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Offers for the
Update: The price increases mentioned in this post have taken effect.
If you're in the market for Global Entry or other trusted traveler credentials like NEXUS or SENTRI, you'll want to complete an application before October 1, 2024. This fall, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is harmonizing the application fees for all three programs. In other words, it'll soon cost more to apply.
Trusted Traveler Program Application Fees Like Global Entry Are Going Up
For 15 years, the fee structure for Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI has remained the same. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for much longer, as the CBP has signaled that application fee price hikes are on the horizon.
Traditionally, travelers were asked to pony up $100 to apply for Global Entry, $50 for NEXUS, and $122.25 for SENTRI. On October 1, 2024, the CBP will harmonize the application fees. To apply for each program, you'll pay $120.
Whether you've got an application fee waiver courtesy of a credit card or want to save a few dollars on the out-of-pocket cost to apply, it's worth completing an application before the higher prices take effect.
Outside of the obvious — saving money — it's unclear how card issuers will respond to the higher costs of applying for trusted traveler services. Will they adjust the fee credit to $120? Or will they cover the first $100 and leave you on the hook for the rest? We don't know for sure. To check, we've reached out to every issuer that offers some form of application credit. As of the time of publication, none has had an answer to this complex issue.
Which cards offer an application fee waiver?
The only thing better than breezing through security is the chance to do it for free. Several
Plus, taking advantage of application fee waivers now ensures you won't pay extra out of pocket come October — should issuers not amend the fee credit to match the higher fees.
Wondering which cards offer this perk? Here are some of our favorite credit cards with a TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS application credit:
Silver lining: Kids are free
If there's a silver lining to this fee increase, it's that kids under 18 years old will be able to access Global Entry for free when accompanying a parent or guardian who has Global Entry. Thus, children will be exempt from the application fee (if a parent or guardian is already enrolled) but will still need to apply.
Final Thoughts
Starting on October 1, 2024, application fees for Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI will all cost $120. If you've been waiting to apply for one of these programs, do so while you can at the lower price point.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), The New IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), United Quest℠ Card (Rates & Fees), United℠ Explorer Card (Rates & Fees), United Club℠ Card (Rates & Fees), Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees), and Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (Rates & Fees)
