How to use your American Express Clear+ statement credit

Whether you're at the airport, a sporting event or a concert, going through security can be a pain. And if you've ever stood in a barely-moving line and longed to be one of the people zipping along beside you in the Clear+ lane, you're in luck.

If you have the American Express Platinum Card®, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or American Express Green Card® in your wallet, you can get up to the entire cost of your Clear+ membership covered each calendar year — and possibly part of a family member's as well. Enrollment is required. Subject to auto-renewal.

Here's what you need to know about this valuable benefit.

The information for the Amex Green card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

What is the Amex Clear+ statement credit?

Clear+ is a third-party, expedited security program that uses iris and fingerprint scanners rather than a photo ID to identify you. If you have a Clear+ membership, you can effectively skip to the front of the security line at certain airports and entertainment venues nationwide.

In practice, you enter a dedicated security checkpoint lane and input your biometric data into a kiosk. You'll then move to the gray carry-on bins at the airport. Even better: if you have TSA PreCheck, you can still use that option.

A one-year Clear+ membership typically costs $209. Conveniently, the Amex Business Platinum, Hilton Honors Aspire, Amex Platinum and Amex Green each come with up to $209 in Clear+ statement credits each calendar year. (Enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal.)

You can use the Clear+ statement credit for yourself, or if you already have a membership, you can extend this benefit to a friend or family member.

TPG Tip: If you're a Clear+ member and have the American Express® Gold Card, check your Amex Offers and see if you have an offer to earn $99 back as a statement credit after spending $99 or more on Clear Concierge (through July 30, enrollment required, not everyone will receive the same offers).

Related: Clear+ expedited airport security program — is it worth it?

How to use the Amex Clear+ statement credit

You must enroll your card to activate this statement credit, but the process is simple.

First, log in to your American Express account, and then select your Amex with the Clear+ benefit (if it's not the default card). At the top, click on the "Rewards and Benefits" icon.

On the next screen, click on "Benefits" at the top right. This will bring you to a page of tiles, each explaining a different perk of your card. Find the one labeled "Clear+ statement credit" and note your status. If you're enrolled, you're ready to use the perk. Otherwise, click on the icon to activate the benefit.

Once your Amex card is enrolled, you can apply for a Clear+ membership online. Consider enrolling through the Delta, United or Alaska Airlines link. This is a critical step if you're a member of one (or more) of these airlines' loyalty programs and want to save on your membership.

That's because Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus and Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards members can enroll for a discounted Clear+ membership — from $10 off to a fully complimentary membership, depending on your status level and which credit cards you have:

• General members of Delta and United, plus all Alaska Atmos Rewards members: $199 per year.
• Eligible Delta Air Lines and United Airlines credit card holders: $169 per year.
• Delta Silver, Gold and Platinum Medallion® members: $169 per year.
• United Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum members: $169 per year.
• United Premier 1K members: $129 per year.
• Delta Diamond Medallion and 360º members: Complimentary membership.
• United Global Services members: Complimentary membership.

Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards members can earn additional points by signing up for Clear+. Atmos Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium members receive 1,500 points when they sign up and 1,250 points each year they renew.

Children under 18 can accompany registered adults for free, meaning your family could use the program for free or close to it when combining Amex perks and Clear+ discounts. Adding family members who are 18 and older will cost $125 per person, up to three family members.

Regardless of how you apply for Clear+, you must use your enrolled Amex card to pay for your membership (and that of your family members, if applicable). Amex states that the statement credit should appear within two to four weeks, but TPG staff members have found that it typically triggers within one or two days.

Your results may vary, of course.

TPG Tip: If you want to try Clear and sign up using TPG's special offer, you can save $50 on the first year's membership.

Related: How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card

Bottom line

Clear+ doesn't get as much attention as other traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, but it can be a lifesaver for reducing wait times at airport security. It's easy to unlock a complimentary membership with a popular travel credit card.

The Amex Business Platinum, Hilton Honors Aspire, Amex Platinum and Amex Green each offer up to $209 per calendar year in statement credits that can be used for a Clear+ membership. Enrollment required. Subject to auto-renewal.

By stacking this benefit with other discount options, you could access these biometric security lanes on your next trip and might be able to add family members at no out-of-pocket cost.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card
Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.