Travel Tips & Trends:
Do I Need Global Entry?

Global Entry

Global Entry is a program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to speed through immigration when returning to the U.S.

• Includes TSA PreCheck benefits so you’ll also get faster security screening for many domestic flights.

• At international arrival airports you can use kiosks to scan your passport and fingerprints, complete a simple customs declaration and skip long wait-lines.

• Requires an application, background check, an in-person interview, and a non-refundable fee.

• Cost: The fee has recently increased (from $100 to $120) as of October 1, 2024. 
  Best for: Frequent international travelers who return to the U.S. often and want to skip immigration lines.

 

TSA PreCheck

• For domestic travel security screening (within the U.S.), not for customs/immigration when arriving from abroad.

• You get shorter security lines, keep shoes, belt and light jacket on, and can leave laptop & liquids in your bag at many airports.
  Best for: Mostly domestic flyers who want faster security at home airports.

 

CLEAR

• A separate service that uses biometric identity (fingerprint, iris scan) to verify you at the front of the security line and get you to screening faster.

• Works in collaboration with TSA PreCheck at many airports.
  Best for: Frequent flyers at airports that offer CLEAR, who want to minimize wait times even further.

 

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App

• A free official CBP app that lets travelers submit their passport information               and customs declaration electronically upon arrival in the U.S.

• After submission you go to a dedicated MPC lane at certain airports, which is            faster than the regular line.
  Best for: Occasional international travellers who want a no-cost, simpler              alternative to Global Entry.

 

Credit Cards That Cover the Global Entry Fee

A major benefit to keep in mind: some travel credit cards reimburse the Global Entry application fee (or part of it). If you pay the fee using the eligible card, you may receive a statement credit to offset that cost. 

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Examples of cards that offer this benefit:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® — Offers a statement credit (up to $100/$120) for Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) every four years when fee is paid with the card. 

• American Express Platinum Card® — Also offers a reimbursement up to (or increasing to) $120 every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. 

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — Offers a credit for Global Entry every four years (up to the amount of the fee). 

 

Things to check and keep in mind:

• The card must specifically list a “Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) application fee statement credit” as a benefit.

• You must pay the application fee with that card for the credit to apply. 

• The credit is usually limited to one time every 4 years (or sometimes 5 years) on that card. 

• Annual fees and other travel perks vary widely — so decide if the card’s overall value (not just the Global Entry credit) makes sense for you.

• The card benefit covers the application fee, not the interview, etc.

• The benefit does not guarantee enrolment. You still must apply and be approved by CBP.

• Terms and amounts may change (e.g., as the Global Entry fee rose, many cards increased their reimbursement offer). 

 

So, Do You Need Global Entry (and/or A Card That Covers It)?

• If you travel internationally frequently (especially returning to the U.S.), Global Entry is highly worthwhile, especially if you can offset most or all of the fee via an eligible credit card.

• If you mostly travel domestically, then TSA PreCheck alone (or a card with that benefit) may suffice.

• If you travel internationally occasionally, then the MPC App or CLEAR (if available) may meet your needs without committing to Global Entry.

• If you already have a travel-rewards card with a Global Entry fee reimbursement, you’re in an excellent position to get the benefit free (or nearly free).

• If you don’t have such a card, weigh the cost of the card (and its annual fee) vs how often you travel and how much time you’ll save.