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How I Used the Global Entry App To Speed Through Customs

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Lori Zaino
Edited by: Michael Y. Park
& Ben Neighbors-Giles
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It was my first time flying alone across the Atlantic with my almost 5-year-old, and the staffing shortages and long lines due to the government shutdown had me in a complete panic before my trip. When Global Entry was suspended, I got even more nervous that we’d miss our connection.

Luckily, 9 days before I flew, Global Entry reopened after its 17-day shutdown, and I hoped that would make my 2 1/2-hour layover less stressful — my flight plan was Madrid (MAD) to Tucson (TUS) with a brief stop in the Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW).

In the end, having TSA PreCheck and Global Entry made our layover painless, quick, and easy. And using the Global Entry app made things even faster. I sped through Global Entry in about 4 minutes, thanks to the app, and here’s exactly how I did it.

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Downloading the Global Entry App Before My Trip

When I heard the happy news that Global Entry was reopening, I immediately downloaded the Global Entry app on my iPhone.

Setting up the Global Entry App
The Global Entry app loads quickly. Image Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

I entered my PASSID (found on the back of my Global Entry card) and set up my profile ahead of my trip, which only took a few minutes. You can actually add up to 11 eligible Trusted Traveler family members in your app, which is ideal if you’re traveling with a big crew.

For this trip, it was just my son and me, so I added him to my profile using the PASSID on the back of his Global Entry card. I was all set to travel — the rest would happen after landing in Dallas.

Hot Tip:

Remember, every member you add to your Global Entry app profile must have their own Global Entry membership.

Using the App After Landing in Dallas

Once my plane landed in Dallas, I immediately turned off airplane mode and opened the Global Entry app. I was able to set up my port of entry and answer the customs declaration questions.

Then I submitted my information and took photos of my son and me. It took a few takes to get a legitimate shot of my 5-year-old, who was pretty exhausted after the 11-hour flight, but we eventually got there.

Arrival Global Entry App
Once I touched down at DFW, I was able to finish my declaration, take photos, and submit. Image Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The moment I clicked the photos, the countdown began — I had exactly 1 hour before my submission expired. Thankfully, we reached the gate quickly, and the walk to customs was short.

Customs Dallas Fort Worth
The walk to customs was pretty quick. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

However, I’ve had experiences, specifically at Chicago O’Hare (ORD), where it’s taken nearly an hour to taxi, park, get off the plane, and walk to reach customs. In those cases, I’d likely wait to submit everything to give myself more flexibility.

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My Experience Using the Global Entry App

I’ll be honest: After a lot of panic about lines, there was practically no one in any of the customs lines.

The Global Entry line was short, and I waited about 3 or 4 minutes before seeing an agent. There also wasn’t a long line at the kiosks, so using the app didn’t save me a huge amount of time in this specific instance — but it did save me the hassle of doing it at the kiosk.

Global Entry kiosks Dallas Fort Worth
Global Entry kiosks in the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Image Credit: Lori Zaino

Once I reached an agent, he asked for my name and my son’s, then waved us through — I’m not sure if it was because of the app, but it was the fastest I’d ever gotten through the agent portion of Global Entry.

While the time savings weren’t dramatic this time, that was mainly because the airport wasn’t crowded. I can’t wait to use it during peak summer travel, when I know the airports will be significantly busier — and I’ll be paying special attention on my flight to O’Hare (ORD) in late June.

Is the Global Entry App Worth It?

The time-saving potential of using the Global Entry app is significant when lines are long or when many people need to use the kiosks. It’s easy to download the app, and using it is straightforward and clear.

I’ll definitely be using it on all of my future trips that end in the U.S., and I think everyone who has Global Entry should, too. I’m the first person to say that when you’re traveling with small children, saving even a few minutes can be all the difference between a calm child and a meltdown.

How To Get Global Entry for Free

Global Entry membership costs $120 and is valid for 5 years. However, many credit cards in my wallet offer Global Entry credits, allowing me to receive the service at no extra cost and gift it to friends and family.

While there is a full list of cards that offer Global Entry (nearly 40 cards), some of our top picks that offer Global Entry statement credits are the Platinum Card® from American Express, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

In my opinion, the best card for getting your money back for Global Entry is the Amex Platinum card.

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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.  
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When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

 

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
    • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
    • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
    • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
    • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
    • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
    • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
    • Access to Amex transfer partners
    • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

     

Cons
    • $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
    • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

     

     

Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
  • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
  • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
  • $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
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It’s true the $895 annual fee (rates & fees) is high for this luxury card, but it comes packed with perks and benefits beyond a Global Entry credit (many of which require enrollment), including:

  • Digital entertainment credits
  • Resy credits
  • Airline fee credits
  • Shopping credits
  • Lounge access
  • CLEAR+ credit

If you’d prefer a card with a lower annual fee, you should consider the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or the United℠ Explorer Card.

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The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

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Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.

The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
  • 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
  • 3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $99 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable points
Card Highlights
  • Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG® Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
  • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Hotel Indigo® & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

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With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.
Earn up to 80,000 United MileagePlus bonus miles and 3,000 PQP after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account, plus a $0 annual fee for the first year (70K + 10K more miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months).
Up to 80,000 miles
$960
$150
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Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
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Why We Like This Card

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 9x total miles per $1 on eligible United flights
  • 3x miles per $1 on all other eligible United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 on dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
Cons
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
  • Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
  • NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United® purchases.
  • 2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.
  • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, priority boarding on United® flights.
  • 2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value
  • Over $500 in partner credits each year
  • NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

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And, the United Explorer card waives its annual fee the first year, which is the perfect time to apply for Global Entry.

A Note on Kids and Global Entry

Kids need their own Global Entry membership, but it’s now free for minors. I actually paid for my son’s before it was free for minors, but I got my money back since I paid with a credit card that had a Global Entry fee credit.

Lori and son on plane
My son and I made our connecting flight from Dallas to Tucson in part thanks to the Global Entry app and TSA PreCheck. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

Although it takes time to apply for the little ones, it’s worth it. This is especially true in situations like mine, where I was traveling alone with my son and wanted to avoid long layover waits.

Hot Tip:

Since October 2024, minors have been able to join Global Entry for free if their parents or guardians are members. However, they need to apply and have their own interview. In our experience, the entire experience is easy and fast. Here’s how to enroll a child in Global Entry.

Final Thoughts

Global Entry already makes arriving back in the U.S. much easier, and the Global Entry app takes it a step further, letting you speed through customs even more quickly.

Getting through airports can be stressful, especially with kids, so anything that makes that process faster and smoother is worth it. Whether you’re dealing with peak travel crowds or unprecedented situations, such as the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the app is an easy way to save time and simplify your arrival experience.

Lori Zaino's image

About Lori Zaino

Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and Forbes and has taken points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.

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Platinum Card® from American Express

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
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  • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
  • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
  • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
  • $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
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