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Is Global Entry Still Worth It In 2025?
July 1, 2025
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If you've ever stood in a 90-minute customs line after a long international flight, you've probably fantasized about breezing past everyone. That's exactly what Global Entry promises—but at $120 for five years, is it still worth the cost after the recent price hike?
The short answer: Yes, especially if you have the right credit card. But whether Global Entry makes sense for you depends on how often you travel internationally and whether you can get the fee reimbursed.
Let's break down everything you need to know about Global Entry in 2025, from the recent changes to whether it's actually worth your time and money.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a trusted traveler program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allows pre-approved travelers to skip regular customs lines when entering the United States. Instead of waiting with everyone else, you'll head to dedicated kiosks for expedited processing.
Here's what you get with Global Entry: expedited U.S. customs clearance upon arrival at participating airports, TSA PreCheck included for domestic security screening (a $78-$85 value on its own), access to NEXUS lanes when crossing the U.S.-Canada border by land, no customs declaration forms required, and membership valid for 5 years from approval date.
The program increased from $100 to $120 in October 2024—the first fee increase since 2008. While that's a 20% jump, it's still just $24 per year, or about $2 per month.
The Big Changes in 2025
Kids Are Now Free. Starting October 1, 2024, children under 18 are exempt from the application fee when a parent or legal guardian is already a Global Entry member or is applying concurrently. This makes Global Entry significantly more affordable for families. Previously, parents had to pay $100-$120 for each child. Now, if you're applying for yourself and your three kids, you'll only pay $120 total instead of $480.
Lightning-Fast Approval Times. Remember when Global Entry applications took 6-12 months to process? Those days are over. According to reports from mid-2025, typical approval periods have dropped to just 48 hours for many applicants. Some travelers are getting conditional approval the same day they apply, then completing their interview within a week. This is a massive improvement over the months-long waits that were common just a few years ago.
Mobile Global Entry Is Here. Mobile Global Entry allows eligible travelers to use the CBP One app on their smartphone instead of a physical kiosk. You can submit your travel documents and photo as soon as you land, then show your receipt to an officer on your way out—no kiosk required. This makes the process even faster for tech-savvy travelers.
How Much Time Does Global Entry Actually Save?
This is where Global Entry really shines. Travelers report that customs lines without Global Entry can take 60-90 minutes at busy airports, especially during peak travel times. With Global Entry? Most people clear customs in 3-10 minutes, and some report getting through in as little as 30 seconds at the fastest airports.
Let's do the math: the average time saved per international trip is 60-80 minutes. If you travel internationally twice a year, you're saving 2-2.5 hours saved annually. Over your 5-year membership, that's 10-13 hours saved—more than half a full day of your life you're getting back. And if you're a frequent traveler who flies internationally 6+ times per year? You're saving days of standing in line.
Who Should Get Global Entry?
Global Entry makes sense if you travel internationally at least once or twice per year. Even occasional international travelers benefit from the time savings and stress reduction. It's especially valuable if you have a credit card that reimburses the fee. More than 30 credit cards offer Global Entry reimbursement, including popular options like the Capital One Venture cards, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees). If your card covers the cost, there's virtually no downside.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
The program works best if you fly through major U.S. airports—Global Entry is available at all major U.S. airports and works best at high-traffic hubs like LAX, JFK, ORD, and ATL. It's also an excellent choice if you travel with kids, since children under 18 are now free. Plus, you'll want TSA PreCheck too, and Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so you're getting two programs for the price of one.
However, you should skip Global Entry if you only fly domestically—in that case, just get TSA PreCheck ($78-$85 for 5 years) instead. It's also not worth it if you travel internationally once every few years or less, as the time saved might not justify even a free membership if you rarely fly abroad. And if you primarily travel to or from Canada, NEXUS ($120) gives you Global Entry benefits plus expedited Canadian border crossings, making it a better value if you cross the Canadian border frequently.
How to Get Global Entry for Free (or Nearly Free)
Here's the secret most travelers don't know: dozens of travel credit cards reimburse the $120 Global Entry application fee as a statement credit.
Several premium cards offer this benefit. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides a $120 credit every 4 years. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a $120 credit every 4 years. The American Express Platinum Card® includes a $120 credit every 4 years. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
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Mid-tier cards also offer this perk at lower annual fees. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provides a $120 credit every 4 years. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a $120 credit every 4 years. The New United℠ Explorer Card includes a $120 credit every 4 years.
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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2406", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Priority Boarding"} ]]
Most of these cards also come with other valuable travel perks like airport lounge access, travel statement credits, hotel elite status, and no foreign transaction fees. The bottom line: if you already have one of these cards or were considering applying anyway, the Global Entry fee essentially disappears.
How to Apply for Global Entry in 2025
The application process is straightforward, but here's what you need to know to avoid delays.
- Create a Trusted Traveler Programs Account. Visit the official TTP website and create an account. You'll need a valid passport, proof of residency (driver's license or utility bill), and employment history for the past 5 years.
- Pay the $120 Application Fee. The $120 fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. If you have a credit card with Global Entry reimbursement, use that card to pay—you'll get a statement credit within 6-8 weeks.
- Wait for Conditional Approval. Most applicants receive conditional approval within 2-14 days, though some applications can take longer depending on your background check.
- Schedule Your Interview. Interview slots are released on the first Monday of each month at 9 a.m. local time, so book as soon as they're available. Pro tip: If you have international travel booked before your scheduled interview, use the Enrollment on Arrival program. You can complete your interview at the airport when you land back in the U.S., often on the same day.
- Activate Your Membership. You'll receive your Global Entry card and Known Traveler Number within 7-10 days of your interview. Add your KTN to your airline profiles to ensure TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding passes.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Should You Choose?
This is the most common question travelers ask. TSA PreCheck costs $78-$85 for five years and provides expedited domestic security screening but no international customs benefits. It's best for travelers who only fly domestically.
Global Entry costs $120 for five years and includes both expedited domestic security screening through TSA PreCheck and expedited international customs clearance. It's the better choice for anyone who travels internationally even occasionally.
Our take: Unless you're 100% certain you'll never leave the country in the next 5 years, get Global Entry. For just $35-$42 more than TSA PreCheck, you're getting both programs—and international travel benefits you might unexpectedly need. Plus, many credit cards reimburse Global Entry but not TSA PreCheck, so it's often the smarter financial choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Global Entry worth it if I only travel internationally once a year?
Yes. Even one international trip saved from a 90-minute customs wait makes the $120 investment worthwhile—that's essentially valuing your time at less than $2 per minute. Plus, you'll use the included TSA PreCheck benefit on domestic flights.
Does Global Entry work in other countries?
No. Global Entry only expedites your entry into the United States. It doesn't help with customs in other countries. However, several countries including Australia and New Zealand have reciprocal arrangements that may provide expedited entry for Global Entry members.
Can my credit card pay for my entire family's Global Entry?
It depends on the card. Most credit cards reimburse only one Global Entry application per account, but some premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express offer separate credits for authorized users. Since kids under 18 are now free, you'd only need to cover adult family members.
How long does Global Entry approval take in 2025?
Most applications are conditionally approved within 48 hours to 2 weeks in 2025. This is dramatically faster than the 6-12 month waits that were common in previous years. After conditional approval, you'll need to schedule an interview or use Enrollment on Arrival.
What happens if I'm denied for Global Entry?
The $120 application fee is non-refundable if you're denied. Common reasons for denial include criminal history, customs violations, or providing false information on your application. You can reapply, but you'll need to pay another $120 fee.
The Bottom Line
After the price increase to $120, Global Entry remains an excellent value for anyone who travels internationally even occasionally. The program saves the average traveler 60-90 minutes per international trip, includes TSA PreCheck benefits, and now offers free enrollment for kids under 18.
Get Global Entry if you travel internationally 1-2+ times per year, have a credit card that reimburses the fee, frequently fly through major U.S. airports, or travel with children since they're now free.
Skip it if you only fly domestically (get TSA PreCheck instead), travel internationally less than once every few years, or primarily cross land borders with Canada (get NEXEX instead).
With approval times now averaging just 48 hours and more credit cards than ever offering full reimbursement, there's never been a better time to join Global Entry.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some benefits or terms may have changed.
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