What Is CLEAR® Plus? How It Works, How to Sign Up, and Which Cards Cover the Fee

CLEAR® Plus is a premium biometric identity verification service that helps travelers move through airport security faster. It uses fingerprint or facial recognition to verify your identity, allowing you to skip the traditional ID check and go directly to the physical screening process. CLEAR® is available at over 50 U.S. airports and a growing number of stadiums and event venues.

When paired with TSA PreCheck®, CLEAR® Plus offers one of the fastest ways to get through security — making it a popular choice for frequent flyers.

How CLEAR® Plus Works

1. Enroll Online or In Person

You can start enrollment at clearme.com or at a CLEAR® pod at a participating airport or venue. You’ll need a government-issued photo ID and will register your biometric data (fingerprints and/or facial recognition).

Enrollment takes about 5–10 minutes and only needs to be done once.

2. Use CLEAR® at the Airport

When you arrive at the airport:

• Head to the CLEAR® lane at security.
• A pod will scan your boarding pass and verify your identity.
• A CLEAR Ambassador will then guide you to the front of the appropriate screening line (either standard or TSA PreCheck®, depending on your eligibility).

✅ Tip: CLEAR® Plus + TSA PreCheck® gives you the fastest lane access possible.

CLEAR® Plus Annual Cost

As of June 2025, a CLEAR® Plus membership costs $199 per year. You can also:

• Add up to 3 adult family members for $70 each per year
• Manage your account online or through the CLEAR app
• Cancel or update your payment method anytime

American Express Cards That Cover CLEAR® Plus

The following American Express® cards currently offer up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year when used to pay for a CLEAR® Plus membership:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Green Card

💳 Terms apply. Enrollment may be required. To learn more, visit americanexpress.com/benefits.

Credits are typically applied within a few days but may take up to 6–8 weeks. Only one up to $199 statement credit is available per Card Account per calendar year, regardless of the number of authorized users.

Other Uses for CLEAR®

CLEAR® isn’t just for airports. Here are some additional benefits:

• Stadium and Arena Entry: Available at select sports and entertainment venues
• Reserve Powered by CLEAR: Book timed access to TSA lines at select airports
• Health Pass: Store digital vaccination and health credentials in the CLEAR app
• Family Plan: Add up to 3 adults for just $70 each per year

Is CLEAR® Plus Worth It?

If you travel often through major airports, CLEAR® Plus can save valuable time — especially during peak travel periods. Combined with TSA PreCheck®, the time savings are even more noticeable.

If you hold an eligible Amex card that offers the up to $199 statement credit, the cost of CLEAR® Plus can be fully offset, making it an excellent value-added benefit.

Final Thoughts

CLEAR® Plus is a fast, secure, and convenient way to streamline your travel experience. It’s especially useful when paired with TSA PreCheck® and becomes even more valuable if you’re using a card like The Platinum Card® from American Express, which can cover the full $199 annual fee.

Whether you’re catching a flight, attending a concert, or heading to a sporting event, CLEAR® helps you skip the line — and enjoy the journey.