How This Amex Card Perk Saves Me Hours of Waiting at the Airport

This spring, U.S. airports became extremely crowded due to the government shutdown. If you weren’t stuck in long customs or TSA lines, you were probably reading about them or seeing them online, sighing with relief that you decided not to travel during those busy periods.

During a recent trip in March 2026, I was concerned that TSA PreCheck lines wouldn’t be available. Luckily, Global Entry had reopened just in time, but I was still concerned about missing connecting flights because of the massive security lines.

When planning, I realized I could benefit from a specific credit card perk that would speed me through security: a CLEAR+ statement credit (essentially complimentary). Here’s how I got it, which credit cards offer it, and how it streamlined my airport experience during a very busy and complicated time.

What Is CLEAR+?

CLEAR+ is a membership program that uses biometrics to speed you through airport security via dedicated lines. If you have CLEAR+, you can skip the regular security lines and go through CLEAR+ lanes instead, where available. CLEAR+ is currently available at more than 62 airports across the U.S. and at select stadiums and venues.

Most people report going through security in under 5 minutes (though I went through in practically seconds), which can be a major lifesaver when regular TSA lines have hourslong waits.

Once you enroll, you have to verify your identity at a CLEAR pod. Then, when you travel, just scan your boarding pass at the CLEAR+ lane entrance and walk straight up to a CLEAR pod or eGate to verify your biometrics.

You might be thinking, “Well, I already have TSA PreCheck.”

And that’s great — but having both CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck is the way to go, because you have options if certain lanes are closed or a specific service doesn’t operate at your chosen airport. Plus, there are special CLEAR+ lanes for TSA PreCheck that can speed you through TSA PreCheck even faster.

In fact, Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief of Upgraded Points, told me that she’s often tested CLEAR+ against friends with TSA PreCheck.

“CLEAR+ beats TSA PreCheck every single time, and getting escorted to the front of the line can’t be beat,” she said.

Credit Cards That Offer CLEAR+ Credit

Certain American Express credit cards offer statement credits for the full $209 CLEAR+ membership (concierge services cost extra):

• Platinum Card^® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
• American Express Green Card^®*
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Our top choice is the Amex Platinum card, which offers numerous additional travel and lifestyle benefits and statement credits that can help offset its annual fee.

*All information regarding the American Express Green Card^® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

BEST LOUNGE CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

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Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

And if you have more than 1 card that offers a statement credit, CLEAR+ is an excellent gift. Christine Krzyszton, senior finance contributor to Upgraded Points, has the CLEAR+ statement benefit on several of her travel rewards cards.

“It allows me to offer my friends and family membership at no additional cost to me,” she said.

How To Bundle TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+

If you travel primarily within the U.S. and want to get both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+, you can bundle them for $209 (and get a full statement credit with the right credit card). The bundled deal includes a 5-year TSA PreCheck membership ($77.95) and the first year of CLEAR+ membership ($209) for just $209. Considering the unbundled price would be around $289, this is an excellent deal. It works for TSA PreCheck renewals, too.

Here’s how you can get the bundle:

• Join CLEAR+ and then either preenroll or renew TSA PreCheck through CLEAR+ within 7 days.
• Pay the full rate of $288.95 ($209 for CLEAR+ and then $79.95 for TSA PreCheck).
• After completing your TSA PreCheck application, you receive a $79.95 refund (the full cost of TSA PreCheck). Then, if you used a credit card that offers a CLEAR+ statement credit, you should see that credit on your statement shortly thereafter.

Here are 14 of the best credit cards for CLEAR+, 4 of which cover the entire cost of a membership.

My Experience Using CLEAR+

The recent government shutdown of spring 2026 made me nervous to fly — mainly when it came time to make connections. The day I flew out of Chicago O’Hare, TSA lines were brutal, and even worse, the TSA PreCheck line in my terminal was closed because of staff shortages.

That’s when CLEAR+ came to the rescue. I almost forgot I’d signed up for it amid the whirlwind of packing, organizing, and trying to get my 5-year-old and all of our luggage to the airport. Thankfully, almost no one was in the CLEAR+ lanes.

Signing Up and Receiving the Credit

A few weeks before my trip, I enrolled in CLEAR+ and charged the full cost to my Amex Green card. (I’d downgraded from the Amex Platinum card a few years ago. I live in Europe, so many of the U.S.-centric lifestyle benefits aren’t as beneficial for me.)

American Express Green Card^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

All information about American Express Green Card^® has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express Green Card^®

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

Welcome Offer

Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express Green Card^® within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

40,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $880

Annual Fee

$150

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Express Green Card^® is an excellent all-around travel rewards card thanks to earning 3x Membership Rewards^® points on eligible travel and transit purchases and at restaurants, access to American Express transfer partners, and a reasonable annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide, on all eligible travel purchases, and transit purchases
• Up to $209 per calendar year in statement credits after you pay for a CLEAR^® Plus membership with the Card.
• Access to American Express transfer partners

Cons

• $150 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express Green Card^® within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on travel, including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® Points on transit purchases, including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
• $209 CLEAR Plus Credit: Receive up to $209 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express Green Card^®.
• Payment Flexibility: When it comes to paying your bill, you have options. You can always pay in full. You also have the flexibility to carry a balance with interest or use Plan It^® to split up large purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee, up to your Pay Over Time Limit. You may be able to keep spending beyond your limit – you’ll just need to pay for any new purchases in full when your bill is due.
• Trip Delay Insurance: If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per eligible account per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express Green Card^® there are no foreign transaction fees.
• $150 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

I received the statement credit 2 days after the charge, and it was backdated to the date of purchase.

Using CLEAR+ for the First Time

With the help of a CLEAR+ ambassador, I was able to finalize my enrollment with a quick ID scan and biometrics. Within moments, my son and I were through security at a time when regular security waits were quite long.

Kellie Jez, director of operations, is yet antoher Upgraded Points staff member who’s saved massive amounts of time thanks to CLEAR+. She praises the service for the time-saving ease it provides her when traveling with kids.

“I registered and enrolled for CLEAR+ at the airport in Palm Beach,” she said. “Not only did it save me hours, it bumped me to the front of the TSA PreCheck line (since I also had PreCheck). With a crying 1.5-year-old in my arms, this was such a relief (to everyone).”

Why I’ll Continue Using CLEAR+

So far, I’ve only used the CLEAR+ once, but considering it was free and already saved me hours of waiting in line, I’m thrilled. It’s true that I live in Europe and so I won’t be able to use the service regularly, but when I do, it’ll be well worth it.

This summer, I have several flights around the U.S. — primarily through Chicago (ORD) and Atlanta (ATL). Both airports feature CLEAR+ in specific terminals, as well as TSA PreCheck. The state of summer travel and staffing will determine which service I’ll use, but I’m thrilled to have both options.

Final Thoughts

The FAA handles more than 44,000 flights across the U.S. daily. One thing that always rings true is that you never know what to expect at an airport, especially during unprecedented times that cause excessive delays and cancellations.

I’ll never have full control over my airport experience — that’s just impossible. But I can do everything in my power — like signing up for fast-track services — to make my experience faster and smoother. And if I can get these services for free thanks to credit cards, that’s even better.