If you want to bypass security more quickly and comfortably; Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS and SENTRY has been a standard in airport and ports security services for quite some time now. Of course, these services comes with a fee that is needed to be renewed every 5 years; but if you’re a frequent traveler, this is a must have considering how you need all the convenience you could get with airport security.
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Best Credit Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
You can receive Global Entry for free with these cards:
- Platinum Card From American Express ($550 AF)
- Business Platinum Card From American Express ($450 AF)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve ($450 AF)
- City National Crystal Visa Infinite ($400 AF)
- AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite MasterCard
- Amex U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold ($85 AF)
- Chase Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite ($450 AF)
You can receive TSA PreCheck for free with these cards:
- Platinum Card From American Express ($550 AF)
- Business Platinum Card From American Express ($450 AF)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve ($450 AF)
- Chase Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite ($450 AF)
- Amex U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold ($85 AF)
Global Entry:
“Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.” –cbp.gov
It is primarily aimed at travelers coming into the United States, however, Global Entry is recognized at participating countries of Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports will be needed to scan their passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place fingerprints on the scanner and complete a customs declaration. You will then receive a Transaction receipt directing you to travelers baggage claim/exit from the automated kiosk.
- Create a Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account.
- Log in to your GOES account and complete the application. A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application.
- After accepting your completed application and fee, CBP will review your application. If your application is conditionally approved, then your GOES account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.
- You will need to bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.
Once completed, you will be issued a Global Entry ID card costing $100 for five years, non-refundable.
TSA PreCheck:
“TSA PreCheck lets eligible, low-risk travelers enjoy expedited security screening. The program is available at participating U.S. airport locations and for most international itineraries. You can ease through checkpoints without removing shoes, liquids and gels from your carry-on, laptop from your bag, light outerwear/jacket and belts.” –cbp.gov
if you are a: U.S. citizen, or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), and Haven’t been convicted of certain crimes, you can apply directly through TSA. Keep in mind that you will be fingerprinted and documented regarding your identity. You’ll then be issued a Known Travelers Number (KTN) that will be printed on your airline tickets on future flights. Expect an $85 fee for TSA PreCheck and after 5 years, it’s required that you renew the service to still participate in these services.
NEXUS:
“The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada. Program members use dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports. NEXUS members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations.” – cbp.gov
In the US you’ll find enrollment centers in Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Maine and Vermont, although it’s most of the time included with the benefits of Global Entry and TSA Precheck.
SENTRI:
“The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.” –cbp.gov
Travelers must be pre-approved for the SENTRI program. All applicants are required to go through a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. SENTRI will cost $122.25 (five years) and it will be most useful if you drive through the US-Mexico border.
The Better Option:
Now, considering that NEXUS services is the cheapest listed at $50, it could be a great option for those of you living up north that have a few of those enrollment centers around, but as for that, I recommend all individuals to apply for Global Entry, if you’re thinking about traveling abroad within a given 5 years span of course. There’s an extra cost, but you will be able to get expedited entry into the US. Lastly, SENTRI only seems to be useful if you’re frequently coming through Mexico’s borders in their dedicated processing lanes.Which one is better?
Includes Global Entry and TSA Pre✓™benefits for U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.
| Agency | TSA | Customs and Border Protection | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program | TSA Pre✓® | Global Entry | NEXUS | |
| Website | www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck | www.globalentry.gov | NEXUS | |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents. | U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of certain other countries.1 | U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens and lawful permanent residents of Canada. | |
| Enrollment Fee | $85.00 (5 year membership) | $100.00 (5 year membership) | $50.00 (5 year membership) | |
| Passport Required | No | Yes; or lawful permanent resident card | No | |
| Application Process | Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center; provide fingerprints and verify ID. | Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an interview; provide fingerprints and verify ID. | Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an interview; provide fingerprints and verify ID. | |
| Apply Now | Apply for TSA Pre✓® here | Apply for Global Entry here | Apply for NEXUS here | |
Conclusion:
With certain premium cards, you could earn yourself free global entry or TSA PreChecks per year. Global Entry, TSA PreChecks, Sentri, and NEXUS services all serve as a regulatory tool to ensure convenience and efficiency with processing lines in airports. For those of you that travel often, this is a very valuable asset to have. Keep in mind that no service is superior to the other; It mostly depends on the purpose that you are using the service and where you are located. However, I do prefer Global Entry over the other services. Find our complete list of Credit Card Promotions today!
