Global Entry Program: benefits, costs, and how to apply

Global Entry® is a popular Trusted Traveler Program for low-risk US travelers. It can help you avoid long lines at US customs and speed up security every time you come back into the country.

We’ve put together everything you need to know about Global Entry, including key membership features, benefits, costs, and how to apply.

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What is the Global Entry program?

Global Entry helps frequent flyers get through US customs and immigration as efficiently as possible when returning to the US from overseas.

When you come back to the US, you can use a Global Entry kiosk to scan your passport or permanent resident card, verify your identity, and complete a customs declaration. This means you don’t have to wait for an officer to check all of your documents before heading to security.

This program is aimed at low-risk, pre-approved travelers — and over 75 airports across the US have Global Entry kiosks available to use¹.

A Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck®. This is another Trusted Traveler Program that lets you go through expedited airport security. You can use TSA PreCheck lines to skip ahead of other travelers and go through security without removing your shoes, laptop, liquids, belt, or light jacket.

What is a Global Entry card?

A Global Entry card proves your membership, and it can be used to access Global Entry travel lanes whenever you fly.

However, this card isn’t accepted as ID verification. It’s important to have your Known Traveler Number and passport or lawful permanent resident card to hand when using a Global Entry kiosk.

How long is Global Entry valid for?

A Global Entry membership lasts for 5 years. Unlike other Trusted Traveler Programs, such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry costs the same amount for every renewal.

Does Global Entry work for international travel?

Yes — in fact, Global Entry aims to make travel easier for frequent international travelers.

Who can get Global Entry?

US citizens and US lawful permanent residents of all ages can apply for the Global Entry program.

Citizens from other countries can also apply for the program, including: Mexico, Argentina, Panama, Colombia, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Singapore, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK.

In addition, some other programs give citizens of other countries Global Entry benefits:

• Citizens from the Netherlands who are enrolled in FLUX®
• Citizens from South Korea who are enrolled in Smart Entry Service
• Citizens of Canada who are enrolled in NEXUS®²

Criminal offenses or previous issues with US Customs and Border Protection could mean you’re not eligible for a Global Entry card.

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What's the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?

There are a few notable differences between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

These programs focus on simplifying different parts of your airport journey. Global Entry can help you speed through US customs and immigration, whereas TSA PreCheck lets you use specific security screening lines.

We’ve put together the main features, pros, cons, and costs of these Trusted Traveler Programs:

	Global Entry	TSA PreCheck
Features	Expedited US customs and immigration process Reduced wait times	Aimed at domestic travelers Go through security without removing your shoes, laptop, liquids, belt, and a light jacket
Pros	Includes TSA PreCheck Available at 75+ airports No paperwork	A cheaper option for domestic travelers Speed through long security lines
Cons	All travelers must have their own membership	Members may still be subject to some random airport security checks
Cost	100 USD	78 USD
Membership length	5 years	5 years
Do any credit card companies reimburse the fee?	Yes — many credit cards will reimburse the application fee	Yes — many credit cards will reimburse the application fee

Global Entry fees and costs

Global Entry costs 100 USD for a 5-year membership. However, some credit card companies will reimburse your Global Entry application fee.

Many banks offer this option, including:
Capital One® Venture X rewards credit card³ Bank of America® Premium Rewards credit card⁴ Chase® Sapphire Reserve⁵

How to apply for Global Entry: step by step

It’s easy to apply for Global Entry, but there are a few things to remember. Many credit card companies offer reimbursement for this Trusted Traveler Program, but it’s important to apply for your membership correctly to receive it.

We’ve put together everything you need to know for your Global Entry application.

Getting Global Entry through credit cards

A step-by-step guide to getting Global Entry through your credit card company.

Step 1. Sign up to a participating credit card company, if you haven’t already got an account

Step 2. Create a Trusted Traveler Program account online and complete a digital Global Entry application form

Step 3. Pay your 100 USD membership fee using your credit card. Different credit cards have different rules, but you should receive credit within a couple of billing cycles

Step 4. Once you receive conditional approval, schedule an interview at your local Global Entry Enrollment Center

Step 5. Complete your interview. This includes ID verification, fingerprinting, and a series of questions about your recent travel history

Step 6. You’ll receive your Known Traveler Number straight away, and you should receive your Global Entry card in the mail within 10 days of your interview

Step 7. To activate your card, log in to your Trusted Traveler Program account and click the “Activate Membership Card” button

Apply online for Global Entry

If you’re applying for Global Entry without a participating credit card, the process is very similar.

A step-by-step guide to applying for Global Entry online.

Step 1. Create a Trusted Traveler Program account online and complete a digital Global Entry application form. This includes information about you and your travel history

Step 2. Pay your 100 USD membership fee using the credit or debit card of your choice

Step 3. Once you receive pre-approval, schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center

Step 4. Complete your interview. Remember to bring your passport and another form of ID for a customs officer to check

Step 5. You’ll receive your Known Traveler Number straight away. You should receive your Global Entry card in the mail within 10 days of your interview

Step 6. Once you’ve received your card, activate it via your Trusted Traveler Program account. Simply click the “Activate Membership Card” button to get started

What is the Global Entry interview like?

During your Global Entry interview, a customs officer will take you through the full approval process. It shouldn’t last more than 15 minutes, but this can depend from person to person.

Make sure to read the instructions for your interview carefully so you know what ID you need to bring — and what time you need to arrive at the enrollment center.

You’ll give your fingerprints and you’ll also have your photograph taken.

A customs officer will confirm any answers on your online application and they may ask a few questions about your recent travel history, too.

It’s worth noting that you can choose to complete your Global Entry interview when you first come back to the US after conditional approval. This is called Enrollment on Arrival, and it’s available at any participating Global Entry airport.

What are the steps after your Global Entry is approved?

After your Global Entry application has been fully approved by a customs officer, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number. It’s very important to keep this number safe, as you may need it at the airport.

You’ll also receive a Global Entry card in the mail, typically within 7 to 10 business days after interview approval.

This card can be used to access Global Entry lanes when you come back into the US. Before you make your first trip, make sure to activate your card via your Trusted Traveler Program account.

What can you do if you're denied Global Entry?

If you don’t receive approval for your Global Entry application, you can appeal. There are a few ways to do this, including:

Making an appointment at a Trusted Traveler enrollment center Emailing Global Entry’s ombudsman Filing a complaint through the Department of Homeland Security’s Traveler Redress Inquiry Program

There are many reasons why you may not be approved the first time you apply for Global Entry, like if you’ve traveled to certain countries in the past your application may be flagged.

Bottomline: is Global Entry worth it?

Global Entry is a useful Trusted Traveler Program for international travelers, and it can speed up your experience of US customs and immigration whenever you come back into the country.

This program isn’t a travel essential for everyone, but it could save you valuable time if you frequently fly in and out of the country — and many credit card companies will reimburse your membership fee, too.

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Sources:

1. CBP
2. Nerd Wallet
3. Capital One
4. Bank of America
5. Chase

Sources checked on 05.08.2023