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Is Global Entry Worth It?
Consider enrolling if you travel internationally. With the right card, it might not even cost you anything.
After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi.
Chris Burkhardt is a former freelance editor for NerdWallet, helping with travel and credit card related content. A graduate of the University of Oregon, Chris has been a writer, editor, videographer and more in his 10 years as a journalist. Prior to joining the NerdWallet team in 2021, Chris was a digital media producer for NBC Sports — where his numerous trips around the country covering major sporting events helped his understanding of the travel world.
When not editing articles for NerdWallet, Chris can be heard hosting sports talk radio on iHeart Radio’s Rip City Radio 620 or running the digital content for the Oregon School Activities Association.
Chris is based in Portland, Oregon.
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If you’ve traveled internationally, you’ve probably experienced a line or two at immigration when coming home. Although the time you’ll wait will differ depending on where and when you arrive, nobody likes spending time in a queue — especially after a long flight.
Global Entry aims to expedite this process, allowing eligible travelers to skip the immigration line in favor of dedicated kiosks. But is Global Entry worth it? Let’s take a look at the cost of this service, its best benefits and how to know if it’s right for you.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program operated by Customs and Border Protection that allows you to take advantage of separate lines at immigration within a variety of U.S. airports. There are even some overseas locations offering Global Entry to returning travelers.
This means that when you get off of the plane, you’ll head for the Global Entry line where kiosks will rapidly identify you and send you on your way.
There are different ways that this is accomplished. The old method included scanning your passport and your fingerprints, as well as answering some questions. Newer kiosks don’t require this. They can use facial recognition, much like Clear, to identify who you are.
Be aware that being approved for Global Entry can take some time. You’ll need to complete the application, which includes personal information such as your work history and past travel. Once conditionally approved, you’ll need to complete an in-person interview in order to receive your Global Entry membership.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Many U.S. airports offer Enrollment on Arrival, allowing those who are conditionally approved for Global Entry to complete their interviews once they land rather than needing a separate appointment.
Which credit card do you use to get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Caitlin Mims
Travel Writer and Content Management Specialist
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card® .
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card® .
Caitlin Mims
Travel Writer and Content Management Specialist
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Caitlin Mims
Travel Writer and Content Management Specialist
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card® .
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card® .
Caitlin Mims
Travel Writer and Content Management Specialist
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Caitlin Mims
Travel Writer and Content Management Specialist
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card® .
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card® .
Caitlin Mims
Travel Writer and Content Management Specialist
But even though it takes a fair amount of time to go through the initial Global Entry application, it theoretically saves you a big chunk of time once you have it. According to the U.S. Travel Association, Global Entry's automated biometric technology reduced arrival wait times by 70% and saved officers more than 300,000 hours.
How much does Global Entry cost?
Global Entry isn’t free; the cost for a five-year membership is $120. However, this fee also includes TSA PreCheck. The cost is the same whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing Global Entry.
The biggest advantage of Global Entry is that you'll have access to expedited immigration lines when you return to the U.S. after international travel. You'll be able to use Global Entry kiosks that will verify your identity, instead of having an immigration officer spend time checking your passport.
The amount of time it'll save you entirely depends on how busy your port of entry is. It might only save you a few minutes if the airport immigration lines are short or it might save you hours if the line at a border crossing is long.
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The best Global Entry benefits
Global Entry comes with a variety of benefits — not just expedited immigration.
TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck is a program that allows you to speed through security at the airport. This means leaving your laptops in your luggage, your liquids in your bags and your belt on. TSA PreCheck normally costs $78 for a five-year membership.
SENTRI. Having SENTRI allows you to pass from Mexico into the U.S. through land borders at dedicated, expedited lanes. If you register your vehicle with SENTRI during your Global Entry application, there is no fee.
NEXUS. NEXUS is the joint Canadian-American Trusted Traveler program. While Global Entry won’t get you access to NEXUS, it does allow you to use the NEXUS lanes when re-entering the U.S. through the land border.
How to know if Global Entry is right for you
Global Entry may not be worth your time and effort if you’re not putting it to use. Here are some things to consider if you want to sign up.
1. Do you need Global Entry?
There are multiple Trusted Traveler Programs available to you, but not all of them provide the same benefits. Here are the most common:
If you’re not traveling internationally, or you almost exclusively use the land borders, Global Entry may not be the best fit for your needs. Frequent travelers across the Canadian border will be better served by a NEXUS card, whereas those traveling primarily to Mexico overland will be better served with a SENTRI Pass.
2. How expensive is your time?
Immigration lines can be lengthy, especially if you’re flying into a larger airport, such as Los Angeles. If you’re in a hurry, Global Entry can help speed you along your way — especially if you haven’t checked a bag.
3. How often do you fly?
Global Entry is a program designed to serve international travelers, but it also includes TSA PreCheck.
If you’re interested in having your Global Entry costs reimbursed, you’re in luck. A Global Entry fee credit is a very common benefit for many different travel credit cards. Here are some of the cards that will reimburse the $120 fee for your Global Entry application:
Cards that reimburse Global Entry fees Cards that reimburse Global Entry fees
Note that most of these cards will reimburse either an application fee from Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Meanwhile, Chase’s cards will also reimburse you for a NEXUS application, which can provide you expedited entry to Canada.
Whether or not Global Entry is worth it will depend on your personal situation. If all your travel is domestic, Global Entry may not fit your needs. But if you have international travel plans within the next five years, Global Entry can save you a lot of time at the airport. Considering that it includes TSA PreCheck and many travel credit cards reimburse this fee, it’s easy to make a case where Global Entry is worth the effort.
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