Is a Credit Card with Global Entry Benefit Right for You?

Global Entry is a program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for people who have proved to CBP that they are low-risk travelers. Global Entry lets members place their machine-readable passports on a reader at a kiosk and use biometric scanners to confirm their identity via facial recognition or fingerprints.^1,2 They can then proceed through and exit the airport, cutting down the time spent waiting in line.

According to CBP, as of June 2024, Global Entry was available at 77 U.S. airports plus 14 Preclearance locations – where CBP agents screen passengers before they board planes for the U.S. There were around 10 million members directly enrolled in the program, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents, along with foreigners from 15 partner countries.^3,4,5

Global Entry members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents also receive a membership in the TSA PreCheck^® screening program, which streamlines security checks for flights in more than 200 airports.^6,7 Travelers usually don’t have to remove their shoes and articles from carry-on bags. About 99% of TSA PreCheck^® passengers wait less than 10 minutes.⁸ This is close to CBP’s goal of processing TSH PreCheck members in less than 10 minutes.⁹

You begin the Global Entry application process by filling out an online form and paying a nonrefundable $120 application fee that covers a five-year membership. If you meet the CBP criteria and pass a background check, you’re notified and asked to schedule an in-person interview.¹⁰

It can be done by appointment at a U.S. airport or without an appointment when you re-enter the U.S. from abroad at an international airport with a CBP Enrollment on Arrival program.¹¹ Once approved, you’ll receive a Global Entry card and a CBP PASS ID number.¹² If additional manual review is needed after initial vetting, the entire Global Entry application process may take anywhere from six to eight months to complete, according to CBP.¹³

If you decide that a credit card with Global Entry reimbursement is right for you, here are a few things to know about the Global Entry application process:

• The application process is simple, but it can be slow. Although it takes only a few minutes to apply for the program, it may take CBP four to six months to process applications. You will be informed of acceptance or rejection by email.¹³
• There are ways to speed the process. You may want to schedule an interview at your local airport enrollment office but then, if possible, use the Enrollment on Arrival program if you travel internationally prior to your scheduled interview.
• Approach a Global Entry renewal strategically. It’s a good idea to start the renewal process early, as it can take four to six months. And if you decide to obtain a credit card with Global Entry reimbursement, you can do this first and then apply for the renewal.

If you believe Global Entry fits your needs – and even if you travel internationally only a few times a year, there’s a good chance it does – you can consider a credit card with a Global Entry benefit. For example, some American Express cards include a $120 Global Entry credit that reimburses your application fee. The credit is available every four years, which means you won’t have to pay for Global Entry as long as the credit is offered and available.

 
A Global Entry fee reimbursement may be a worthwhile extension to a regular credit card. But cards that offer Global Entry benefits tend to charge high annual fees that can be as high as $500, so it’s a good idea to evaluate whether the overall perks of the card are suited well-enough to your lifestyle and spending habits to make that feel worthwhile.¹⁴ Travel credit cards that offer a Global Entry reimbursement credit may also offer perks like:¹⁴

• Welcome offers.
• Travel and airline rewards points or miles.
• Trip insurance.
• Discounts on in-flight purchases.
• Airport lounge entry.