5 Reasons Global Entry Is Still Worth Having in 2026

I’ve had Global Entry for nearly 15 years, renewed it multiple times, and signed my son up when he was just 2 months old. Since then, I’ve watched the cost rise, and even had a renewal interview via Zoom during COVID-19.

Global Entry has provided extensive value for me, saving me from long lines, helping me speed through customs with a child, and assisting me in making connecting flights during government shutdowns. In my opinion, it’s still worth having in 2026, especially as airports face various disruptions.

Even if it saves you only a few minutes per trip, you may never have to pay extra for it yourself if you carry the right credit card. In fact, I’ve renewed the service twice, gotten it for my son the first time at a cost (though now it’s free for kids), and gifted it to a few friends and family members. But I’ve never actually had to pay out of pocket for Global Entry, thanks to credit card statement credits.

Here’s why Global Entry is essential in 2026 and how you can often get it for no extra cost — not just for you, but for your family and friends, too.

1. New Technology Could Make Global Entry Even Faster

Global Entry is already a time-saving service that can usually speed you through U.S. customs. The process includes either using the app to answer a few questions and take your photo after landing (more on that below), or using the Global Entry kiosks to do the same.

Now, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is testing a new update at 3 major airports — New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), and Los Angeles (LAX) — to make it even faster: On the Move biometric technology, part of the Seamless Border Entry program.

The technology includes overhead cameras in the Global Entry area, which ID you as you walk through immigration. This means you can skip the kiosk step and go straight to an officer.

Early reports suggest the system can help you get through customs quickly. Other say the cameras struggle to recognize them in some cases, especially if they’re wearing a hat or glasses. Some people have privacy concerns about the cameras, but honestly, if you’re part of Global Entry, the system already has all your information.

Either way, it seems this system will likely expand to other airports, speeding up the Global Entry process, and could essentially render the kiosks (and perhaps the app) unnecessary. This rollout might not be completed in 2026 and may take further testing.

I personally look forward to seeing how this development affects the Global Entry process and appreciate that my membership fees (well, technically the ones from my credit cards) are being used to improve and modernize the service.

2. The Global Entry App Saves Time

I was surprised to hear the news about the immigration overhead cameras, because I didn’t think it could get much faster or easier than using the app, which already makes arrival simple.

I used the Global Entry app for the first time this spring when arriving at Dallas Forth Worth International Airport (DFW), and it was a big timesaver. The app allows you to register yourself and any travel companions who also have Global Entry. You can also start the Global Entry arrival process before your trip, logging your port of entry.

Once I arrived, I submitted my application, walked straight to an immigration officer and skipped the kiosk line enitrely (since I’d already filled out my information and taken the photo).

I have an upcoming trip to Chicago this summer, and I’ve already set things up in the app, declaring Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) as my port of entry and that I’ll be submitting for myself and my son. I answered a few easy questions, and when I get off the plane in Chicago and walk down the very, very long hallway to customs (IYKYK), I’ll finish by taking photos and submitting the application.

I haven’t encountered any bugs with the app thus far, and I look forward to using it in 2026 and beyond to make my arrival process even speedier.

3. It’s No Extra Cost if You Hold the Right Card

I’ve had Global Entry for nearly 15 years, and my son has had it for about 5 years. Still, I’ve never actually paid out of pocket for the service. I’ve even gotten the service for 3 friends without paying out of pocket.

Of course, I’ve been charged for the service (3 times for myself, once for my child, before it was free for kids, and for 3 friends). But thanks to credit card statement credits, I’ve never paid extra for Global Entry, which has saved me hundreds of dollars and countless hours of waiting at customs.

Although Upgraded Points has its list of favorite credit cards for Global Entry and a full list of nearly every card that offers a Global Entry statement credit (there are nearly 40!), I’ve used the following cards in the past for my credits:

• Platinum Card^® from American Express
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

I’m also excited that one of my recently revamped credit cards will now feature a Global Entry credit: the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

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.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

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

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, gas, EV charging, vacation homes, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance and emergency evacuation. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation homes (such as Airbnb and Vrbo), and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $156.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck^® or NEXUS application.
• Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

Considering the card’s annual fee is only $95, using the up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit every 4 years is an easy start to offsetting that fee.

4. Global Entry Consistenly Saves Me Time

My most recent Global Entry experience was during the spring 2026 government shutdown, where airports were a mess. I was nervous about making my connecting flight, especially with the TSA waits. I wasn’t sure if staffing issues would close TSA PreCheck lines or if my terminal had CLEAR+ lanes. After an 11-hour flight with a 4-year-old who I knew would be exhausted, shaving off any customs time was welcome — and Global Entry really came through.

Thanks to Global Entry and its app, I cleared customs in a couple of minutes and was able to race to security, where thankfully, TSA PreCheck also made my security experience much faster.

When things get messy at airports (which is happening more frequently these days) due to peak travel times and dates, weather issues, global pandemics, operational delays, or politics, Global Entry can ensure the customs experience remains speedy.

Even in less precarious times, I still want to clear customs quickly and get to my destination, and Global Entry helps me do that.

5. It Includes TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck costs $79.95 on its own, but it’s included with my Global Entry. TSA PreCheck security checkpoints often have shorter waits and fewer lines than regular TSA lanes.

Echoing my last point about unstable times, TSA PreCheck was invaluable to me during the recent shutdown, when regular TSA wait times were hours long during peak dates because of staffing shortages. (CLEAR+ was helpful, too.) TSA PreCheck is why I’ve been able to make connecting flights, have smooth domestic airport experiences, and avoid meltdowns with a young toddler.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which makes the service even more indispensable for me as a frequent traveler. And the fact that I can get both services for no extra cost makes it even better.

I’m clearly not alone in my love for TSA PreCheck. Upgraded Points surveyed 1,500 travelers, both with and without TSA PreCheck, and the results showed that 39% of those with TSA PreCheck said airport security was less stressful, and 34% said they experienced shorter lines.

Final Thoughts

I have many subscriptions and memberships, but Global Entry is one of my absolute favorites. That and the included TSA PreCheck consistently make my airport experience better — and it’s technically no extra cost, since I hold the right credit cards.

No service is perfect, and Global Entry isn’t either. It was temporarily closed for 17 days this spring during the government shutdown, and it can sometimes be difficult to get an appointment. Still, I’m sticking with Global Entry for the foreseeable future. And if you’re in my friend group, you may just get it as a birthday present this year.