The Guide to the AmEx Platinum Clear Benefit

One of the most standout, time-saving benefits of holding The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express? That's the American Express Clear membership benefit, which can get cardholders expedited security service at the airport. Terms apply.

Here's how to take advantage of your Clear membership benefit:

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Clear offers a faster route to the front of the security line in select domestic airports. Instead of relying on conventional forms of identification, members scan their boarding passes and then their iris or fingerprints. Once approved, they are escorted to the front of the appropriate line. If members have TSA PreCheck, they go to the front of that line, otherwise Clear members go to the front of the standard security screening line. This can be a tremendous time saver when lines are long.

Clear is certainly not in every airport, but it is offered in dozens nationwide, as well as a few sports arenas and entertainment venues.

The Clear annual fee is $199, although some frequent flyers are eligible for free or discounted membership, including top flyers with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Is Clear different from TSA PreCheck?

Yes, Clear is different from TSA PreCheck. Clear provides expedited access to the front of any security line after verifying biometric data. TSA PreCheck offers expedited screening by allowing approved passengers to leave on light jackets, belts and shoes while keeping electronics and toiletries in their bags.

They are two different products, but they can work together (and in fact, you can now enroll in both as a bundle). Clear lets you quickly pass through the first part of the line (where the agent verifies identity) and TSA PreCheck speeds up the security screening process.

What's exciting is that the American Express Platinum cards also provide a statement credit for enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (used for re-entry to the United States at eligible airports following international travel).

If you travel internationally frequently, having all three memberships (Clear, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry) could be beneficial. Domestic travelers can stick with combining TSA PreCheck and Clear memberships or opt for one or neither.

» Learn more: TSA PreCheck vs. Clear

Bundling Clear and TSA PreCheck

As part of a recent TSA partnership with Clear, you can avoid the in-person TSA PreCheck interview and instead through Clear. To apply for TSA PreCheck through Clear, you'll have to submit an online application.

There still is an enrollment fee. But, if you bundle TSA PreCheck and Clear, it costs $199.95, which saves you about $77 off the full price of both programs.

From there, you can walk up to Clear's enrollment pod next time you're at a participating airport (though note that there are currently just a small handful of airports that allow for TSA PreCheck enrollment through Clear). Once there, Clear will submit your TSA PreCheck application on your behalf. It typically takes about three to five days, upon which you'll be notified of whether or not you're approved.

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express — which comes with an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees) — then you are eligible for AmEx Clear membership credit. That credit is good for you or an authorized cardholder. Terms apply.

Instead of offering an instant membership, cardholders can use their card to pay for membership and get refunded as a statement credit.

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You can't just show your AmEx card at the Clear checkpoint. Instead, you must enroll online and finish the process in person at a Clear kiosk.

After signing up and paying for membership using your eligible Platinum card, the AmEx Clear credit will post in your account in a later billing cycle (about 6-8 weeks later).

The $199 Clear credit is valid once per calendar year and will be automatically renewed, charging the fee to the same AmEx card on file. Terms apply.

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Your AmEx Clear credit gives you $199 with Clear, so if you're able to find a discount on the Clear membership, you will have extra spending left over.

Example discounts include:

• Through status with an airline.

• A general promotion.

You can add additional people to your Clear account for $60 per person (up to three people), so you can hypothetically get memberships for more than one person using the same credit — assuming the total cost is no more than $199.

» Learn more: Things to know before getting the AmEx Platinum

The Platinum Card® from American Express and offerThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express a long list of perks. These include lounge access to the AmEx Global Lounge Collection as well as hotel elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

But for folks seeking to save time in the airport, Clear membership can be the best of those benefits. Taking advantage of airline partnerships or the credit on American Express Platinum cards can help the value multiply.

You can add Clear membership to TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry; these services complement each other.