Which Credit Card Issuers Are Updating Global Entry Benefits for the Fee Increase?

One of my favorite benefits when traveling is Global Entry. I think it’s easily worth the fee. Unfortunately, that fee is going up.

When we first heard about the fee increase, we wondered how this would affect credit cards providing a Global Entry application fee credit — would they adjust or would they keep the benefit the same, leaving you to cover the additional cost yourself?

Luckily, there’s good news here, as major credit card issuers have all adjusted their benefits, letting you enjoy Global Entry with no out-of-pocket cost. Here’s the latest on how each issuer is treating the increased fee and credit cards providing Global Entry benefits.

Increased Global Entry Fee

Presently, a 5-year Global Entry membership costs $100. As we learned back in April, that number is going up to $120, starting on October 1, 2024.

Another element to this change involves minors: Those with a parent or guardian who has Global Entry can access these arrival lanes at no charge when traveling together.

Citi Adjusting Global Entry Benefit

Citi was first to report that it would adjust its Global Entry benefit to match the increased fee. There are 2 Citi credit cards offering a Global Entry fee statement credit: the Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® and Citi Prestige^® Card, though the Citi Prestige card is closed to new applicants. This benefit, starting October 1, 2024, will offer up to $120 in statement credits every 4 years.

Chase Adjusting Global Entry Benefit

Just 5 days after Citi’s announcement, Chase announced it would also adjust the Global Entry benefit, providing up to $120 in statement credits when the fee increases on October 1, 2024. This benefit will continue to be available every 4 years.

Many Chase credit cards offer this benefit, including Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, United℠ Explorer Card, Aeroplan^® Credit Card, and Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Performance Business Credit Card.

Barclays Adjusting Benefit on 1 Card

While several Barclays-issued credit cards offer a statement credit for your Global Entry application fee, most of them aren’t increasing this benefit. The only card seeing an increase to $120 in this benefit is the AAdvantage^® Aviator^® Silver Mastercard^®.

American Express Adjusting Global Entry Benefit

On October 1, 2024, American Express will also increase the maximum statement credit to up to $120, available once every 4 years for Global Entry application fees. Additional terms apply, which you can read here.

Numerous Amex cards offer this benefit, including the Platinum Card^® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, Centurion^® Card from American Express, and Business Centurion^® Card from American Express. However, there also exist co-branded cards offering this expanded perk, including Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card and Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, for example.

Capital One Adjusting Global Entry Benefit

When the fee goes up from $100 to $120 on October 1, 2024, the maximum coverage amount will also go up on the Capital One cards offering this benefit. Those include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Business Card, and Capital One Spark Miles for Business*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. (closed to new applicants).

PenFed Adjusting Global Entry Benefit

On October 1, 2024, the PenFed Pathfinder^® Rewards Visa Signature^® Card will also see an adjusted benefit. The maximum reimbursement will go up to $120 to match the increased application fee for Global Entry.

Final Thoughts

The cost of Global Entry is going up, from $100 to $120, on October 1. Luckily, many of the credit cards providing reimbursement for your application fee will cover this increased cost. A Global Entry membership is good for 5 years and can help you avoid lines when returning to the U.S. Even better, you can enjoy these benefits at no cost by paying with the right credit card.