How Credit Cards Cover Global Entry Fees

How Credit Cards Cover Global Entry Fees

Global Entry is a program designed to speed up the customs process for approved travelers entering the United States. The program is available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select countries, and requires a background check and interview process. The cost to apply for Global Entry is $100, which can be reimbursed by certaincredit cards. In this article, we will explore how credit cards cover Global Entry fees.

What is Global Entry?

Before diving into credit card benefits, let's review what Global Entry is and how it works. Global Entry is a program run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency that allows pre-approved travelers to enter the United States using automated kiosks. This program can save travelers time by bypassing the traditional customs lines and speeding up the process of entering the country. Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, which provides expedited security screening at airports.

How do credit cards cover Global Entry fees?

Several credit cards offer benefits that can cover the cost of Global Entry application fees. These benefits can come in the form ofstatement credits, points, or miles. Here are some examples:

- Chase Sapphire Reserve: This premium travel credit card offers a $100 statement credit every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

- The Platinum Card from American Express: This high-end credit card offers a $100 statement credit every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

- Citi Prestige: This luxury credit card offers a $100 statement credit every five years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

- Capital One Venture Rewards: Thistravel rewardscredit card offers a reimbursement of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

It's important to note that these benefits are subject to change, so always check the terms and conditions of your credit card before applying for Global Entry.

How to apply for Global Entry with a credit card benefit

To apply for Global Entry with a credit card benefit, follow these steps:

1. Check that your credit card offers a Global Entry fee credit benefit.

2. Apply for Global Entry through the Trusted Traveler Program website and pay the $100 application fee.

3. Wait for conditional approval and schedule an interview at a Global Entry enrollment center.

4. Attend your interview with the required documents (passport and another form of identification) and get approved.

5. Once approved, the credit card benefit will automatically reimburse the $100 application fee.

Tips for using credit card benefits

While Global Entry fee credits are a great perk of certain credit cards, it's important to use them wisely. Here are some tips:

- Make sure you have the credit card before applying for Global Entry. Some credit cards require you to have the card open for a certain length of time before the benefit is available.

- Only use the benefit for yourself. Global Entry is a personal benefit, so don't try to use the credit for someone else's application.

- Keep track of when the benefit expires. Most benefits are available every four or five years, so make sure you don't miss out on the next one.

Conclusion

Credit cards can be a great way to cover the cost of Global Entry application fees. By offering statement credits, points, or miles, credit card companies are making it easier for travelers to take advantage of this time-saving program. When applying for Global Entry with a credit card benefit, make sure to follow the steps carefully and keep track of when the benefit expires. Happy travels!