What is Global Entry and why do you want it? Here’s how to get it nearly free

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Global Entry is a government-run membership program that allows preapproved, low-risk travelers to use expedited security lines when returning to the United States from travel abroad. It’s one of several “trusted traveler programs” along with TSA PreCheck and NEXUS. Here’s what you need to know about how Global Entry works to help you decide if it’s worth it for you.

What does Global Entry do?

In the United States, Global Entry clearance speeds up the time it takes to get through the customs line when arriving from an international location. Instead of waiting in the typical long lines formed when multiple international flights arrive at the airport or a ship full of passengers disembarks at the port, those with Global Entry membership can check in at a designated kiosk or via the Global Entry mobile app, bypassing the need to wait in a queue.

How to get Global Entry

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program run by the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department. Membership in this program is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. There are also some countries that have arrangements with the U.S. and the Global Entry program to help expedite entry and exit with those countries. You can find a list of currently participating partner nations here.

For those who fit the residency criteria, there’s a few steps to apply for a Global Entry card:

1. Go to the Trusted Traveler website and create an account.
2. Fill out the application. You’ll be asked a number of questions including your legal name, Social Security number, address and other identifying information.
3. Pay a non-refundable application fee of $100. You can pay with a credit card or by electronic bank transfer. Some travel credit cards offer an application fee reimbursement if you charge it to the card. More on that below.
4. Wait for an email from the Trusted Traveler system indicating your status has changed. This might typically take around two to three weeks, although some online users have reported faster results (and some, slower results). Once you receive notice that your status has changed, you can log into your account to see if you’ve received conditional approval or been denied. If you were denied, there will be a note indicating why. If you were conditionally approved, the next step is to set up an interview at an Enrollment Center. The Trusted Traveler site indicates this could take anywhere from four to six months. A quicker option if it aligns with your travel plans is the Enrollment on Arrival option. Those entering the U.S. from an international location with conditional approval to an airport with a designated U.S. Customs and Border Control Preclearance location can complete their interview at the airport by letting the agent know when it’s your turn to clear customs. Currently there are over 50 U.S. airports with Preclearance locations. However, you can only participate in Enrollment on Arrival if you’re returning from an international trip. Domestic flights or walk-ins are not eligible for this option. Also note that you’ll need your passport and an accepted document showing evidence of residency (such as your driver’s license, mortgage or rent statement, or utility bill). 
5. Once you’ve completed your interview, it should take approximately two to four weeks to receive your physical card.

Do I need to carry my Global Entry card when traveling?

No, if you are flying, you do not need to carry your physical Global Entry card to use Global Entry in the airport. However, you do need to present your card if seeking expedited entry at SENTRI and NEXUS lanes coming into the U.S.

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

Global Entry allows expedited entry into the U.S. from international locations and also includes TSA PreCheck membership—but is run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

TSA PreCheck expedites the security line process when departing from U.S. airports and is run by the Transportation Security Administration. Here’s a comparison of the two programs:

What is CLEAR?

CLEAR is a biometric technology company that is not a government-operated trusted traveler program but can provide expedited identity screening. CLEAR® Plus is the CLEAR program found at 55+ U.S. airports that allows its members to go through the security checkpoint process more quickly in a dedicated lane.

TSA PreCheck is in more than 200 airports, although some airports will have both TSA PreCheck lanes and CLEAR lanes. Which one is faster will depend on various factors including how busy the airport is and how many people are in line for each.

Certain credit cards reimburse you for a CLEAR Plus membership, such as the American Express® Green Card—for an annual fee of $150, the Amex Green provides a yearly credit of up to $189 credit toward cost of CLEAR® Plus per calendar year. 

There’s also a free CLEAR membership option you can sign up for that can get you through security and into your seat more quickly at certain stadiums and arenas. 

All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Fortune Recommends™.

Are there other Trusted Traveler programs?

Yes, in addition to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, other trusted traveler programs include:

• NEXUS: This program allows expedited air, vehicle and pedestrian entry into the U.S. and Canada, expedited marine entrance into the U.S. from Canada, and provides access to TSA PreCheck expedited security lanes at airports within the U.S. and U.S territories for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Canadian citizens. There is a $50 application fee and NEXUS is good for five years once approved.
• SENTRI: This program allows expedited air, vehicle and pedestrian entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and all foreign nationals. There is a $122.25 fee and SENTRI is good for five years once approved. SENTRI offers access to TSA PreCheck expedited security lanes at airports within the U.S. and U.S territories for U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.
• FAST: This program allows expedited entry for truck drivers entering and exiting the U.S. from Canada and Mexico who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. There is a $50 fee and it’s good for five years. It does not include TSA PreCheck. 

Credit cards with Global Entry application fee reimbursement:

There are multiple travel credit cards that offer an up to $100 application fee reimbursement credit for you to apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck if you pay with the card. Some of the options include:

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.

The takeaway

Global Entry reimbursement is an under-rated perk of many premium credit cards. The time you take upfront to go through the enrollment process could save you hours over the next decade.

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Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.