What Is a Nexus Card and When Should You Use It?

A Nexus card is a form of identification that can be used instead of a passport or a permanent resident card when entering Canada or the U.S. To get a card, travelers will have to apply for Nexus, which is a Trusted Traveler Program similar to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

Those who are approved for a Nexus membership receive a Nexus card. The main difference between a Nexus card and U.S. passport is where each is accepted. Nexus cards are accepted at U.S. and Canada land borders, Canada's airports and U.S. airports with Canada preclearance locations. Alternatively, a passport can be used to travel across most international borders.

Nexus was created for low-risk, preapproved travelers to help speed up border crossings between Canada and the U.S. All Nexus members receive a Nexus card when their membership is approved. The card can be used when entering the U.S. or Canada.

As a Nexus member, you bypass the regular line of travelers and enter a special security/customs line when you arrive in either country. These lines are typically much shorter, and the process is much quicker.

Nexus also offers the benefits of Global Entry at no additional cost. Nexus members can use Global Entry kiosks when entering the U.S. and also have TSA PreCheck benefits.

In addition, the Nexus card can be used in place of a passport when traveling between the U.S. and Canada. Be aware that when traveling by air from Canada to the U.S., you can use your Nexus card at Canadian airports with a U.S. preclearance area only. If the airport doesn't have a U.S. preclearance area, you'll have to use your passport to access your Nexus benefits.

» Learn more: 4 key differences between a passport card and book

Nexus membership costs $120 for five years, but the Nexus card is free with membership. There are several credit cards that reimburse the Nexus membership fee:

• Aeroplan® Credit Card.

• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.

• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card.

• The New United Quest℠ Card.

If you frequently travel between both countries, consider one of the cards above to get your membership fee reimbursed.

» Learn more: 8 credit cards that reimburse Nexus

Although Nexus and Global Entry share many features, the Nexus card might be a better option if you:

• Travel frequently between the U.S. and Canadian borders, whether by land, air or boat.

• Travel with children. Children younger than 18 must also apply for membership, but if approved, their application fee is waived.

• Want access to perks from other trusted-traveler programs. NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks located in select airports for entry into the U.S. and use TSA PreCheck security lanes when traveling through U.S. airports.

» Learn more: Global Entry vs. Nexus

The main reason you might want to pass on the Nexus card is because the final step in the application process is an in-person interview. These interviews occur at a handful of places only, including select U.S.-Canada land border crossings and airports in Canada.

If you'll have a difficult time making it to one of these locations, the Nexus card might not be a good choice for you.

» Learn more: What is Global Entry and how do I get it?

Nexus membership is open to citizens and permanent residents of both Canada and the U.S. Permanent residents of either country must have resided in the country for at least three years before applying to Nexus. Exceptions apply. Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico’s trusted-traveler program, Viajero Confiable, can also apply for Nexus membership.

To get your application approved, you need to prove that you’re a low-risk traveler. This step includes verifying that you:

• Haven't been convicted of a crime.

• Have no outstanding warrants.

• Aren't subject to an ongoing investigation by a law enforcement agency.

• Haven't violated customs, immigration or agriculture-related laws.

Both the U.S. and Canada need to approve your application. Once it's approved, you'll set up an appointment for an in-person interview, which can be held at border crossings in Canada and the U.S., as well as Canadian airports.

The Nexus card is a great option for people who travel frequently between the U.S. and Canada. In addition to offering the same benefits as Global Entry, it can be used for air, vehicle and boat travel between the two countries.

However, the application process includes an in-person interview. If it would be a challenge for you to get to one of the limited interview locations, you may want to skip the Nexus card and apply for Global Entry.