This program has saved me so much time at airports. $100 for 5 years of benefits, it is a no-brainer.

Benefits

  • Use TSA Pre-Check security lines
  • Keep your shoes on at security
  • No need to remove laptops
  • Use a quick kiosk at customs
  • No need to fill out landing cards when returning to the US

Requirements

  • US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
  • No criminal record
  • No minimum age requirement (yes, even children can participate) though if under 18, will need parent or guardian's consent.

How to Apply

  1. Create an account, complete the TSA precheck online application and pay the $100. This takes about an hour to complete.
  2. Schedule an in-person interview online or by calling (855) 347-8371. Note: these appointments take months to schedule and are often at airports' TSA offices, so consider booking your appointment a few hours before your next flight to save yourself an additional trip to the airport.
  3. Bring your passport or a birth certificate and driving license to the interview. They will ask you questions about your application and scan your fingerprints (which you'll later use at Global Entry kiosks to identify yourself).
  4. Once approved, add your Traveler ID to all your frequent flyer programs so it automatically ads TSA pre-check to your boarding passes.

Bonus tip: While children do need their own global entry accounts to skip customs, the rules are different for pre-check. Parents that have Global Entry and are traveling domestically can bring kids 12 and under through TSA pre-check lines.

Programs that Reimburse the Fee

As TPG mentions, the following credit cards have programs that reimburse the Global Entry $100 fee:
  • AmEx Platinum
  • AmEx Business
  • Centurion Cards (consumer and business)
  • Citi Thank You Prestige Card
  • Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard
  • Mercedes-Benz Platinum AmEx​​
  • ​United Mileage Plus Elite Members (Global Services, MileagePlus Premier 1K, Mileage Plus Premier Platinum levels)

Save Money Traveling

More saving, more travel. 

Global Entry Tips

Skip the customs line and get TSA pre-check.

Healthy Traveling 

Manage exposure to illness while abroad.

Pack Light. Seriously.

Pack efficiently and minimally.

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