Credit Cards Offering Global Entry Reimbursement

For frequent international travelers, Global Entry is a valuable program that can save significant time at airports by expediting the customs and immigration process. However, the $100 fee required to enroll can be a deterrent. Fortunately, several premium credit cards offer reimbursement for the Global Entry fee, making it more accessible.

What is Global Entry and Why You Need It

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to bypass lengthy lines at immigration checkpoints when entering the United States. By providing biometric information and undergoing a background check, program members can access dedicated kiosks for expedited clearance. With Global Entry, you can breeze through customs and immigration in a matter of minutes, significantly reducing the time spent waiting in queues.

For frequent international travelers, the time savings offered by Global Entry can be invaluable. With the increasing popularity of air travel and the potential for longer wait times at airports, having Global Entry can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience. Additionally, the program offers benefits beyond just expedited entry, such as access to TSA PreCheck for domestic flights, further streamlining the security screening process.

Credit Cards that Reimburse Global Entry Fees

Recognizing the value of Global Entry for their cardholders, many premium travel credit cards offer reimbursement for the program’s enrollment fee. Here are some of the top credit cards that provide this benefit:

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve : This luxury travel card offers a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
  • Citi Prestige Card : Cardholders can receive a statement credit of up to $100 every five years to cover the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
  • The Platinum Card from American Express : This premium card provides a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees.
  • United Explorer Card : As a United co-branded card, it offers a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

These are just a few examples of the many credit cards that offer Global Entry reimbursement. It’s essential to review the specific terms and conditions of each card to understand the frequency of reimbursement, eligibility requirements, and any limitations.

How to Get Reimbursed for Global Entry

The process for getting reimbursed for the Global Entry fee varies slightly among credit card issuers, but generally follows these steps:

  1. Apply for Global Entry through the official website (https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry) and pay the $100 fee.
  2. Once your application is approved and you’ve completed the in-person interview, keep the receipt or statement showing the fee payment.
  3. Log into your credit card account or call the issuer’s customer service to request reimbursement, providing the necessary documentation.
  4. The credit card issuer will then process the reimbursement, typically as a statement credit or account deposit.

It’s important to note that some credit cards may require you to charge the Global Entry fee to the respective card to be eligible for reimbursement. Additionally, there may be time limits or restrictions on how often you can receive the reimbursement, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions of your card.

Additional Travel Benefits of Premium Credit Cards

While Global Entry reimbursement is a valuable perk, many premium travel credit cards offer a suite of additional benefits that can enhance your overall travel experience. Some of these benefits include:

  • Airport Lounge Access : Many luxury credit cards provide complimentary access to airport lounges, offering a comfortable and relaxing environment to unwind before or during layovers.
  • Travel Insurance and Protection : Premium cards often include travel insurance coverage, such as trip cancellation/interruption protection, baggage delay or loss coverage, and travel accident insurance.
  • Rental Car Insurance : Some cards offer primary rental car collision damage waiver coverage, eliminating the need for expensive rental car insurance.
  • Hotel and Airline Partnerships : Exclusive partnerships with hotels and airlines can provide benefits like room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and discounts on airfare or hotel stays.

By leveraging these additional benefits, premium credit cards can significantly enhance your travel experience, providing peace of mind, convenience, and potential cost savings.

To fully maximize the value of your travel credit card, it’s important to adopt a strategic approach. Here are some tips:

  • Earn and Redeem Rewards Strategically : Take advantage of bonus categories and spending multipliers to earn more rewards on travel-related purchases. Redeem rewards wisely for flights, hotels, or other travel expenses to maximize their value.
  • Combine Multiple Cards : Consider pairing your premium travel card with other cards that offer complementary benefits or rewards in different spending categories.
  • Leverage Sign-Up Bonuses : Many travel cards offer lucrative sign-up bonuses for meeting minimum spending requirements within the first few months. These bonuses can provide a substantial jump-start to your rewards balance.
  • Manage Annual Fees and Renewal Criteria : While premium cards often carry higher annual fees, the benefits and perks can easily offset the cost if utilized effectively. Review renewal criteria and reevaluate the card’s value annually to ensure it aligns with your travel needs.

By following these strategies, you can maximize the value of your travel credit cards, ensuring that the rewards, benefits, and Global Entry reimbursement outweigh the costs associated with these premium products.