In the modern world, frequent travel has become a norm for many individuals, whether for work, leisure, or both. One of the most sought-after conveniences for travelers is expedited airport security clearance, and Global Entry is a program designed specifically for this purpose. Many credit cards now offer a Global Entry fee credit as part of their perks. But the question remains: Is a Global Entry Free Credit Card worth it?
This article will help you understand what a Global Entry free credit card is, its advantages and drawbacks, and whether it’s the right choice for you. We’ll also look at some of the top credit cards offering this benefit.
What Is Global Entry?
Before diving into the credit card options, let’s first understand what Global Entry is and how it works.
Global Entry is a program run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. Participants can skip the long lines at customs when returning from international trips by using automated kiosks at select airports.
When you apply for Global Entry, you also receive TSA PreCheck, which speeds up security screening at participating U.S. airports. TSA PreCheck allows you to pass through security without removing shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids, making your airport experience smoother.
Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership, and applying requires a background check and an in-person interview. This is where Global Entry credit cards come in handy.
What Is a Global Entry Free Credit Card?
A Global Entry Free Credit Card is a credit card that reimburses the $100 application fee for Global Entry or the $85 fee for TSA PreCheck. Usually, the reimbursement comes in the form of a statement credit after you charge the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee to the card.
Many premium credit cards offer this benefit as part of their travel perks. The reimbursement can often be redeemed once every four to five years, coinciding with the renewal period for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
Now that you know what a Global Entry Free Credit Card is, let’s dive into the pros and cons of using one.
Pros of a Global Entry Free Credit Card
1. Save Money on the Application Fee
The most obvious benefit of a Global Entry Free Credit Card is the ability to get reimbursed for the $100 application fee. This is a fantastic perk for frequent travelers who want to save money while enjoying a more convenient airport experience. Considering that the membership lasts for five years, you can calculate how much time and stress you save per trip, making it a great investment.
2. TSA PreCheck Included
As mentioned earlier, Global Entry comes with TSA PreCheck, which is a valuable perk for domestic travelers. TSA PreCheck members enjoy shorter security lines and fewer requirements during screening. This can save you time, especially during peak travel periods, and make the entire airport experience much less stressful.
3. Additional Travel Perks
Many credit cards that offer Global Entry fee credits also come with a range of other travel benefits. These can include airport lounge access, travel insurance, priority boarding, rental car insurance, and more. If you’re a frequent traveler, these perks can provide significant value beyond just the Global Entry reimbursement.
4. Convenience and Peace of Mind
Having Global Entry means less time standing in lines and more time enjoying your trip. After a long international flight, the last thing you want is to be stuck in customs for hours. Global Entry helps you zip through immigration quickly and easily, making the travel experience far more enjoyable.
5. Global Entry for Family Members
Some credit cards will allow you to use the Global Entry credit for multiple people, such as family members or friends. This means you can extend the benefit beyond yourself, making it even more valuable, especially if you travel as a group.
Cons of a Global Entry Free Credit Card
1. Annual Fees
Many of the credit cards that offer Global Entry fee credits tend to have high annual fees, often ranging from $95 to $550 or more. If you don’t travel frequently enough to take advantage of the card’s other benefits, the annual fee may outweigh the value of the Global Entry credit.
2. Limited to Certain Cards
Not all credit cards offer Global Entry fee credits. This means you may need to upgrade to a premium card that comes with higher fees or stricter credit requirements to access this benefit.
3. Limited Frequency of Reimbursement
Global Entry reimbursement is typically available once every four or five years, depending on the card. If you’re already enrolled and don’t need to renew soon, this benefit may not be immediately useful to you.
4. Not Useful for Non-Travelers
If you don’t travel internationally or fly domestically often, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck may not provide much value. For infrequent travelers, paying an annual fee for a card with travel perks may not be worth it.
Is a Global Entry Free Credit Card Worth It?
Whether a Global Entry Free Credit Card is worth it depends largely on how often you travel and how much you value the time savings and convenience of expedited security and customs clearance.
Who Will Benefit the Most?
- Frequent International Travelers: If you fly internationally multiple times a year, Global Entry will save you significant time and hassle at the airport, making it well worth the investment.
- Business Travelers: For business travelers who are constantly on the move, the ability to skip long lines at security and customs can be a major time-saver.
- Frequent Domestic Flyers: Even if you don’t fly internationally often, TSA PreCheck can make domestic flights much more convenient.
If you fit into any of these categories, a Global Entry Free Credit Card is likely worth it.
Who Might Not Need It?
- Infrequent Travelers: If you only travel once or twice a year, the benefits of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck may not be as impactful. In this case, it might be more cost-effective to skip the premium credit card with Global Entry perks.
- Non-U.S. Residents: Since Global Entry is a U.S.-based program, travelers who rarely enter or leave the United States may not find this benefit useful.
Top Picks for Global Entry Free Credit Cards
Now that you have a good understanding of the pros and cons, let’s take a look at some of the top credit cards that offer Global Entry fee credits.
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the most popular travel credit cards on the market. It offers a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge access, and up to 3x points on travel and dining purchases. Plus, it provides a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit once every four years. The card comes with a high annual fee, but frequent travelers may find the perks worth the cost.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is another premium option, known for its extensive travel perks. It offers airport lounge access through multiple programs, 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and up to $200 in airline fee credits each year. The card also includes a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, but its high annual fee may only be justifiable for those who travel frequently.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those who want a simpler rewards program. It offers 2x miles on all purchases and up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. The annual fee is lower compared to other premium cards, making it more accessible for casual travelers.
4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card offers up to $100 in statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, along with 2x points on travel and dining and 1.5x points on all other purchases. It also has a lower annual fee compared to other premium cards, making it a good option for those who want a balance between rewards and travel perks.
Conclusion: Is a Global Entry Free Credit Card Worth It?
In conclusion, a Global Entry Free Credit Card can be highly valuable for the right person. If you’re a frequent traveler, especially internationally, the convenience of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck can save you both time and stress. The Global Entry fee credit offered by many premium credit cards is an excellent way to offset the cost of enrollment.
However, if you don’t travel often or aren’t interested in paying high annual fees, you may not get enough value from a card that offers Global Entry perks. It’s important to weigh the annual fees against the benefits and consider how much you’ll use the card’s other travel perks.
Ultimately, whether a Global Entry Free Credit Card is worth it depends on your travel habits and how much you value the convenience of expedited airport security and customs clearance.
