When planning your travels, especially if you’re a frequent flyer, it’s crucial to consider programs that can make your journey smoother and faster. Among these, Global Entry stands out for international travelers, but it’s not the only option available. Here’s a comprehensive look at Global Entry Cost and its alternatives, including TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and NEXUS, to help you decide which is best for you in 2024.
Table of Contents
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a program designed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. The benefits are significant, including no processing lines, no paperwork, access to expedited entry benefits in other countries, and reduced wait times. Importantly, it also grants TSA Pre✓® eligibility, offering expedited security screening at airports across the U.S.
Global Entry Cost and Benefits
How much does global entry cost
Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership, a fee that is non-refundable even if the application is denied. This program is particularly beneficial for international travelers due to its comprehensive benefits, including TSA PreCheck.
Benefits of Global Entry
Global Entry is a program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States. The benefits include:
- No processing lines
- No paperwork
- Access to expedited entry benefits in other countries
- Available at major U.S. airports and select international locations
- Reduced wait times
- TSA Pre✓® eligibility, which includes expedited security screening at U.S. airports
Global Entry All Costs Explained
- Global Entry Cost for Family: Each family member must apply individually for Global Entry, with the cost being $100 per person for a five-year membership.
- Global Entry Cost Renewal: The renewal cost for Global Entry is $100 for another five-year term. Some credit cards offer a statement credit to cover this fee.
- Renewal Grace Period: Global Entry now offers a 24-month renewal grace period. This means that as long as you reapply before your membership expires, you can continue to use the benefits for another 24 months while your renewal application is processed.
- Global Entry Cost for Child: Children, regardless of age, need their own Global Entry membership at the cost of $100 for five years.
- Global Entry Cost and Duration: Global Entry costs $100 and the membership is valid for five years.
- Global Entry Cost and Time: The application fee of $100 is paid at the time of application. The processing time can vary, but once conditionally approved, an interview is required to complete the process, which can take several months.
- Global Entry Card Replacement Cost: The cost of replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Global Entry card is $25.00. If the card is damaged, there may not be a fee for the replacement. Once a replacement card is requested, the original card will be deactivated. To receive a replacement Global Entry card, it generally takes about 6-8 weeks for delivery. However, some individuals have reported receiving their replacement card in less than 10 days after their request was processed. It’s important to note that by requesting a replacement card, the original card will be deactivated.
How Much Does Global Entry Alerts Cost
Global Entry Alerts services offer notifications for open interview slots for the Global Entry program. The cost for these services varies:
- Global Entry Notifications provides 35 days of access for a one-time fee of $20.
- Global Entry Alerts offers 30 days of SMS alerts for a one-time fee, but the exact cost is not known.
- Global Entry Spotter charges $25 for immediate SMS alerts until you book an appointment.
- Global Entry Tracker offers a service for $5.00, giving you access to customized notifications for three months.
- Appointment Scanner costs $29 for a month’s worth of automated alerts.
Now let’s explore the costs and features of other programs to determine which ones are best suited for our needs.
Global Entry Cost 2024
Best for: Entry into the U.S. from International Destinations
- Price: $100 USD
- For: Traveling by airplane, land, or sea
- Includes: TSA PreCheck®
- Who Can Use It: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and some foreign nationals
- Application Processing Time: 4-6 months
Global Entry Appplication Cost Comparison
TSA Precheck Cost vs Global Entry
Best for: Departures from U.S. Airports
- Price: Starting from $78 USD for new enrollment
- For: Traveling by airplane
- Who Can Use It: People who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. lawful permanent residents
NEXUS Cost vs Global Entry
Best for: Entry into the U.S. from Canada
- Price: $50 USD
- For: Traveling by airplane, land, or sea
- May Include: TSA PreCheck®
- Who Can Use It: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals
- Application Processing Time: 12-14 months
SENTRI Cost vs Global Entry
Best for: Entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico
- Price: $122.25 USD
- For: Traveling by airplane and land
- May Include: TSA PreCheck®
- Who Can Use It: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and all foreign nationals
- Application Processing Time: 10-12 months
FAST Cost vs Global Entry
Best for: Truck drivers entering and exiting the U.S. from Canada and Mexico
- Price: $50 USD
- For: Commercial truck drivers
- Does Not Include: TSA PreCheck®
- Who Can Use It: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals
- Application Processing Time: 1-2 weeks
Clear vs Global Entry Cost
- Price: $189 USD per Year
- For: Commercial truck drivers
- Does Not Include: TSA PreCheck®
- Who Can Use It: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals
- Application Processing Time: 1-2 weeks
Global Entry offers more for a lower cost over a longer period, making it a more cost-effective choice for travelers who also value the inclusion of TSA PreCheck.
Choosing Global Entery vs Others
Choosing the right program depends on your travel habits:
- International Travelers: Global Entry is unmatched for those frequently traveling abroad, offering the most benefits for entering the U.S. and including TSA PreCheck.
- Domestic Flyers: TSA PreCheck is sufficient and more affordable for those staying within the U.S.
- Frequent Flyers: CLEAR can save significant time for those regularly passing through busy airports, despite its higher cost.
- U.S.-Canada Travelers: NEXUS offers the best value for frequent cross-border travel.
Global Entry Cost Saving Tips
To minimize the costs associated with Global Entry, here are five practical tips:
- Enrollment on Arrival: If you’re conditionally approved for Global Entry and have an international trip planned, you can complete your interview upon arrival in the U.S. at participating airports. This can save you the hassle and potential cost of scheduling an interview at an enrollment center.
- Monitor for Appointment Openings: Keep an eye on the Global Entry appointment schedule, especially on the first Monday of each month when new slots are often released. Being flexible and ready to take a last-minute appointment can also be beneficial.
- Attend Special Enrollment Events: Occasionally, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) hosts enrollment events in various cities. Attending one of these events can expedite the interview process without a long wait.
- Consider TSA PreCheck for Infrequent International Travel: If you don’t travel internationally often, TSA PreCheck might be a more cost-effective option. It’s cheaper than Global Entry and still offers expedited security for domestic flights. Plus, some credit cards also cover the TSA PreCheck fee.
Global Entry Application Fee Reimbursement
Many travel credit cards offer a statement credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, potentially offsetting the cost. Eligibility for Global Entry includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select countries, with all applicants undergoing a rigorous background check and in-person interview. The approval process for Global Entry can take several months, so plan accordingly.
Here is a list of some of the credit cards that commonly offer reimbursement for Global Entry fee:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- United℠ Explorer Card
These cards typically come with various travel-related benefits in addition to Global Entry fee reimbursement, such as airport lounge access, travel credits, and accelerated rewards earning on travel purchases. It’s essential to compare the features and terms of each card to find the one that best suits your travel habits and financial preferences. Additionally, eligibility for Global Entry reimbursement may vary, so be sure to check the specific terms and conditions of each card before applying.
Click here to check the full list of global entry application fee waived credit cards that cover the Global Entry application fee.
By strategically using these tips, you can potentially get Global Entry without paying the full application fee, or at least make the process more convenient and cost-effective.
Gglobal Entry Appeal Lawyer Cost
Submitting a Global Entry application doesn’t guarantee automatic approval. Your application may be denied for various reasons. If this happens, you have the option to seek assistance from a legal appeal lawyer to potentially reconsider your Global Entry application.
The cost of hiring a Global Entry appeal lawyer can vary. Some law firms offer a flat, all-inclusive fee for their services, which can be as high as $2,995. Other firms may begin the appeal process for a lower initial fee, such as $300, with the possibility of additional costs depending on the complexity of the case and the length of the records involved.
Global Entry Cost & Application FAQs
What is the cost for a Global Entry application?
The application fee for Global Entry is $100 for a five-year membership.
How much does it cost to renew my Global Entry membership?
The renewal fee for Global Entry is the same as the initial application fee, which is $100 for another five years.
Is the Global Entry fee different for children?
No, the Global Entry fee for children is the same as for adults, which is $100 for a five-year membership.
What are Global Entry Alerts and do they cost anything?
Global Entry Alerts are services that notify you of available interview slots. The cost for these services varies, with some charging a one-time fee for a set period of notifications.
Is Global Entry better than TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry is more beneficial for frequent international travelers as it includes TSA PreCheck benefits, while TSA PreCheck alone is sufficient for those who primarily fly domestically.
Can I get reimbursed for the Global Entry fee with a credit card?
Yes, many travel credit cards offer a statement credit for the Global Entry application fee, typically once every four to five years.
Are there any discounts available for global entry application fee?
Yes, there are discounts available for the Global Entry application fee. One of the most common ways to receive a discount or even get the fee waived is through certain credit cards. Currently, there are 39 co-branded airline, hotel, and other credit cards that offer up to $100 in statement credit reimbursement for the Global Entry application fees. This credit is typically available every four to five years.
Does global entry cost money?
Yes, applying for Global Entry does come with a cost. A non-refundable fee of $100 is required for each completed application, which covers a five-year membership. This fee must be paid upfront through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) system at the time of application submission. It’s important to note that the fee remains non-refundable, even in the event of application denial.
Is global entry worth the cost?
Global Entry is likely worth the cost for frequent international travelers, especially when considering the time saved at customs and the inclusion of TSA PreCheck. Additionally, if you can utilize a credit card benefit to cover the application fee, it becomes an even more attractive option.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the best program for you depends on your travel patterns, budget, and the potential to leverage credit card benefits to cover application fees. Whether it’s the comprehensive international coverage of Global Entry, the domestic convenience of TSA PreCheck, the speed of CLEAR, or the value of NEXUS for U.S.-Canada travel, there’s a program tailored to every type of traveler in 2024.
