Free, helpful information about Card Guides and related American Express Discontinuing Clear Credit Card topics.
Get clear and easy-to-understand details about American Express Discontinuing Clear Credit Card topics and resources.
Answer a few optional questions to receive offers or information related to Card Guides. The survey is optional and not required to access your free guide.
American Express announced in 2024 that it would be discontinuing the Clear Credit Card, its popular no-annual-fee offering designed for consumers building or rebuilding credit. If you hold this card or were considering it, understanding what's happening and what your options are matters.
American Express phased out the Clear Credit Card, marking the end of one of its entry-level products. The card was positioned as a secured credit card alternative — a product aimed at people with limited credit history, lower credit scores, or those working to improve their creditworthiness.
The discontinuation means new applications are no longer accepted. Existing cardholders retain their accounts and can continue using them, though American Express has not announced a hard closure date for current customers.
Card issuers regularly review their product portfolios based on competitive positioning, customer demand, and profitability. While American Express hasn't detailed its exact reasoning, several factors typically influence such decisions:
If you already own a Clear Card, your account remains active. You can continue using it for purchases, building credit history, and earning rewards (if applicable). Your existing benefits and terms don't change immediately upon discontinuation.
Over time, American Express may modify terms or eventually close accounts for inactive cardholders, but this typically happens gradually rather than suddenly.
Since the card is no longer available, you'll need to explore alternatives. The credit card landscape includes several other options depending on your credit profile:
| Situation | Potential Path |
|---|---|
| Building credit from scratch | Secured cards from other issuers; credit-builder loans; becoming an authorized user |
| Fair credit (580–669 range) | Unsecured cards designed for fair credit; store cards with lower barriers |
| Good credit (670+) | Standard no-annual-fee cards with broader rewards and features |
Key variables that shape which card makes sense for you include your current credit score, credit history length, typical spending patterns, and whether you prioritize rewards, low fees, or account approval odds.
If you're in the market for a credit card after the Clear Card's discontinuation, consider:
The discontinuation of the Clear Card doesn't eliminate your options—it just means you'll need to compare alternatives that fit your specific credit profile and financial goals.
