A few months back Amex added a Clear credit to their Platinum personal and business cards. But what is Clear and how is it different from the existing TSA Precheck credit (and why do you need both?)

In this post we will explain what Clear is and how it is different from TSA precheck.

What's Clear?

Clear has set up kiosks in many airports that verify your identity using “advanced biometric identity verification” (lol). These fancy words basically mean that they verify your identity using your eyes and fingerprints instead of your photo ID or passport. Why does this matter? Very simple. Your wait time gets slashed by 99.9%. 

How does Clear speed things up?

If you were ever in an airport you probably know that the biggest portion of the TSA line is to wait for an agent to check your passport or ID (which happens right before the metal detectors or body scanners). Because Clear has already given you clearance through the Clear kiosk, you can skip the TSA line. Yup, it’s exactly as you are reading. If you are a Clear member, all you will need to do is go to the Clear kiosk, scan your face in the machine, and then a Clear ambassador will escort you right to the front of the line straight to the TSA screening agent. You will basically have zero wait time!

How much does clear cost?

A Clear membership costs $179 per year but you will get the full $179 credited to your card if you pay with your Amex Platinum card. You can add up to 3 family members for $50 per year. Children under the age of 18 can tag along with a Clear member for free.

How to enroll in Clear?

The enrollment process is very simple. The first step is to sign up for an account and pay the membership fee. You can sign up here. During the sign-up, Clear will ask for your basic information like your name, date of birth, address, etc. 

The first time you use Clear you will need to finish up your enrollment at the Clear kiosk which will include answering security questions, presenting your ID, and scanning your eyes, fingerprints, etc. This literally takes a few minutes and can be done the first time you fly or the first time you use Clear at a stadium etc.

What's TSA Precheck

Now that we know what Clear is, let’s dive in and discuss what exactly TSA Precheck is.  TSA Precheck is a trusted traveler program. As a TSA precheck member you will receive expedited airport screening when traveling.

How does TSA Precheck speed things up

With TSA Precheck you are able to enter the TSA precheck lane at over 200 airports (which are quicker lanes than the regular lanes) plus you need fewer security screenings. For example, you will not be required to take off your shoes and belt,  you can leave your jacket on. And you are able to leave your electronic devices in your suitcase. This ensures a quicker and less of a hassle TSA security screening. 

How much does TSA precheck cost?

TSA precheck costs $85 once every 4 years. You will get the full amount refunded when using any of these cards to pay

How to enroll in TSA precheck

Applying for TSA precheck is much more complicated than applying for Clear. First, you will need to fill out an application found here. Then you will need to schedule an appointment for a background check and fingerprinting. You will need to go down in-person to a TSA Application center for the appointment. The entire process can take 3 weeks until approved. 

So which one is better

Both Clear and TSA precheck have pros and cons. 

Pros of Clear

• Quicker and easier signup
• It makes your screening time even faster than only TSA precheck (as TSA precheck  lines are usually longer than the Clear lines) 
• Also available in some stadiums 

Pros of TSA Precheck 

• Cheaper ($85 once every 4 years instead of $179 every year)   
• Available in more airports 
• The actual TSA screening is faster and easier

After reading the pros of each, the good news is that you can have both. If you have both Clear and TSA Precheck you will ultimately ensure the quickest and most hassle-free TSA screening possible. With Clear, the line will be shorter and with TSA precheck, the actual TSA screening time will be shorter and less of a hassle. So if you got the Platinum card, take both. They are free!