Platinum Card® from American Express Is one premium travel card that gives you the power to go beyond your social status. From VIP service at luxury hotels high monopoly airport lounge entranceNo other card makes your stay more comfortable.
Related: Platinum card from American Express review
Year 2021the Platinum Amex added a bunch of new perks for cardholders and increased the annual fee to $695 (see rates and fees). This includes hundreds of dollars worth of annual statement credits – a credit that can offset the price of Ventilationa program that accelerates your airport security experience.
Related: What is the Clear Express Airport Security Program — and is it worth it?
Here’s everything you need to know about this valuable benefit.
What is Amex Platinum Clear Credit?
Clear is an express third-party security program that uses fingerprint and iris scanners instead of photo IDs to identify you. If you have a Clear membership, you can bypass security at certain airports and entertainment venues across the country.
Related: TPG’s Guide to Airport and Stadium Clearance
In fact, you enter a dedicated lane at the TSA security checkpoint, enter your biometric data into a kiosk, and head towards the gray carry-on baggage bins. You do not need to show your ID as your biometrics identify you. If you have TSA PreCheck, you can still use that option.
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A one-year Clear membership typically costs $189. Conveniently, the Amex Platinum comes with a clear statement credit of up to $189 per calendar year. Registration is required. This means you can get a free membership — and potentially extend this benefit to the rest of your family.
Related: Express airport security removal – is it worth it?
How to use Amex Platinum Clear credit
You must register your card to activate this statement credit, but the process is simple.
First, sign in to your American Express account, then choose your Amex Platinum (if that’s not the default card). At the top, click the “Rewards and Benefits” icon.
On the next screen, click “Benefits” at the top right. This will take you to a page of tiles, each explaining a different perk of the Platinum Card. Look for the one labeled “$189 Removed Credits” and record your status. If you’ve signed up, you’re ready to use the privilege.
Otherwise, click the icon to activate the benefit.
Once your Amex Platinum is registered, you can apply for Clear online. However, consider signing up through Delta’s Link or United’s link. This is an important step if you’re a member of one (or both) of these airlines’ loyalty programs and are hoping to extend Clear’s benefits to an adult family member — usually costs 60 USD per year.
That’s because Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members can sign up for a discounted Clear membership — from $10 off to a completely free membership, depending on your status tier and card type. credit you have:
- General membership of these programs: $179 per year ($10 discount).
- Delta Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medalists: $149 per year ($40 discount).
- United Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum members: $149 per year ($40 discount).
- Delta Air Lines and United Airlines credit cardholders: $149 per year ($40 discount).
- Delta Diamond Medallion and 360º members: Free membership.
- United Premier 1K and Global Services members: Free membership.
The discounts that United and Delta flyers received were higher in the past, but the discount has been adjusted in February 2023.
Children under 18 can be accompanied by a registered adult for free, meaning your family can then use the plan with a combination of Amex Platinum perks and Clear discounts — free or close to it.
Regardless of how you sign up for Clear, you must use your registered Amex Platinum to pay for your membership (and your family members, if applicable).
Amex claimed that the statement credit would appear within two to four weeks, but TPG staff discovered that it usually activate within a day or two.
Of course, your results may vary.
Amex Platinum Clear Credit FAQ
Where does Clear work?
Obviously far from popular, but it continues to expand to new spots. Currently, you can find dedicated lanes at approximately 50 US airports along with nearly 20 entertainment venues — including Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, and Madison Square Garden in New York City. (click This to see all locations).
If you don’t think you’ll be passing through these airports or visiting these locations often, this benefit isn’t worth much to you.
Can I have both TSA PreCheck/Global Entry and Clear?
You can – and you should. These trusted travel plans cover completely different needs:
- Ventilation allows you to efficiently cut your cargo at airport security checkpoints.
- Pre-check TSA allows you to wear shoes, belts and jackets when going through the TSA metal detector. You can also keep a laptop and TSA-compliant toiletries in your carry-on baggage.
- Global Entry speed up your immigration process upon entering the United States
Read our article on Best credit cards for Global Entry to learn how to get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry free of charge.
Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
Can I use Clear credits for friends and family?
Correct. You don’t have to use it for your own membership; it can be for anyone. As long as you sign up for your Amex Platinum card and then use it to pay Clear, you’ll receive up to $189 in discounts each calendar year.
This is a screenshot of a TPG employee who added three family members to his account. (If you add someone to your account, Clear will scale by year to match your current membership—hence the odd amount.)
Also, when you add family members to your account, they get the full Clear membership as per their rights. They don’t have to be with you to use its benefits.
Can I use credit to buy a Clear gift card?
Unfortunately there isn’t. Apparently gift cards are processed by a third party called eGifter. In other words, your Amex Platinum card won’t treat this as an Clear purchase, so the credit won’t activate.
Is this the only way to get explicit membership?
Two other cards that offer a Clear discount: Cards American Express® Green Card And Business Platinum® Card from American Express (registration is required). Both offer $189 worth of Clear statement credits per year—enough to cover the entire membership.
Information about the Amex Green Card has been independently obtained by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
As previously mentioned, Clear savings are possible through two major airline loyalty programs: Both Delta and United offer routes to discounted (or even free) membership. ).
Here are the details:
To take advantage of these offers, be sure to sign up via Delta’s or United’s links. Deletion will automatically withdraw your eligible discount.
An important explanation: If you have an Amex Platinum, do it Are not charge Clear membership to your Delta or United card. Although being a cardholder unlocks the discounted price, you must use Amex Platinum to activate the Clear credit.
Do I have to use all Clear credits at once?
You do not need to redeem this $189 credit in one go. It activates any time you pay Clear — up to $189 per calendar year. This is useful 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 multiple members, if you have top status with Delta or United).
How do I complete my enrollment?
Unfortunately, paying your Clear membership fee with your Amex Platinum to activate statement credits is only the first step in the signup process. After submitting your information online, you must complete the process at any airport. Bring 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 flights. Then you can use the benefit immediately.
Related: How to get and use Delete to avoid lines
bottom line
Clear doesn’t get as much attention as reliable travel programs like Pre-check TSA And Global Entry, but it can be a lifesaver to reduce wait times at airport security. And you can unlock free memberships with popular travel credit cards.
The Platinum Amex offers a statement credit of up to $189 per calendar year that can be used with Clear. By combining this benefit with other discount options, you can use these biometric security lanes on your next trip and can add family members at no cost bag export.
Official app link: Platinum card from American Express
Check CardMatch . tool to see if you’re targeted for a 125,000 or 150,000 point Platinum card offer (after meeting the minimum spending requirements). These offers are subject to change at any time.
Additional reporting by Ryan Smith.
For Amex Platinum rates and fees, click here.
