Average Global Entry cost

Global Entry costs $120 for a five-year membership. This is a one-time, non-refundable application fee paid to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you submit your application through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP). There are no hidden charges, annual dues, or additional government fees beyond this amount.

Cost detail	Amount
Application fee	$120
Membership duration	5 years
Renewal fee	$120
Annual cost (broken down)	$24 per year
Refund if denied	$0 (non-refundable)

For frequent international travelers, Global Entry can save significant time clearing U.S. customs. The program also includes TSA PreCheck benefits at no extra cost, making it one of the best values among trusted traveler programs. Below is everything you need to know about Global Entry pricing, what's included, how it compares to alternatives, and how to get the fee reimbursed.

What the $120 fee covers

The $120 Global Entry fee covers your entire application process, membership privileges, and TSA PreCheck access for five full years. No additional payments are required at any stage.

Included in the fee	Details
Online application processing	Submitted through the TTP website
Background check	Conducted by CBP after application submission
In-person interview	At a Global Entry enrollment center
Global Entry membership	5 years of expedited customs clearance
TSA PreCheck	Included at no additional cost

The application process begins online and includes a thorough background check. Once conditionally approved, you schedule an in-person interview at a CBP enrollment center, typically located at major airports. After your interview, approved applicants receive their Global Entry membership immediately.

One of the most notable inclusions is TSA PreCheck. A standalone TSA PreCheck membership costs $78 for five years, so getting it bundled into Global Entry for just $42 more represents strong value for anyone who travels internationally.

Potential additional costs

While the government fee is a flat $120, some applicants may encounter indirect expenses during the process. These aren't charged by CBP but can arise depending on your circumstances.

Potential expense	Estimated cost
Travel to enrollment center	$0 – $500+
Passport renewal (if expired or expiring)	$130 – $160
Reapplication after denial	$120
Passport photos (if needed for renewal)	$10 – $20

Global Entry enrollment centers are located at specific airports and CBP offices across the country. Not every state has one, so some applicants may need to travel to attend their required interview. A practical strategy is to schedule your interview at an airport you're already flying through.

If your application is denied, the $120 fee is not refunded. Should you choose to reapply, you'll need to pay the full fee again. Applicants who need to renew their passport or update other identification documents before applying will face those costs separately.

Global Entry vs. other trusted traveler programs

Global Entry is one of several trusted traveler programs available to U.S. travelers. Each program serves a different purpose and comes at a different price point. Global Entry offers the broadest benefits for international travelers, especially since it includes TSA PreCheck.

Program	Cost	Duration	Primary benefit
Global Entry	$120	5 years	Expedited U.S. customs + TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck	$78	5 years	Expedited domestic airport security
NEXUS	$50	5 years	Expedited U.S.-Canada border crossing
CLEAR Plus	$189 per year	1 year	Skip initial ID verification lines at airports
SENTRI	$122.25	5 years	Expedited U.S.-Mexico border crossing

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck costs $78 and provides expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports for domestic and outbound international flights. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on and leave your laptop in your bag. Global Entry costs $42 more and includes everything TSA PreCheck offers, plus expedited clearance through U.S. customs when returning from abroad.

If you only fly domestically, TSA PreCheck is the more cost-effective choice. If you take even one or two international trips per year, Global Entry is worth the upgrade.

Global Entry vs. NEXUS

NEXUS costs just $50 for five years and includes both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits. It also provides expedited crossing at the U.S.-Canada border. The catch is that NEXUS requires approval from both U.S. and Canadian authorities, and interviews must be conducted at a NEXUS enrollment center, which are located primarily along the U.S.-Canada border. Availability for interviews can also be limited.

For travelers who frequently cross the U.S.-Canada border, NEXUS is the best value. For everyone else, Global Entry is more accessible.

Global Entry vs. CLEAR Plus

CLEAR Plus is a private program (not government-affiliated) that costs $189 per year. It uses biometric identification to let you skip the initial document-check line at participating airports. CLEAR Plus does not replace TSA PreCheck or Global Entry; it simply skips a different part of the security process. Many frequent travelers pair CLEAR Plus with Global Entry for maximum time savings, though the combined annual cost is significantly higher.

How to get Global Entry for free

Many travel credit cards reimburse the $120 Global Entry application fee as a cardholder benefit. This statement credit typically applies automatically when you charge the fee to an eligible card.

Credit card	Reimbursement amount	Frequency
Chase Sapphire Reserve	$120	Every 4 years
American Express Platinum	$120	Every 4 years
Capital One Venture X	$120	Every 4 years
Citi Prestige	$120	Every 5 years
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve	$120	Every 4 years

Some cards reimburse only TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, while others cover either one. Check your card's benefits guide to confirm eligibility before paying the application fee. In many cases, the credit card must be used to pay the fee directly through the TTP website for the reimbursement to apply.

Global Entry benefits

The primary benefit of Global Entry is expedited clearance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection when entering the United States from an international destination. Instead of waiting in standard customs lines, members use automated kiosks or the Global Entry mobile app to process entry in minutes.

Benefit	Details
Expedited customs clearance	Automated kiosks at 75+ airports
TSA PreCheck included	Expedited domestic security screening
No customs declaration forms	Forms completed electronically
Reduced wait times	Often under 5 minutes vs. 30 to 60+ minutes
International reciprocal benefits	Expedited entry in select countries
Fewer missed connections	Faster processing on tight layovers

Global Entry members skip the standard customs line and use dedicated kiosks where they scan their passport or permanent resident card, provide fingerprints, and complete a customs declaration electronically. The entire process typically takes under five minutes.

Because Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, members also benefit from expedited security screening on domestic flights. This means shorter lines, keeping shoes and belts on, and leaving laptops and liquids in carry-on bags.

Additionally, some countries have reciprocal agreements that grant Global Entry members expedited processing upon arrival. These arrangements vary by country and may require separate registration.

Who is eligible for Global Entry

Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select countries with reciprocal agreements. Not everyone who applies will be approved, as CBP conducts thorough background checks.

Eligibility category	Status
U.S. citizens	Eligible
U.S. lawful permanent residents	Eligible
Citizens of partner countries (e.g., UK, Germany, South Korea)	Eligible
Mexican nationals	Eligible (with additional requirements)
Applicants with criminal convictions	Generally ineligible
Applicants with customs violations	Generally ineligible
Children under 18	Eligible (parent/guardian must apply on their behalf)

Common reasons for denial include criminal history, customs or immigration violations, providing false information on the application, and being under investigation by any law enforcement agency. Since the $120 fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome, applicants should carefully review eligibility requirements before applying.

Children require their own Global Entry membership at the full $120 fee. A parent or legal guardian must create the child's application and accompany them to the in-person interview.

How to apply for Global Entry

The application process involves three main steps: submitting an online application, receiving conditional approval, and completing an in-person interview. The entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on demand and interview availability.

Step	Details	Timeline
1. Create a TTP account	Visit ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and create a login	Same day
2. Submit application and pay fee	Complete online form, pay $120	Same day
3. Receive conditional approval	CBP reviews background check	2 to 4 weeks (varies)
4. Schedule and attend interview	In-person at enrollment center	Varies by location
5. Receive membership	Activated after successful interview	Same day as interview

Start by creating an account on the Trusted Traveler Programs website (ttp.cbp.dhs.gov). You'll fill out a detailed application that asks about your travel history, employment, and personal background. The $120 fee is paid at the time of submission.

After conditional approval, you'll schedule an interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. During the interview, a CBP officer will verify your documents, take your fingerprints, and ask questions about your travel patterns. Approved applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) immediately, which they can add to airline reservations for TSA PreCheck access.

Renewal cost and process

Renewing Global Entry costs $120, the same as a new application. CBP recommends beginning the renewal process at least six months before your membership expires.

Renewal detail	Information
Renewal fee	$120
When to renew	Up to 1 year before expiration
Renewal method	Online through TTP website
Interview required?	Sometimes (at CBP's discretion)
Late renewal	Allowed, but benefits lapse until approved

The renewal process is completed online through your existing TTP account. In many cases, renewals are approved without requiring another in-person interview, though CBP reserves the right to request one. If your renewal is approved without an interview, the process can be completed in as little as a few days.

Credit card reimbursement benefits typically apply to renewal fees as well. Check your card's terms to confirm, as some cards only reimburse every four years rather than every five.

Is Global Entry worth the cost?

For most international travelers, Global Entry pays for itself quickly. At $24 per year (or free with a qualifying credit card), the time savings at customs alone can be substantial. Standard customs lines at busy U.S. airports can easily exceed 30 to 60 minutes, while Global Entry members typically clear in under five minutes.

Traveler profile	Worth it?
Frequent international traveler (3+ trips per year)	Highly recommended
Occasional international traveler (1 to 2 trips per year)	Recommended
Domestic-only traveler wanting TSA PreCheck	Consider TSA PreCheck instead ($78)
Frequent U.S.-Canada border crosser	Consider NEXUS instead ($50)

The included TSA PreCheck benefit adds extra value. Since TSA PreCheck alone costs $78, paying $120 for Global Entry (which includes PreCheck) is only $42 more for the added customs benefit. If you take even one international trip during your five-year membership, that extra cost is easy to justify.

Travelers with a qualifying credit card can get the full $120 reimbursed, making Global Entry effectively free. Even without reimbursement, the combination of faster customs processing, skipped declaration forms, and TSA PreCheck access makes Global Entry a strong value for anyone who crosses U.S. borders regularly.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Global Entry fee refundable if I'm denied?

No. The $120 application fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or denied. If you reapply after a denial, you must pay the full fee again.

Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?

Yes. All Global Entry members automatically receive TSA PreCheck benefits at no additional cost. You'll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you add to your airline reservations to access PreCheck lanes.

Can I switch from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry?

Yes, but you'll need to submit a new Global Entry application and pay the $120 fee. Your existing TSA PreCheck membership will not be credited toward the Global Entry cost. Once approved for Global Entry, your TSA PreCheck benefits will be included.

How long does the Global Entry application process take?

The timeline varies. Conditional approval typically takes two to four weeks after submitting your application. The biggest variable is interview scheduling, which depends on enrollment center availability in your area. The total process can range from a few weeks to several months.

Do children need their own Global Entry membership?

Yes. Each traveler, regardless of age, needs their own Global Entry membership at the full $120 fee. A parent or legal guardian must submit the application and accompany the child to the interview.

Can I use Global Entry at all U.S. airports?

Global Entry kiosks are available at over 75 U.S. airports and several pre-clearance locations in other countries. While not every airport has kiosks, all major international airports are covered. TSA PreCheck lanes (included with Global Entry) are available at over 200 airports.