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Is Global Entry Still Worth It in 2026? ($120 Fee Explained)
July 1, 2025
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The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers and program details mentioned may have changed.
If you've ever stood in a 90-minute customs line after a long international flight, you already understand Global Entry's appeal. The program lets pre-approved travelers bypass regular customs queues entirely — heading straight to dedicated kiosks for expedited processing that typically takes minutes, not an hour.
At $120 for five years, is it worth it in 2026? The short answer is yes — almost always, especially if you hold a travel credit card that reimburses the fee. But whether it makes sense for you specifically depends on how often you travel internationally and which program best fits your routing.
Here's the complete 2026 breakdown.
What's New in 2026
Approval times remain fast. One of the biggest improvements to Global Entry in recent years is how quickly applications are processed. Approval times that once stretched six to twelve months have dropped dramatically — many applicants now receive conditional approval within 48 hours to two weeks. This change alone has removed a major barrier that previously deterred travelers from applying.
Kids remain free. Since October 1, 2024, children under 18 are exempt from the Global Entry application fee when a parent or legal guardian is already a member or is applying at the same time. This makes the program significantly more affordable for families — instead of paying per person, a family only pays for the adult members applying.
Mobile Global Entry is active. The CBP One app now supports Mobile Global Entry for eligible travelers at select airports, allowing travelers to submit their photo and documents via smartphone instead of using a physical kiosk. The process has been well-received for its speed and is expanding to additional airports.
More cards than ever reimburse the fee. The number of travel credit cards offering Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credits continues to grow. More than 30 cards now include this benefit — from premium cards to mid-tier travel cards — meaning the $120 fee is often fully covered for cardholders who already hold or are considering a qualifying travel card.
Program integrity focus. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has emphasized that Global Entry membership is a privilege, not a right. Background checks remain thorough, and any customs or immigration violation — even historic ones — can result in denial or revocation.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a trusted traveler program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to expedite their entry into the United States when returning from international travel.
What you get with Global Entry:
- Expedited U.S. customs clearance at all participating U.S. airports — no regular customs line
- TSA PreCheck included at no extra cost — expedited domestic security screening at participating airports
- Access to NEXUS lanes when crossing the U.S.-Canada border by land
- SENTRI eligibility for expedited U.S.-Mexico border crossings (separate registration required)
- No paper customs declaration forms required
- Mobile processing via the CBP One app at select locations
- Membership valid for five years from approval date
Who is eligible: U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select trusted traveler partner countries including Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Eligibility requirements and participating countries may change — always confirm current eligibility at cbp.gov.
Who is not eligible: Applicants with criminal convictions or pending charges, customs or immigration violations, provision of false information on a previous application, or individuals considered a national security risk will generally be denied or revoked.
How Much Time Does Global Entry Actually Save?
This is where the program's value becomes concrete. Travelers consistently report that customs lines at major U.S. airports — particularly at busy international hubs — can take 60 to 90 minutes at peak times. With Global Entry, the same process typically takes 3 to 10 minutes, and experienced members at fast airports often clear in under a minute.
The time savings compound significantly for frequent travelers (publisher-formulated estimate based on typical reported wait times):
For a traveler flying internationally twice per year, Global Entry can save an estimated 2 to 3 hours per year in customs wait time. Over a five-year membership, that's a meaningful amount of reclaimed time — the equivalent of multiple full workdays — that would otherwise be spent standing in line. For travelers flying internationally six or more times per year, the cumulative savings are proportionally larger.
Beyond the raw time savings, there's a stress component that's harder to quantify but genuinely significant: arriving home from an international trip and walking past a 90-minute queue to clear customs in minutes is a materially different experience, particularly for frequent business travelers or those on connecting flights with tight domestic connections.
Who Should Get Global Entry?
Global Entry makes strong sense if you:
- Travel internationally at least once or twice per year
- Hold a travel credit card that reimburses the application fee — effectively making Global Entry free
- Frequently fly through major U.S. international airports where customs wait times are longest
- Travel with children — since kids under 18 are now free, the program cost for families is significantly lower than it used to be
- Want TSA PreCheck included — Global Entry provides both programs for the price of one
- Have connecting flights domestically after international arrivals — clearing customs faster can be the difference between making or missing a connection
Global Entry may not be the right fit if you:
- Only fly domestically — in that case, TSA PreCheck alone is the more cost-efficient choice
- Travel internationally very infrequently — less than once every few years — where the time savings may not justify even a reimbursed membership
- Primarily cross the U.S.-Canada border — NEXUS ($120 for five years) provides Global Entry equivalent benefits plus expedited Canadian border crossing, making it the better value for frequent Canada travelers
- Have a background that may disqualify you — a denial means the application fee is non-refundable
How to Get Global Entry for Free
This is the most important practical insight for most readers: dozens of travel credit cards reimburse the $120 Global Entry application fee as a statement credit. For cardholders who already hold — or are considering — a qualifying travel card, the program fee effectively disappears.
Premium travel cards that typically include Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement as a cardholder benefit include options.
Mid-tier travel cards at lower annual fees also frequently include this benefit — including select Capital One, United Airlines, IHG, and other co-branded travel cards.
How to use the credit: Pay the $120 Global Entry application fee with your qualifying card. The statement credit typically posts within a few billing cycles. Check your card's specific terms for the reimbursement timeline and whether the credit covers both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck applications.
Important: Most cards reimburse one application fee per account per membership cycle — not one per person. Check your card's terms before assuming multiple household members can be reimbursed on a single card account.
How to Apply for Global Entry in 2026
The application process is straightforward. Here's what to expect from start to finish:
Step 1 — Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account. Visit the official TTP website at ttp.dhs.gov and create an account. You'll need a valid U.S. passport, proof of residency (driver's license or utility bill), and employment history for the past five years.
Step 2 — Complete your application and pay the fee. Fill out the online application and pay the $120 application fee. If you have a card with Global Entry reimbursement, use that card to pay — the statement credit will post after the fee is processed. The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or denied.
Step 3 — Wait for conditional approval. Most applicants receive conditional approval within 48 hours to two weeks. Some applications take longer depending on background check complexity. You'll receive an email notification when conditional approval is granted.
Step 4 — Schedule and complete your interview. A brief in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center is required before membership is fully activated. Interview slots are released on the first Monday of each month at 9 a.m. local time — book as early as possible. Enrollment centers are located at major airports and select CBP offices.
Pro tip — Enrollment on Arrival: If you have international travel booked before your scheduled interview, you may be able to complete your interview at the airport on your return — no advance appointment needed at participating airports. This is one of the fastest paths to completing your interview if your schedule doesn't align with standard enrollment center slots.
Step 5 — Activate your membership. After your interview, you'll receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Add your KTN to all airline loyalty profiles and booking accounts to ensure TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding passes automatically.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck vs. NEXUS vs. SENTRI
Understanding all four trusted traveler programs helps you choose the right one — or the right combination.
TSA PreCheck — $78 to $85 for five years
Provides expedited domestic security screening at participating U.S. airports. You keep shoes, belts, and laptops in your bag and use dedicated PreCheck lanes. No customs or international entry benefits. Best for travelers who fly domestically only or never leave the country.
Global Entry — $120 for five years
Includes everything TSA PreCheck offers plus expedited U.S. customs clearance at participating international airports. The better choice for any traveler who may take even one international trip in the next five years. At $35 to $42 more than TSA PreCheck, it provides two programs for the price of slightly more than one. Most qualifying credit cards reimburse Global Entry, not TSA PreCheck — another reason to choose Global Entry when in doubt.
NEXUS — $120 for five years
Provides Global Entry equivalent customs clearance plus expedited processing at U.S.-Canada land border crossings. The best value for travelers who frequently cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or air — it costs the same as Global Entry but adds Canadian border benefits. Note: most credit cards do not reimburse NEXUS fees. Applications must be done via the TTP portal and interviews are conducted at designated enrollment centers near the border.
SENTRI — $122.25 for five years
Provides expedited entry at U.S.-Mexico land border crossings plus the benefits of Global Entry for air travel. Best for travelers who frequently cross the U.S.-Mexico border. Requires separate vehicle inspection for land crossing eligibility.
Our recommendation: Unless you're certain you'll never travel internationally in the next five years, choose Global Entry. The incremental cost over TSA PreCheck is minimal, and many travel cards cover the full fee. If you regularly cross the Canadian border, evaluate NEXUS instead.
Global Entry Renewal
Global Entry membership is valid for five years from the date of approval. Renewing is straightforward and — importantly — does not require another in-person interview in most cases.
How to renew:
- Log into your TTP account and submit a renewal application
- Pay the $120 renewal fee (same as the initial application fee)
- If your background check clears, conditional approval is typically granted without a new interview
When to renew:You can submit a renewal application up to one year before your membership expires. CBP recommends renewing early — if you wait until expiration, your membership lapses and you'll reenter the full application queue.
Renewal and your credit card reimbursement:Most travel cards that reimburse Global Entry fees cover renewal applications the same way they cover initial applications — one reimbursement per account per eligible period. If your card's Global Entry credit resets before your renewal is due, time your renewal to align with the credit becoming available again.
Known Traveler Number:Your KTN remains the same upon renewal. You don't need to update it with airlines after renewing — it will continue to appear on your boarding passes automatically.
Participating Airports and Where Global Entry Works
Global Entry is available at all major U.S. international airports. Key hubs include:
- East Coast: New York JFK, Newark (EWR), Boston Logan, Washington Dulles, Miami, Atlanta
- Central: Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston George Bush
- West Coast: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas
- Other major hubs: Phoenix, Denver, Minneapolis, Detroit, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Honolulu
Global Entry also operates at select preclearance locations outside the United States — meaning you clear U.S. customs before boarding your flight home. Participating preclearance airports include locations in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and others), Ireland (Dublin, Shannon), Abu Dhabi, and the United Arab Emirates. Preclearance is one of the most underrated benefits of Global Entry for travelers flying through these hubs — you arrive in the U.S. as a domestic arrival, bypassing customs entirely on landing.
The full list of participating airports is maintained at cbp.gov and is updated periodically as new locations are added.
Common Reasons for Global Entry Denial
Understanding what can disqualify you helps you evaluate whether the $120 application fee is a safe investment before applying.
Criminal history — Any conviction, regardless of how old, can result in denial. Minor offenses and expunged records may still surface in the CBP background check. If you have any criminal history, research your eligibility carefully before applying.
Customs or immigration violations — Prior violations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules, even violations you may not consider serious, are a common cause of denial.
Providing false or inaccurate information — Inconsistencies in your application compared to your background check results are a frequent trigger for denial. Complete your application carefully and accurately.
Tax liens or debt to the federal government — Unresolved federal debt can be a disqualifying factor.
Previous denial — If you were previously denied, you can reapply, but you'll pay a new $120 fee. Addressing the disqualifying factor before reapplying is strongly recommended.
What to do if denied: CBP will provide a reason for denial. You have the right to appeal or reapply after addressing the underlying issue. If you believe your denial was in error, a redress inquiry through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) is the appropriate channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Global Entry worth it if I only travel internationally once a year?
Yes. Even a single international trip that saves you 60 to 90 minutes in the customs line makes the program worthwhile — particularly if your travel card covers the $120 fee entirely. You'll also use the included TSA PreCheck benefit on every domestic flight throughout your five-year membership.
Does Global Entry work in other countries?
No. Global Entry only expedites your entry into the United States. It does not provide expedited customs processing in other countries. However, Global Entry members can access preclearance facilities in select international airports (Canada, Ireland, Abu Dhabi) that process U.S. customs before departure, which effectively means you arrive as a domestic passenger.
How long does Global Entry approval take in 2026?
Most applicants receive conditional approval within 48 hours to two weeks. This is significantly faster than the six to twelve month waits that were standard a few years ago. After conditional approval, you'll complete an in-person interview before full membership activation.
Can my credit card pay for my whole family's Global Entry?
Most cards reimburse one application fee per account, not one per person. Since children under 18 are now free when applying with a parent, you'd only need to cover adult family members. Check your card's specific terms — some premium cards offer separate credits for authorized user applications.
What happens if I'm denied?
The $120 application fee is non-refundable if you're denied. CBP will provide a denial reason. You can reapply after addressing the underlying issue, but a new application fee applies.
Does Global Entry replace TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits — you don't need both separately. If you already have TSA PreCheck, Global Entry adds the international customs benefit on top. When your TSA PreCheck membership expires, your Global Entry membership covers both programs for domestic and international travel.
Can I use Global Entry when crossing land borders?
Global Entry provides access to NEXUS lanes when crossing the U.S.-Canada border by land. For U.S.-Mexico border crossings, SENTRI registration (separate from Global Entry) is required for expedited land crossing. Global Entry alone provides expedited air entry benefits at participating U.S. airports.
What is Enrollment on Arrival?
Enrollment on Arrival allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their Global Entry interview at select participating airports immediately upon returning from an international trip — no advance appointment required. It's one of the fastest ways to complete your interview if standard enrollment center slots are unavailable or inconvenient.
Bottom Line
Global Entry remains one of the highest-value programs available to U.S. international travelers in 2026. At $120 for five years, it covers both international customs clearance and domestic TSA PreCheck — two programs for the effective price of slightly more than one. With approval times now measured in days rather than months, children under 18 now free for families, and more than 30 travel credit cards offering full fee reimbursement, the barriers to joining are lower than they've ever been.
Get Global Entry if:
- You travel internationally at least once or twice per year
- You have a travel card that reimburses the application fee
- You want TSA PreCheck included without paying separately
- You travel with children — they're now free
Consider NEXUS instead if:
- You frequently cross the U.S.-Canada border and want expedited land crossing benefits alongside the air travel benefits
Stick with TSA PreCheck if:
- You only fly domestically and have no international travel planned in the next five years
Use Kudos to track which of your travel cards offers Global Entry reimbursement — and to make sure you're using the right card for every purchase so you're never leaving travel benefits on the table.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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