Latest news with #CLEARPlus
Business Insider
23-05-2025
- Business Insider
I have TSA Precheck, Global Entry, CLEAR, and Priority Pass, but only 2 of them are worth it
For years, I stood in long lines at the airport, staring longingly at lucky passengers who zipped through security and immigration. Because I travel frequently, I considered enrolling in a program that would allow me to skip the line, too. Once I realized how much they cost, I resigned myself to a lifetime of queuing up at the airport. However, that all changed when I got my Platinum Card® from American Express. The card has a hefty $695 annual fee, but several benefits offset the cost, including statement credits for four separate programs that allow travelers to bypass airport lines in different ways (terms apply). I immediately enrolled in all four programs, happy to finally have the chance to see what I've been missing. Now that I've had a taste of what it's like to bypass lines at the airport, I don't think I could go back. However, I would only pay for two of the four programs that are currently covered by my credit card. I love keeping my shoes on with TSA PreCheck Among the four skip-the-line programs I've tried, I think TSA PreCheck is the best. With TSA PreCheck®, I get access to shorter, priority lanes for going through airport security in the United States. Although I can also get through TSA security quickly with one of the other programs, TSA PreCheck is the only one that allows me to keep my shoes on. I find going through airport security stressful, especially when I am traveling with my children. I already have to keep track of luggage and bins full of coats, sweaters, and electronics. Not having to remove my shoes really sets TSA PreCheck apart. I feel like a celebrity when I use CLEAR Plus Whenever I use CLEAR Plus, I feel like a celebrity. At Dulles, my home airport, there is usually a gaggle of CLEAR employees standing around waiting to escort CLEAR® Plus members like me to a TSA agent after they verify our identities. When I approach a TSA agent with a CLEAR employee, I don't need to show them my boarding pass and identification. However, since I always keep these documents handy at the airport, not having to show them doesn't save me much time or inconvenience. Moreover, in my experience, using CLEAR usually isn't any faster than going through the TSA lane. Plus, I found out the hard way that if I forget to add my TSA Precheck number to my airline reservation and only use CLEAR Plus, I still need to remove my shoes. Although it's fun being treated like a VIP, I wouldn't pay for CLEAR Plus. Global Entry is great for getting back into the United States When I return to the United States after a trip abroad, I'm usually grumpy. After a long flight and having to deal with the reality of being home after a great trip, the last thing I want to do is stand in a long line to go through immigration and customs. For a while, I used the free Mobile Passport Control app to help me get through the line faster. The app allows American citizens and some other travelers to use a dedicated lane to enter the U.S. by submitting identifying information and answering some screening questions electronically. However, MPC lines have gotten longer as more people have discovered the app. Furthermore, not all airports use MPC, which I have found frustrating. Now that I have Global Entry, I can reliably speed through immigration and customs when I return to the United States. It's a relief knowing that I don't need to wait in a long line after getting off the plane, and I love being able to reliably get home faster. If I ever lost access to Global Entry through my credit card, I would probably pay for the program. Priority Pass is only worth it for lounge access Priority Pass is best known for providing members with airport lounge access. However, soon after I got a Priority Pass membership, I noticed that Priority Pass members could also use Fast Track to get through airport screening faster at an airport in Jamaica. I was delighted to make this discovery because the security line was very long, and skipping the line meant I could hang out in the lounge longer before my flight. I hoped that I could use my Priority Pass membership to bypass security lines at other airports abroad. However, I have yet to encounter another airport where I've been able to use this benefit. I would probably pay for a Priority Pass membership to maintain my access to lounges. But Priority Pass's Fast Track benefits are so limited that I wouldn't pay for the program just for this benefit.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Clear Secure, Inc. (YOU): One of the Underperforming Stocks Targeted By Short Sellers
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Clear Secure, Inc. (NYSE:YOU) stands against other underperforming stocks targeted by short sellers. Short interest refers to the percentage of publicly available shares that have been sold short. It is an indicator used by many investors to determine how strong a company's bear thesis may be. Due to the nature of short selling, the short interest has become a popular indicator among investors. The reason it is given so much weightage is that people betting against a stock have usually done solid research and are confident of a company's downfall. They take unlimited risk, so when big investors or the smart money shorts a stock, people take notice. They try to unearth the red flags that may have prompted the high short interest. We decided to dig deeper and try to find out where smart money sees trouble ahead. To come up with our list of 20 underperforming stocks targeted by short sellers, we looked at the worst-performing stocks of the last six months and then ranked them by the short interest. A close-up of the fingers of a technician scanning an ID, verifying the Enrollment Verification process. Short interest: 20.24% 6 months' performance: -29.91% Clear Secure, Inc. (NYSE:YOU) operates a secure identity platform mainly in the United States under the CLEAR brand name. It also provides CLEAR Plus and CLEAR mobile app as well as CLEAR1, TSA PreCheck Enrollment Provided by CLEAR, RESERVE powered by CLEAR, Sora ID, Home to Gate, and a virtual queuing technology. The stock is down 28.51% in the last 6 months, with a short interest of 20.24%. Clear Secure, Inc. (NYSE:YOU) reported an impressive growth in Q4 2024 earnings. Revenues grew by 20.7% compared to the same period last year. With profit margins standing at 56%, the quarter ended with a remarkable 64.9% free cash flow margin. Despite strong earnings, concerns remain around decreasing CLEAR Plus usage and member retention in case a recession occurs. Another major risk is that the company is heavily dependent on travel demand, which can drop during economic downturns. If travel demand declines, it will affect the member retention and addition negatively. Recent price increases may increase revenue, but they also pose the risk of driving away customers if they resist the price change. Overall, YOU ranks 2nd on our list of underperforming stocks targeted by short sellers. While we acknowledge the potential of YOU as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than YOU but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Insider
23-04-2025
- Business Insider
How CLEAR is helping travelers get REAL ID ready
If you're a frequent traveler, you've probably seen REAL ID posters in the airport. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have announced that US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant by May 7, 2025, to go through airport security and board domestic flights. With the upcoming deadline and summer travel picking up, many are rushing to apply for a REAL ID despite lack of appointment availability at local Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs). Additionally, this may cause some chaos and unexpected delays at airports. Fortunately, CLEAR is here to help. With CLEAR Plus, you can speed through airport security, and upload your REAL ID-compliant document to the CLEAR App in advance. Find out what you need to do to be REAL ID ready, and how CLEAR can help you avoid the chaos at the airports. Understanding REAL ID The REAL ID Act was published in 2005 to enhance security standards and prevent terrorists from using fraudulent identification. While a driver's license is a state-issued ID, a REAL ID meets new federal standards and identification requirements. Travelers will need a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, to fly domestically. However, your US passport, passport card, or military ID are acceptable forms of identification and can be used to travel domestically, as well. To get a REAL ID, you'll need to schedule an appointment with your local DMV to upgrade your driver's license. Be sure to check your local requirements and bring all necessary documentation. How CLEAR can help you be REAL ID ready For those who are unable to obtain a REAL ID by the deadline, having a CLEAR Plus Membership can help. As a CLEAR Plus Member, travelers can upload their passport to the CLEAR App, allowing them to use the CLEAR Plus Lane without needing to pull out an ID. Tip: You should always have a REAL ID-compliant document with you when you fly. Airports are more chaotic than ever, so using the CLEAR Plus Lane will help keep travelers moving through airport security. Members can also determine the best time to leave with the Home-to-Gate feature in the CLEAR App. It calculates traffic data, security wait times, and walk times at the airport to get you to your gate. Members can even reserve an Uber ride directly in the app. Best of all, a CLEAR Plus Membership offers a suite of benefits and exclusive discounts by giving travelers access to CLEAR Perks. From luggage storing and shipping options to flight price alerts, CLEAR Plus Members can enjoy over $500 in value. Whether you're unable to get a REAL ID before the deadline or you simply want a stress-free travel experience, CLEAR Plus can help. Join CLEAR Plus and use the CLEAR App to keep your ID in your bag.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amex Business Platinum review: Plenty of premium benefits for frequent business travelers
Traveling for business can be a drag as you move from city to city to meet clients, generate leads, and visit vendors. But adding a little luxury to the process can improve your travel experience and help you feel refreshed during long travel days. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers numerous travel benefits, including travel and dining credits, airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and more. Learn more about this premium business travel card to decide if it suits your business needs. Beyond earning and redeeming Membership Rewards points, the Amex Business Platinum Card includes numerous perks to add extra value to cardholders. Here is a sample of the benefits you'll receive. Enjoy over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including travel, dining, technology, recruiting and more: Up to $400 in annual statement credits (up to $200 semi-annually; enrollment required) on U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies (through June 30, 2025) Up to $360 in annual statement credits (up to $90 quarterly; enrollment required) on purchases with Indeed (through June 30, 2025) Up to $150 in annual statement credits for select auto-renewing Adobe business subscriptions (through June 30, 2025; enrollment required) Up to $120 in annual statement credits for purchases with U.S. wireless telephone service providers (enrollment required) Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees with one qualifying airline of your choice Up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) Fee credit for Global Entry (every four years) or TSA PreCheck (every 4.5 years) Link your card to receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status (enrollment required) for as long as your card is open. Additionally, when you book rooms in the Fine Hotels & Resorts collection through Amex Travel, you can receive benefits like room upgrades when available, a $100 toward eligible charges, late checkout, and more. Related: The best hotel credit cards Receive complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges that participate in the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Eligible lounges include Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges (enrollment required), Escape Lounges, and more. Cardholders also receive access to the Delta Sky Club when flying Delta. When booking travel with your Amex Business Platinum, you'll receive automatic travel protections at no extra charge. These protections include trip delay insurance, trip cancellation or interruption insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance, and more. Read more: How credit card travel insurance works Using your card to make regular purchases also provides protection on eligible items. Purchase protection covers new purchases that are stolen, accidentally damaged, or lost within 90 days from the purchase date. Extended warranty coverage provides up to one additional year to U.S. manufacturer warranties of five years or less. Cell phone protection reimburses you for repair or replacement costs up to $800 twice every 12 months (after a $50 deductible). Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel 1.5x points on select business categories (U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, U.S. electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers, and U.S. shipping providers) and on purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per card account per calendar year) 1x points on all other spending Purchases you make that are eligible for multiple bonus categories will only receive the highest eligible bonus rewards. Amex Business Platinum cardholders have several ways to earn Membership Rewards points on purchases, limited-time offers, and successful referrals. As a new cardholder, you can earn 150,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $20,000 during the first three months. That's equal to business spending of about $6,667 per month or more. The welcome offer is in addition to the points you'll earn on each transaction. When booking flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel, you'll earn 5x points per dollar. This allows business owners to maximize points on travel purchases booked through Amex's travel portal. There's no annual limit to the 5x rewards you can earn on these travel business purchases and large transactions are eligible to earn 1.5x points for every dollar spent. Eligible business categories include: U.S. construction material suppliers Hardware suppliers U.S. electronic goods retailers Software and cloud system providers U.S. shipping providers Because these bonus categories are designated solely for U.S. spending, this isn't the best card for you if your business buys the majority of supplies and materials abroad. Additionally, all purchases of $5,000 or more qualify for these bonus points, regardless of the type of retailer. If you make a lot of bulk purchases for your business or office space, this could be a great way to rack up extra points. Bonus points are available on up to $2 million of spending each year. You'll earn 1x points on everyday spending that does not earn bonus points. If you want the perks of the Platinum Business Card but spend outside of bonus categories, consider pairing the Amex Business Platinum with the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express to earn 2x points on everyday purchases (up to $50,000 per year, then 1x) that don't qualify for a bonus category. Amex Offers are limited-time promotions with select retailers and in specific categories that you must manually activate to use. Offers are based on your customer profile, card type, spending patterns, and other factors. The offers typically provide a statement credit, bonus points based on the purchase amount, or a flat number of points for making a qualifying purchase. When you add employee cards to your account, you'll earn points based on their spending. These points add to your rewards balance to accelerate your ability to make a redemption. You can set individual spending limits for each card to limit their ability to make purchases. Be aware that some employee cards charge annual fees, so make sure the benefits outweigh the cost. American Express allows cardholders to earn additional points by referring friends and family through a custom link. When your referral uses your link and is approved, you'll earn bonus points (up to an annual maximum) based on which card they are approved for. Unlike points earned from purchases, Amex will issue a Form 1099 for your taxes based on the value of these points. American Express offers numerous ways to redeem rewards. However, not all of them offer the same value to cardholders. If you have a Business Platinum Card, these options have the highest redemption value: Flights booked through Amex Travel. When booking a flight through Amex Travel, you'll get 1 cent per point in value. But when you pay with points using the Business Platinum Card, you'll get even more of a boost — a 35% airline bonus when you use points to book Business and First Class tickets on any airline, and the same 35% bonus for any ticket on your selected qualifying airline. Fine Hotels & Resorts reservations. Amex Business Platinum Cards offer exclusive benefits at select properties. Additionally, you can redeem points for 1 cent per point in value instead of using cash. Airline and hotel transfer partners. Transferring points to an Amex partner loyalty program can unlock significantly higher value for flights and hotels, depending on how the points are used. Select gift cards. Redeeming points for gift cards from select retailers also provides 1 cent per point in value. However, numerous retailers offer a lower redemption value. Read more: Should you use credit card points for shopping or travel? The American Express Business Platinum Card is an ideal rewards card for business owners who want luxury travel benefits. Frequent business travelers can earn 5x points when booking flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel. The card also includes complimentary airport lounge access, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold elite status, and several other travel benefits. While it has a high annual fee, business owners who utilize all of the card's annual credits will come out ahead. However, if your business spending isn't already focused in the categories that can help you earn annual credits (both travel purchases and business spending), you may be better served by a different business credit card. Related: Are travel credit cards worth it? Earn up to 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Flexible Membership Rewards points have numerous redemption options Valuable annual credits across a range of spending categories Complimentary airport lounge access and other travel benefits $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), plus additional costs for employee cards No 0% intro APR offer Some redemption options have a value under 1 cent per point Credits only help offset annual fee if you use them regularly The Business Platinum Card from American Express can be used to make purchases at any retailer that accepts Amex cards. In the U.S., 99% of all retailers that accept credit cards take Amex cards. However, when traveling internationally, you may find that Amex cards are not as widely accepted. When making purchases outside the U.S., the Amex Business Platinum does not charge foreign transaction fees. This benefit waives currency conversion charges of up to 3%, which some banks charge. Make payment online through the Amex mobile app Set up recurring payments Call (800) 472-9297 to make a payment by phone Mail payment to: American ExpressP.O. Box 96001Los Angeles, CA, 90096–8000 Customer service is available 24/7 Phone number: (800) 492-3344 Business Platinum Card login page This embedded content is not available in your region. The Amex Business Platinum Card is an excellent travel card for business owners who have a lot of expenses and can save money from annual credits. For businesses looking to earn rewards for a lower price tag, these alternatives offer significant value. Why we like it: The American Express Business Gold Card rewards business owners with 4x points on the top two eligible spending categories each month (among six possible categories). You'll get the 4x bonus points on the first $150,000 you spend each year, then 1x points. Plus, get 3x points on flights and prepaid hotels when booking through Amex Travel and 1x on all other purchases. The Amex Business Gold Card also earns Membership Rewards points, so you have the same flexible redemption options, including transferring to airline and hotel partners. Annual statement credits, including up to $240 for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores (up to $20 per month; enrollment required) and a Walmart+ monthly membership credit (subject to auto-renewal) can help offset the card's $375 annual fee (see rates and fees).Why we like it: Business owners who value flexible points and airport lounge access should also consider the Capital One Venture X Business card. It earns an unlimited 2x miles on everyday purchases, plus 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 10x miles on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel. Cardholders also get airport lounge access, travel protections, benefits when you book Premier Collection hotel stays, free employee and virtual cards, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credits once every four years. The card has a $395 annual fee, which can be easy for business travelers to offset when factoring in the $300 annual travel credit for Capital One Travel bookings and 10,000 annual bonus miles starting after your first anniversary. Why we like it: The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is an all-purpose business rewards credit card that earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. It is an ideal choice for business owners who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. The card also comes with an intro 0% APR on new purchases, which can help give you extra time to pay off business purchases. Over time, you can even pair it with other Chase credit cards to unlock additional redemption article was edited by Kendall Little. Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
