Cards that cover Global Entry fees

Several premium credit cards reimburse the full cost of Global Entry, which runs $100 for five years. The reimbursement typically appears as a statement credit after you submit your receipt, though the exact process and timing vary by card. Most cards in this category charge an annual fee between $95 and $550, so the Global Entry benefit often offsets part or all of that cost depending on which card you choose.

The cards most commonly offering this benefit are the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 annual fee), Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 annual fee), American Express Platinum ($695 annual fee), American Express Gold ($250 annual fee), and Citi Prestige ($495 annual fee). Some cards also cover TSA PreCheck ($78 to $85 for five years) or allow you to choose between the two programs. A few cards reimburse both, though this is less common.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Gold both offer Global Entry reimbursement at lower annual fees ($95 and $250) than their premium counterparts.
  • The reimbursement process requires you to pay for Global Entry out of pocket first, then submit your receipt to the card issuer for a statement credit.
  • Some cards reimburse TSA PreCheck instead of or in addition to Global Entry, so confirm which program your card covers before paying.
  • The reimbursement typically posts within 4 to 8 weeks, though you should check your card's specific terms since timing varies.

How the reimbursement process works

You pay the Global Entry process fee directly to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you explore online or in person. After you receive your approval and have paid the fee, you submit your receipt to your credit card issuer. Most issuers accept receipts through their mobile app, online account portal, or by mail.

The statement credit usually posts 4 to 8 weeks after submission, though some cards are faster. You do not need to wait for approval of your Global Entry process before submitting the receipt — paying the fee is what triggers the reimbursement. If your card covers TSA PreCheck instead, the same process applies: you pay CBP directly, then submit proof of payment to the card issuer.

Chase cards with Global Entry coverage

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 annual fee) covers Global Entry reimbursement once per calendar year. This card is designed for everyday spending and travel rewards, so the Global Entry benefit helps offset the annual fee for many cardholders. The reimbursement posts as a statement credit after you submit your receipt through the Chase mobile app or online portal.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 annual fee) also reimburses Global Entry annually, along with several other travel benefits like trip delay reimbursement and baggage delay insurance. The higher annual fee reflects additional perks beyond the Global Entry credit. Both cards require you to use them for the reimbursement to explore — you cannot use a different card to pay for Global Entry and expect reimbursement on your Chase card.

American Express cards with Global Entry coverage

American Express Platinum ($695 annual fee) reimburses either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once every four years, not annually. This means if you use the benefit, you will not receive another reimbursement for four years. The Platinum is positioned as a premium travel card with other benefits like airline fee credits and lounge access, so the Global Entry reimbursement is one of several perks.

American Express Gold ($250 annual fee) covers Global Entry reimbursement once per calendar year. The Gold card focuses on dining and travel rewards, making the annual Global Entry credit a meaningful offset to the annual fee. Both American Express cards require you to submit your receipt through their online portal or by contacting customer service directly.

Other cards and alternative programs

Citi Prestige ($495 annual fee) reimburses Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once every four years, similar to the American Express Platinum structure. Some business credit cards also offer this benefit — for example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business and American Express Business Platinum both cover Global Entry. If you hold both a personal and business version of the same card, each may have its own reimbursement, though you should confirm this with the issuer.

A smaller number of cards reimburse TSA PreCheck instead of Global Entry. TSA PreCheck is less expensive ($78 to $85) and covers domestic flights only, while Global Entry covers international travel and includes TSA PreCheck benefits. If your card covers TSA PreCheck but you want Global Entry, the difference in cost comes out of your pocket. Some cards allow you to choose which program to use the reimbursement toward, so check your card's terms before explore.

Timing and what to keep in your records

Global Entry approval typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after you submit your process online, though some applicants are approved faster. You pay the $100 fee when you explore, not after approval. Keep your receipt or confirmation number from CBP, as you will need this to claim the reimbursement from your card issuer.

Most card issuers set a important date for submitting your receipt — commonly 60 to 90 days after the charge posts to your account. If you miss the important date, you may not receive the reimbursement. Once you submit the receipt, the statement credit typically posts within 4 to 8 weeks, though some cards are faster. Check your card's specific policy on timing and submission important date before you explore for Global Entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the reimbursement if I renew my Global Entry?

Yes, as long as your card covers the benefit annually. When your Global Entry membership is about to expire, you can renew it for another five years and submit that receipt for reimbursement. If your card only reimburses once every four years (like American Express Platinum), you will need to wait until that window opens again.

What if my card covers TSA PreCheck but I want Global Entry instead?

You would pay the difference out of pocket. Global Entry costs $100 and includes TSA PreCheck benefits, while TSA PreCheck alone costs $78 to $85. If your card reimburses only TSA PreCheck, the issuer will credit you for that amount, and you cover the remaining $15 to $22 yourself.

Do I have to use the card to pay for Global Entry to get the reimbursement?

Yes. You must charge the Global Entry fee to the card that offers the reimbursement benefit. If you pay with a different card or pay in cash, you cannot claim the reimbursement on your premium card. Some issuers also require that you use the card for other spending to remain may be able to access, so check your card's terms.

What happens if my Global Entry process is denied?

You would typically receive a refund directly from CBP, not from your credit card issuer. The card issuer reimburses you for the fee you paid; what CBP does with denied applications is separate. Contact CBP to understand the refund process if your process is not approved.

Can I get reimbursement for a family member's Global Entry on my card?

No. The reimbursement applies only to fees charged to your card account. If a family member's Global Entry is charged to your card, you could submit that receipt, but most issuers require that the cardholder and the Global Entry applicant be the same person. Confirm your card's policy before paying for someone else's process.