Global Entry continues to be one of the most valuable things to have when flying. Not only do you get expedited customs when returning back to the United States but it also comes with TSA PreCheck. However, starting on October 1st, 2024, the application fee is going up from $100 to $120. But, there is a silver lining for some.

Global Entry Basics

I wrote a full article on Global Entry but to summarize it quickly, The US Customs and Border Patrol has a Trusted Traveler Program where you can enroll in Global Entry to get expedited customs on entry into the United States. Instead of waiting in those lines that can wrap around for days after getting off your international flight, you can breeze right through with Global Entry. Additionally, one of the best parts about Global Entry is that it comes with TSA PreCheck to speed up the security process when you first get to the airport.

Price Increasing to $120

Since the program started 15 years ago, the application fee has been $100 and lasts for 5 years. There are a number of other Trusted Traveler Programs offered by the CBP like NEXUS (for the Canadian border) and SENTRI (for the Mexican border) which I won’t get into here. CPB is aligning the application fee of each of these programs to all be $120 as of October 1st, 2024.

Children Under 18 Are Now Free

The one silver lining on this change is that children under the age of 18 are now free. Their parent or legal guardian must be a current member of the program or are also applying at the same time. This will definitely take the sting out of the price hike, especially for a large family.

What Will Happen to Credit Card Global Entry Fee Refunds?

There are a number of premium credit cards that offer you a $100 credit for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee. With the cost of Global Entry rising to $120 will we see credit cards increasing their credit?

While nothing has been announced as of of yet, I wouldn’t be surprised if they announce an increase in their fee credit they offer. All of the premium cards only offer the credit every four or five years to coincide with how long your Global Entry membership lasts. Realistically, not many people take advantage of this benefit and it only costs them $20 or $25 a year on average but they get to advertise the entire amount up front.

Breakage is why there are so many premium credit cards out there with a ton of amazing benefits. Not everyone uses them to their fullest extent. I’m looking at you, Soul Cycle and Equinox credit on the Amex Platinum. I have 4 cards that offer this Global Entry fee credit and obviously don’t use them all.

On the other hand, I also wouldn’t be surprised if some cards don’t increase their fee credit. Paying $20 for Global Entry is still an incredible value. Heck, I’d pay full price for it even if there weren’t credit cards out there to refund the fee.

Wrapping Up

The US Customs and Border Patrol announced the fee for Global Entry will be increasing to $120 as of October 1st, 2024. Additionally, children under the age of 18 will be free as long as a parent is a current member or is applying concurrently. The value of Global Entry does not change one bit for me with this fee increase.

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