How to get Global Entry for free

Jennifer Doss
Written by
Jennifer Doss
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Terms apply; see the online credit card application for full terms and conditions of offers and rewards.

Global Entry, a Trusted Traveler Program, allows for expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States through the use of automatic kiosks at select airports. Upon arrival in the United States from a foreign country, Global Entry members can bypass regular custom lines, proceed to these kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, have their fingerprints scanned for identity verification, and complete a customs declaration. Travelers will then get a receipt and be sent on their way to the baggage claim area. This can save valuable time when entering back into the United States after a presumably long and tiring flight.

One of the best perks about Global Entry membership is that it also includes membership to another popular Trusted Traveler Program, TSA PreCheck, which is available to eligible U.S. citizens and helps to expedite traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck travelers do not have to take off shoes, belts, or jackets, or remove electronics or liquids from their bag at participating airports. Anyone who has ever been pressed for time while waiting in a lengthy airport security line knows how valuable TSA PreCheck membership can prove to be.

Global Entry applicants under 18 are exempt from an application fee if a parent or legal guardian is already a member of the program or applying themselves. Otherwise, Global Entry costs $120 for five years of membership; however, with the right credit card, you can gain access to Global Entry (as well as TSA PreCheck) membership for free. That’s because select credit cards offer Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement as a perk of card membership. Terms vary slightly for each card, but the gist is the same: Use your eligible credit card to pay for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee and later receive an account credit to cover the cost.

Here are some of the top Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credit cards:

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American Express is a CardRatings advertiser

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author
Jennifer Doss
CardRatings Executive Editor

Jennifer Doss is a credit card analyst and the executive editor of CardRatings.com. She has worked as both a print and online journalist and has over a decade of experience in the media industry. Her published work has covered a broad range of topics, from...Read more

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Disclaimer:

The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.

This content is not provided by any company mentioned in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any such company. CardRatings.com does not review every company or every offer available on the market.