all the details about how the Amex Platinum and CLEAR partnership works.

Unlocking Expedited Security: The Amex Platinum and CLEAR Partnership

For the uninitiated, CLEAR is a biometric identity platform that speeds you through airport security. Instead of fumbling for your ID, you simply verify your identity with your eyes or fingerprints. Think of it as the VIP lane for security – a precious commodity for frequent travelers. The Amex Platinum card offers up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year to cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus membership. This means you can essentially get CLEAR for free, just for holding the card!

How to Claim Your CLEAR Credit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get practical. How do you actually snag this sweet deal? It’s not automatic; you’ll need to take a few steps:

1. Enroll in CLEAR: If you’re not already a member, head to the CLEAR website (https://www.clearme.com) and sign up for a CLEAR Plus membership. Make sure you choose the full CLEAR Plus membership, not just the “Family Plan” or any promotional offers.

2. Pay with Your Amex Platinum: Crucially, you must use your Amex Platinum card to pay for your CLEAR membership. Don’t even think about using another card for this!

3. Wait for the Statement Credit: After your CLEAR membership charge hits your Amex Platinum card statement, American Express will automatically issue a statement credit of up to $189. This usually happens within a few days, but it can sometimes take up to two billing cycles. Keep an eye on your statements!

4. Monitor Your Credit: Periodically check your Amex account online or through the mobile app to ensure the statement credit has been applied. If it hasn’t appeared after a reasonable time, contact American Express customer service for assistance.

Is the Amex Platinum Worth it for CLEAR Alone?

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The Amex Platinum card comes with a hefty annual fee, so it’s not just about CLEAR. However, if you’re a frequent flyer who values saving time and hassle at the airport, the CLEAR benefit is a significant perk. Consider all the other benefits the card offers – lounge access, airline credits, hotel elite status, and more – to determine if it’s the right card for your travel lifestyle. If you can leverage several of these benefits, the annual fee becomes much easier to justify.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Amex Platinum and CLEAR

Here are answers to common questions about using your Amex Platinum card for CLEAR, designed to clear up any lingering confusion:

1. Can I use my Amex Platinum points to pay for CLEAR? No, you can’t directly redeem your Amex Membership Rewards points to pay for your CLEAR membership. The benefit comes in the form of a statement credit when you charge the membership fee to your Amex Platinum card.

2. If my CLEAR membership is more than $189, will Amex cover the entire cost? No, the Amex Platinum card provides a statement credit of up to $189 per calendar year. If your CLEAR membership costs more, you’ll be responsible for paying the difference. As of the current date, the standard CLEAR Plus membership costs exactly $189, so this shouldn’t be an issue for most people.

3. Does the Amex Platinum authorized user get the CLEAR credit as well? Yes! Each Platinum cardholder, including authorized users, is eligible for the $189 CLEAR credit annually. This significantly increases the value proposition of adding authorized users to your account, particularly if they are also frequent travelers.

4. Can I use the Amex Platinum CLEAR credit for family members who aren’t cardholders? No, the credit applies only to the cardholder and authorized users. However, as noted above, adding them as authorized users provides them with their own CLEAR credit. CLEAR also offers family plans at discounted rates.

5. How long does it take for the CLEAR statement credit to appear on my Amex Platinum account? Typically, the statement credit posts to your account within a few days after the CLEAR charge appears. However, it can sometimes take up to two billing cycles. Be patient and monitor your statements.

6. What happens if I cancel my CLEAR membership after receiving the Amex Platinum statement credit? You are generally not required to repay the statement credit if you cancel your CLEAR membership. However, American Express reserves the right to claw back credits in cases of abuse or fraud. Just cancel CLEAR according to their policies.

7. Can I combine the Amex Platinum CLEAR credit with other CLEAR discounts or promotions? Absolutely! You can take advantage of any other discounts or promotions that CLEAR offers. The Amex Platinum statement credit will still apply to the remaining balance charged to your card, up to $189.

8. Is the CLEAR benefit available on all Amex Platinum cards? Yes, the CLEAR benefit is a standard perk available on all versions of the personal Amex Platinum card in the United States. Check the terms and conditions of your specific card offer to confirm.

9. Does the Amex Business Platinum card also offer a CLEAR credit? Yes! The Amex Business Platinum card mirrors the personal version and offers the same $189 CLEAR credit annually. This is a significant perk for business travelers.

10. If I already have TSA PreCheck, is CLEAR worth it? This depends on your travel frequency and tolerance for waiting in lines. TSA PreCheck is generally faster than standard security, but CLEAR can be even faster, especially during peak travel times. Consider the time you spend in security lines and whether the convenience is worth the CLEAR membership fee. Often, using them in tandem can be a game changer.

11. Can I use the CLEAR credit at any CLEAR location? Yes, the credit is applicable to the standard CLEAR Plus membership, which is valid at participating airports and stadiums nationwide. Check the CLEAR website for a complete list of locations.

12. What should I do if the CLEAR statement credit doesn’t appear on my Amex Platinum account after two billing cycles? Contact American Express customer service immediately. Provide them with the date of your CLEAR charge and the amount. They will investigate the issue and ensure the credit is applied to your account. Keep records of your CLEAR purchase.

By understanding the nuances of the Amex Platinum and CLEAR partnership, you can fully leverage this valuable benefit and breeze through airport security like a seasoned pro. Happy travels!