Is it worth going global?

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. As a full-time digital nomad, I can’t recommend anything more than Global Entry. I’ve been traveling internationally for years and have been saved by Global Entry on more than one occasion, especially when it came to making a good connection. Here you can find out whether Global Entry is worth it for you.

Benefits of Global Entry

The main benefit of Global Entry is expedited entry into the United States from abroad. If you are landing in the US after an international flight, you can use a dedicated Global Entry lane to get to a Global Entry kiosk. Most of the time, you don’t need to scan your passport – biometric information is used to clear you at immigration. Once the kiosk tells you you can proceed, you will go to an immigration officer who will welcome you back into the country.

In theory, that sounds a bit unnecessary. In practice, it’s one of my favorite and most valuable travel benefits. Queues at entry can be long. Therefore, avoiding this queue can be the difference between connecting or missing your flight. You don’t have to deal with any processing lines or paperwork.

Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so you don’t need to apply for these programs separately. With TSA PreCheck, you can pass through a special security checkpoint without having to remove your shoes or belt or take liquids and large electronic devices from your luggage. With TSA PreCheck, you can get through security significantly faster, so you can arrive at the airport later than usual and easily pass through security before boarding your flight.

Details about costs and application process

The only downside to Global Entry is the lengthy registration process, but it is still quite straightforward. You can create a Trusted Traveler Programs account, complete the application, and pay the $100 non-refundable fee. Customs and Border Protection will then review your application and notify you whether your application has been conditionally approved or denied. About 80 percent of applications receive notification within two weeks, but the other 20 percent can take a year or longer.

After you receive conditional approval, you can schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. This is the most difficult part of the registration process. As the program becomes increasingly popular, available appointments fill up very quickly. So keep an eye out for vacancies. There are fewer Global Entry Enrollment Centers than TSA PreCheck locations, so you may have to travel to your appointment.

When I enrolled in 2019, I scheduled my appointment while traveling to Miami because my home airport was not an enrollment center. Bring your passport and another form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card, to your appointment.

After the interview, you will receive your card in the mail and can use the benefits immediately. You don’t have to bring your Global Entry card to the airport to use the program, but it can’t hurt.

Why global market entry is worthwhile

Global Entry is worthwhile for anyone who travels internationally at least somewhat regularly. The cost of re-enrolling is only slightly higher than re-enrolling in TSA PreCheck and the validity period is the same. You can spend a little more on your application and get all the great TSA PreCheck benefits and expedited entry into the US

If you plan to travel abroad even once a year, Global Entry is worth it. If not, it may be easier to apply for TSA PreCheck, but it just can’t hurt to sign up for Global Entry even if you don’t have any international travel planned. Make sure you already have a valid passport before submitting the application.

Tips for free worldwide entry

The best way to get Global Entry for free is to take advantage of credit card statement credits. Several credit cards offer this benefit, from Capital One’s Venture Rewards Card with a $95 annual fee to the AmEx Platinum Card with a $695 annual fee. Unfortunately, there are no other ways to get Global Entry for free other than credit cards.

Credit cards with an annual fee under $100:

These cards include:

• Aeroplan® Credit Card: $95
• Arvest Visa Signature® Credit Card: $0
• Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card: $95
• Capital One Venture Card: $95
• Choice Privileges Select Mastercard®: $95
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: $99
• Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card: $49
• PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: $95, discounted for existing PenFed Honors Advantage members
• Provident World+ Travel Visa Signature Card: $0 annual introductory fee for the first year, then $45
• United Explorer Card: $0 introductory fee for the first year, $95 thereafter
• USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit Card: $95
• US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card: $0
• US Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express Card: $85

Premium credit cards:

• Capital One Venture X Card: $395
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card: $550
• Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard: $595
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: $350
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: $650
• HSBC Elite World Elite Mastercard: $395 for qualified HSBC Bank customers
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: $650
• MasterCard Black Card: $495
• MasterCard Gold card: $995
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: $695
• SKYPASS Select Visa Signature Card: $450
• Truist Enjoy Beyond Credit Card: $195
• UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card: $495
• United Club Infinite card: $525
• United Quest Card: $250
• US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card: $400

Business credit cards:

• Capital One® Venture X® Business Card: $395
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: $99
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: $199
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: $695
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business: $0 annual introductory fee for the first year, then $95

For most travelers, having a credit card that allows them to earn valuable points on travel purchases and reimburse the Global Entry registration fee is more than worthwhile. However, if you don’t want to apply for a new credit card, paying just $100 for five years of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits is perfectly reasonable.