If you are thinking of applying for Global Entry for the first time or your Global Entry is expiring in the next 12 months, you might want to apply now as the Global Entry fee will be increased effective tomorrow.
If you already have Global Entry, make sure to check your expiration date because you can renew Global Entry up to one (1) year before it expires.
Global Entry Fee Increase
In April, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that the Global Entry fee will increase from $100 to $120 effective October 1, 2024. (The fee for NEXUS will also increase from $50 to $120.)
The good news is that the new rules will make Global Entry for kids free. Starting October 1, 2024, applicants under the age of 18 will be exempt from the Global Entry application fee when a parent or legal guardian is already a member of, or concurrently applying for NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry. Unlike TSA Precheck minors do not automatically get Global Entry and need to apply, and do an interview..
How to Get Global Entry For Free
If you have one of the credit cards that reimburse the Global Entry fee then you might not be affected by the fee increase.
Some of the best credit cards for free Global Entry include:
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card – No annual fee
• Chase United Explorer Card – $95 annual fee (waived first year)
• Venture Rewards from Capital One – $95 annual fee
• Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card – $95 annual fee
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card – $199 annual fee
• Chase Sapphire Reserve – $550 annual fee (but there is a $300 travel credit)
Most of major credit card companies have confirmed that they will be raising their Global Entry credit from $100 to $120 but there is no guarantee some of the smaller banks will also follow.
I actually applied to renew my Global Entry yesterday as I was not sure if the card I was using (U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card) will raise their Global Entry fee credit to $120.
If you are considering signing up for Global Entry, you can find our guide on how to apply for Global Entry here and our guide on how to renew Global Entry here.
