How to Secure Global Entry at No Charge

If you're not yet a Global Entry member, don’t let the $100 application fee deter you. There are ways to obtain Global Entry at no cost—using the right credit card is the most popular method. I consulted Anton Radchenko, an aviation lawyer and the founder of AirAdvisor, to create this comprehensive guide on the Trusted Traveler Program.

Eager to apply? Here’s what you need to know to get Global Entry for free.

Costs and Requirements for Global Entry

The application process for Global Entry is relatively simple, but expect to provide extensive information. Begin by creating a Trusted Traveler Programs account. After completing your application, you will need to pay a $100 non-refundable fee. Customs and Border Protection will then evaluate your application. At this point, you may receive conditional approval or denial. Around 80 percent of applications are processed within two weeks, although some may take up to a year or more.

Once you have received conditional approval, it’s necessary to arrange an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. These slots can be quite limited, so ensure you allow ample time before your international travel to finish the process. Bring your passport and another form of ID, such as a driver’s license or an ID card, to the interview.

“Although new appointment slots for Global Entry become available on the first Monday of each month, they fill up quickly. Not only are these appointments limited, but they are also available only at certain locations, typically in larger cities,” says Radchenko. “Travelers interested in the Global Entry program have been quite resourceful in securing these coveted interviews, sometimes planning short trips to cities where openings exist.”

After your Global Entry interview, your card will arrive in the mail, allowing you to enjoy the benefits right away. Your membership lasts for five years and includes all TSA PreCheck advantages, so you won’t need to sign up for those programs separately.

To qualify for Global Entry, you must be at least 18 years old and a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States. Minors need parental or guardian consent to join the program. You can also be a citizen of one of the following nations:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Bahrain
• Dominican Republic
• India
• Colombia
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• The Netherlands
• Panama
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Mexico

Keep in mind that requirements may differ if you hold citizenship in one of these countries, so be sure to research before applying.

Potential reasons for denial or ineligibility include providing inaccurate information on the application, having a criminal conviction, violating customs and immigration laws in any country, or being part of an ongoing investigation, among other factors.

As a full-time digital nomad, I highly recommend Global Entry. Recently, I traveled from Lima, Peru (LIM) to Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM), with a layover in Atlanta, Georgia (ATL). My flight from Lima to Atlanta arrived an hour late, leaving me with just over an hour to make my connection. I managed to deplane, clear immigration, grab my suitcase, recheck my bag, go through security (thanks to TSA PreCheck), ride the train from the international to the domestic terminal, and reach my gate in only 35 minutes. Without Global Entry, I surely would have missed my connecting flight.

Credit Cards That Provide Complimentary Global Entry

While the $100 fee for Global Entry every five years is a worthwhile investment, you can enjoy the benefits without the extra cost through various credit cards that reimburse this application fee. Many cards available today offer this perk, and you may already possess one without realizing it. Here’s a list of cards that cover Global Entry fees along with their annual costs.

Credit Cards With Annual Fees Below $100:

These cards consist of:

• 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, waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members
• Provident World+ Travel Visa Signature Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $45 
• United Explorer Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
• USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit Card: $95
• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 (effective Sept. 9, 2024, $0 annual fee)
• U.S. 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 qualifying HSBC bank clients
• 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 
• U.S. 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 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95

Alternative Methods to Obtain Global Entry at No Cost

There are limited options for obtaining Global Entry for free aside from credit cards. Some hotel and airline loyalty programs might let you use your points or miles to cover the TSA PreCheck application fee, but most do not extend this benefit to Global Entry.