I. The New Fee Structure: What's Changed?
The familiar dread of the international arrivals hall: long, slow-moving arrival lines. For savvy US travelers, Global Entry has long been the golden ticket to bypassing this travel purgatory. However, a recent price hike in the program's application fee has many questioning its value. The good news? Your travel credit card might just be the key to keeping this popular perk "free."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has increased the application fee for Global Entry, its popular Trusted Traveler Program (TTP), from $100 to $120 for a five-year membership. This 20% increase is part of a broader fee harmonization across several TTPs, including NEXUS (for U.S.-Canada travel) and SENTRI (for U.S.-Mexico travel), which now also have a $120 application fee for adults. You can always find the latest fee information on the official Trusted Traveler Programs website.
This change naturally begs the question: is Global Entry still worth the investment? And, for the budget-conscious traveler, are there ways to avoid paying the higher fee? Fortunately, many premium travel credit cards have already updated their benefits to cover the new, higher fee, ensuring that for many, the program remains an essential, and effectively free, travel tool.
II. The Gold Standard of Travel: Is It Still Worth It at $120?
Even with the price increase, the comprehensive benefits of Global Entry continue to present a strong argument for its value, especially for those who frequently fly internationally.
The Unbeatable Benefits
- Expedited U.S. Customs Clearance: Members bypass the often lengthy customs lines, instead using designated Global Entry kiosks or advanced facial recognition technology at over 75 major U.S. airports. This can turn a potential hour-long wait into a swift, minutes-long process. The program continues to evolve, with many airports now offering "paperless entry" through facial scans and a mobile app that allows travelers to submit their information via smartphone at a growing number of locations.
- TSA PreCheck® Included: A significant value-add is that Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck® benefits. This means expedited security screening on domestic flights and international departures from the U.S. at over 200 airports with more than 85 participating airlines. Travelers can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leave laptops and liquids in their bags.
- Beyond the Airport: The perks extend to land travel as well. Global Entry members can use expedited SENTRI lanes when entering the U.S. from Mexico and NEXUS lanes when coming from Canada. Additionally, preclearance facilities at 15 international locations allow members to complete U.S. customs and immigration before boarding their flight to the United States.
III. A Welcome Change for Families
In a significant and welcome move for families, CBP now waives the application fee for individuals under 18 whose application is submitted at the same time as a parent or legal guardian who is also applying, or if the parent or guardian is already a member of a Trusted Traveler Program. For a family of four with two children, this represents an immediate saving of $240 under the new fee structure, making it far more affordable to ensure a smoother airport experience for the whole family.
IV. Your Wallet's Secret Weapon: Credit Cards That Cover the Cost
The most effective way to offset the new $120 Global Entry fee is through a statement credit offered by a wide range of travel rewards credit cards. Cardholders simply pay the application fee with their eligible card, and the issuer provides a statement credit for the amount, typically up to $120. This credit is generally available every four to five years, aligning perfectly with Global Entry's five-year membership.
Several premium travel credit cards, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, offer a statement credit that fully covers the new $120 fee. While these cards often have higher annual fees, they also come packed with other valuable travel perks like airport lounge access, annual travel credits, and robust rewards programs.
Beyond the top-tier cards, numerous other credit cards with more moderate annual fees also provide a Global Entry fee credit, making this "free" perk accessible to a broader range of travelers.
Important Note: While the Global Entry statement credit is a fantastic perk, it's crucial to evaluate a credit card based on its entire benefits package in relation to its annual fee and how it aligns with your personal spending and travel habits.
V. A Word of Warning: Avoid Third-Party Application Services
A critical piece of advice for all prospective Global Entry applicants: apply only through the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. Numerous third-party websites exist that appear to offer application assistance but often charge exorbitant fees for services that provide little to no real value.
The official and only correct URL is: https://ttp.dhs.gov/
VI. Exploring the Alternatives
While Global Entry is a comprehensive solution, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone.
- Mobile Passport Control (MPC): This free app from CBP allows eligible travelers to submit their passport and customs declaration information digitally upon arrival, using dedicated MPC lanes for faster processing. It’s a great option for those who travel internationally less frequently.
- NEXUS: For those who often travel between the U.S. and Canada, the NEXUS program is an excellent choice. It provides expedited processing at airports and land borders in both countries and includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® benefits. The application fee for NEXUS has also been standardized at $120.
VII. The Verdict: An Investment in Smoother Travels
Despite the fee increase, Global Entry remains a top-tier program for U.S. international travelers. The combination of expedited customs clearance and the inclusion of TSA PreCheck® offers significant time savings and a noticeable reduction in travel stress. The new policy waiving fees for minors makes it an even more attractive option for families.
The key to unlocking this value without the direct cost lies in the many travel rewards credit cards that now offer statement credits covering the full $120 fee. For travelers who can take advantage of such a benefit, Global Entry becomes a compelling investment in a more efficient and enjoyable travel experience.
Before your next international trip, we encourage you to:
- 👍Assess your travel frequency to determine if Global Entry is the right fit for you.
- 👍Review your current credit card benefits to see if a Global Entry or TTP fee credit is already available to you.
- 👍When considering a new travel credit card, factor in the Global Entry statement credit as a tangible perk that can enhance the card's overall value.
- 👍Always apply for Trusted Traveler Programs directly through the official government website.
In the end, nothing feels longer than a customs line when you’re jet-lagged. Global Entry, especially when its cost is covered by a credit card, is a smart way to reclaim precious time and ensure your journeys begin and end on a high note.