The Amex Clear benefit gives you expedited security screening at participating airports when you hold certain American Express cards
The Clear benefit is a perk bundled into specific American Express cards — primarily the Platinum Card and certain business versions. It does not come with every Amex card; you need to check whether your specific card includes it. If your card does include it, Amex covers the cost of a Clear membership, which normally runs $189 per year for an individual.
Clear itself is a separate company that operates security lanes at major U.S. airports. When you use Clear, you skip the standard TSA security line and move through a dedicated lane where an agent verifies your identity using biometric data (fingerprint or iris scan). The entire process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes instead of 30 to 60 minutes during peak travel times. You still go through the same X-ray machines and security checks as everyone else — Clear just removes the waiting part.
The Amex benefit covers only the membership fee itself. It does not cover any add-ons Clear offers, such as adding family members to your account or expedited screening at non-airport locations like stadiums.
Key Takeaways
- The Clear benefit is included with the American Express Platinum Card and select business cards, but not with standard or everyday Amex cards.
- Amex pays the $189 annual Clear membership fee for the primary cardholder, but you must enroll through Clear's website to set up it.
- Clear operates at roughly 50 U.S. airports and some international airports, so check whether your home airport or frequent destinations are included before relying on it.
- You still pass through TSA security screening and X-ray machines; Clear only removes the time spent waiting in line.
- Adding family members or using Clear at non-airport venues costs extra and is not covered by the Amex benefit.
Which American Express cards include the Clear benefit
The American Express Platinum Card is the primary consumer card that includes Clear. Amex automatically covers the membership fee each year as long as you hold the card and remain enrolled. You do not need to pay anything out of pocket for the membership itself.
Several American Express business cards also include the benefit, including the Business Platinum Card and the Centurion Card (the invitation-only black card). If you hold a different Amex card, you can check your benefits guide or log into your online account to see whether Clear is listed. Amex updates card benefits periodically, so a card that did not include Clear in the past might include it now, or vice versa.
The benefit is tied to the card itself, not to your Amex account as a whole. If you hold multiple Amex cards, only the ones that explicitly list Clear in their benefits will trigger the membership coverage.
How to enroll in Clear through your Amex card
straightforward holding an Amex card with the Clear benefit does not automatically set up your membership. You must enroll through Clear's website or app to link your benefit to your account.
Visit Clear's website and select the option to enroll using your American Express card. You will need to provide your Amex card number and verify your identity. Clear will confirm that your card qualifies for the benefit, and your membership will set up when ready. You can then schedule a time to register your biometric data (fingerprint or iris scan) at an airport location, or you can do this on your first visit to a Clear lane.
Once enrolled, you can use the Clear app to access your membership and check which airports near you have Clear lanes. The app also lets you add family members if you choose to pay for their memberships separately.
Which airports have Clear and what to expect on your first visit
Clear operates at approximately 50 U.S. airports, including major hubs like Los Angeles, New York (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark), Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and San Francisco. It also operates at some international airports and a growing number of smaller regional airports. Check the Clear app or website to confirm whether your home airport or your frequent travel destinations are included.
On your first visit to a Clear lane, you will register your biometric data — either a fingerprint or iris scan. This takes about five minutes and happens at a kiosk in the security area. After that, you straightforward tap your phone or scan your face at the Clear lane entrance, and an agent will verify your identity and direct you through the expedited lane.
Clear lanes operate during the airport's regular hours, though some airports have limited hours during off-peak times. During very busy travel periods (holidays, major events), Clear lanes can still have waits, though they are typically shorter than the standard TSA line.
What the Clear benefit does not cover
The Amex benefit covers only the base membership fee for one person. If you want to add your spouse, children, or other family members to your Clear account, you pay for their memberships separately — Amex does not cover these add-ons. Family memberships typically cost $189 per person per year.
Clear also offers expedited screening at certain non-airport venues, such as professional sports stadiums and concert venues. These services are not included in the standard membership and require separate payment. The Amex benefit does not extend to these add-ons either.
If you lose your Amex card or close your account, your Clear membership will end. You would need to enroll again with a new may have access to Amex card if you want to continue using Clear.
How Clear compares to TSA PreCheck and other airport programs
TSA PreCheck is a separate government program that costs $78 to $85 for five years and allows you to go through a faster security lane with fewer restrictions on liquids, electronics, and shoes. You keep your shoes and belt on and leave your laptop in your bag. TSA PreCheck does not skip the line entirely — you still wait, just in a shorter line with fewer rules.
Clear and TSA PreCheck are complementary, not competing. Many frequent travelers use both: Clear to skip the line entirely, and TSA PreCheck to move faster through security once you reach the front. Some Amex cards also offer TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits, which can offset the cost of those programs.
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs program that costs $100 for five years and speeds up re-entry to the United States when you return from international travel. It includes TSA PreCheck benefits as well. Like TSA PreCheck, it does not skip the line — it just makes the process faster once you reach the agent.
When the Clear benefit is worth using
The Clear benefit is most valuable if you travel by air frequently — typically more than four or five times per year — and you travel during peak hours when security lines are longest. If you fly early morning or late evening when lines are short, or if you fly only once or twice per year, you may not see much time savings.
The benefit is also more useful at busy airports. At smaller regional airports with short security lines, Clear offers less advantage. Check the Clear app to see which airports near you have Clear lanes and how busy they typically are.
If you already hold an American Express Platinum Card for other reasons (lounge access, travel credits, concierge service), the Clear benefit is essentially free — Amex is paying the membership fee as part of your card benefits. In that case, there is no downside to enrolling and using it when you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Amex card automatically give me Clear membership?
No. Your card must include the Clear benefit in its benefits list, and you must enroll through Clear's website to set up it. straightforward holding the card does not create a membership. You need to take the enrollment step yourself.
Can I use my spouse's Clear membership with my Amex card?
No. Each person needs their own Clear membership linked to their own biometric data. If your spouse wants to use Clear, they either need their own may have access to Amex card or need to pay for a separate Clear membership. You cannot share a single membership.
What happens to my Clear membership if I cancel my Amex card?
Your Clear membership ends when your Amex card is closed or the benefit is removed. If you want to continue using Clear, you would need to either keep the Amex card active or pay for Clear membership out of pocket.
Does Clear work at international airports?
Clear operates at some international airports, primarily in Canada and the Caribbean, but coverage is limited compared to U.S. airports. Check the Clear app to see whether your destination airport has Clear lanes before you travel.
Can I use Clear if I do not have TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Clear and TSA PreCheck are separate programs. You can use Clear without having TSA PreCheck, though you will go through standard security screening (removing shoes, liquids, electronics) once you reach the front of the line. Many people use both for maximum speed.