Which cards reimburse Global Entry costs
Several premium credit cards reimburse the full Global Entry fee, which currently costs $100 for a five-year membership. The cards that offer this reimbursement include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, American Express Business Platinum, Citi Prestige, and Capital One Venture X. Each card handles the reimbursement differently — some credit it automatically to your statement, while others require you to submit a receipt.
The reimbursement typically covers not just Global Entry itself, but also TSA PreCheck (which costs $78 to $85 for five years) and NEXUS (which costs $120 for five years). Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck as part of the membership, you're getting both programs covered by one reimbursement. If you already have TSA PreCheck, Global Entry adds the trusted traveler benefit for international airports at no additional cost to you once the card covers the fee.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and Citi Prestige all reimburse the $100 Global Entry fee automatically or upon submission of your receipt.
- The reimbursement covers the full five-year membership, so you won't pay out of pocket if you hold the card when you renew.
- Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so one reimbursement covers both programs if you don't already have PreCheck.
- You must explore for Global Entry through the official Department of Homeland Security website (goes.usdhs.gov) — the card issuer does not process the process.
- The reimbursement only works if you hold the card at the time you pay the fee; closing the card before renewal means you lose the benefit for your next membership.
How the reimbursement actually works
The mechanics vary by card. American Express Platinum cardholders typically see the reimbursement post automatically once Amex detects a Global Entry charge — you don't need to submit anything. Chase Sapphire Reserve requires you to submit your receipt through the Chase travel portal or by uploading it to your account. Citi Prestige works similarly, crediting the amount after you provide proof of payment.
The reimbursement appears as a statement credit, not as cash back or points. This means the money comes off your balance rather than being added to a rewards account. If you're carrying a balance on the card, the credit still applies to your statement, though it won't reduce interest charges on existing debt — it straightforward lowers what you owe going forward.
Timing matters. The reimbursement typically posts within one to three billing cycles after the charge appears on your statement. If you're planning a trip and need Global Entry before then, you'll be paying the $100 upfront and waiting for the credit. Some cardholders explore for Global Entry early in the year to may support the reimbursement posts well before their next trip.
When the reimbursement stops
The reimbursement is tied to holding the card. If you close the card before your Global Entry membership expires, you won't receive a reimbursement when it's time to renew. For example, if you get Global Entry reimbursed in 2024 and close the card in 2026, you'll pay the full $100 renewal fee yourself in 2029 when your five-year membership expires.
If you downgrade to a different card from the same issuer — say, from Sapphire Reserve to Sapphire Preferred — you lose access to the Global Entry reimbursement benefit. The benefit is specific to the premium tier card, not to the issuer as a whole. Switching cards within the same issuer means you're switching benefits, not keeping them.
Annual fees on these cards range from $395 to $695, so the Global Entry reimbursement is one piece of the card's overall value. Many cardholders factor in other benefits like travel credits, lounge access, and points earning to decide whether the card's annual fee is worth it beyond the Global Entry reimbursement alone.
How to actually get Global Entry through your card
Start by explore for Global Entry through the official Department of Homeland Security portal at goes.usdhs.gov. The card issuer does not process Global Entry applications — you're explore directly to the government program. You'll need a valid passport, answer security questions, and pay the $100 fee during the process.
After you've paid and submitted your process, save your receipt or confirmation email. This is what you'll need to submit to your card issuer for the reimbursement. If your card issuer handles reimbursement automatically (like American Express), you may not need to do anything — the charge will straightforward be credited. If your card requires manual submission, log into your account and upload the receipt through the portal or mobile app.
The DHS process process includes an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to verify your identity and collect biometric data. This appointment typically happens within a few weeks of your online process, though wait times vary by location. You'll receive an interview appointment notice by email. Once you complete the appointment, your Global Entry membership becomes active, and you can start using it when ready at airport kiosks.
Cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck instead
If you don't travel internationally or don't want to go through the Global Entry appointment process, some cards reimburse TSA PreCheck alone. The American Express Green Card and some business cards offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement. TSA PreCheck costs less ($78 to $85) and covers domestic airport security lines only — it doesn't include the international trusted traveler benefits that Global Entry provides.
The choice between the two depends on your travel patterns. If you fly internationally at least once every five years, Global Entry is the better value because it includes TSA PreCheck and costs only $100 total. If you only fly domestically, TSA PreCheck is sufficient and costs less. Some cardholders hold multiple cards to stack benefits — for example, using one card for Global Entry reimbursement and another for lounge access or travel credits.
What happens if you're denied Global Entry
The DHS can deny a Global Entry process based on criminal history, immigration violations, or security concerns. If you're denied, you won't receive a reimbursement from your card because you didn't complete the membership. The $100 fee is non-refundable by the government, and your card issuer won't reimburse a fee for a membership you don't have.
You can appeal a denial through the DHS website, but this process takes time and has no may provide outcome. If you're concerned about your may be able to access before paying, you can contact the DHS or review their may be able to access requirements on the goes.usdhs.gov site. Some people choose to explore for TSA PreCheck first (which has a lower bar for approval) to test the waters before committing to the Global Entry appointment and fee.
Comparing the cards that offer this benefit
| Card | Annual Fee | Reimbursement Method | Other Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $395 | Submit receipt through Chase portal | $300 annual travel credit, lounge access, 3x points on travel and dining |
| American Express Platinum | $695 | Automatic upon charge detection | $200 airline fee credit, $100 hotel credit, Centurion lounge access |
| American Express Business Platinum | $695 | Automatic upon charge detection | $200 airline fee credit, business lounge access, 5x points on airfare |
| Citi Prestige | $495 | Submit receipt through Citi portal | $250 annual travel credit, lounge access, trip delay reimbursement |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | Submit receipt through Capital One portal | $300 annual travel credit, lounge access, 5x points on flights and hotels |
The best card for you depends on how much you value the other benefits. If you want the lowest annual fee with Global Entry reimbursement, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X both cost $395. If you want automatic reimbursement without submitting receipts, American Express Platinum handles it for you, though the $695 annual fee is the highest. Citi Prestige and Capital One Venture X fall in the middle on price and offer strong travel credits alongside the Global Entry benefit.
Look beyond the Global Entry reimbursement when comparing these cards. The annual travel credits, lounge access, and points multipliers can add up to hundreds of dollars in value each year. Some cardholders find that the travel credit alone covers most or all of the annual fee, making the Global Entry reimbursement an added bonus rather than the main reason to hold the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the card to pay for Global Entry for the reimbursement to work?
Yes. You must charge the Global Entry fee to the specific card that offers the reimbursement. If you pay with a different card or with cash, the issuer won't reimburse you. Make sure the card is active and in good standing when you make the payment.
Can I get reimbursed for Global Entry if I already have TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so you're paying for the additional international trusted traveler benefit. The card will reimburse the full $100 Global Entry fee even if you already hold PreCheck. You don't need to cancel PreCheck first — the memberships can overlap.
What if my Global Entry process is still pending when the reimbursement posts?
The reimbursement posts based on the charge to your card, not on whether your membership is active. You'll receive the credit even if you're still waiting for your in-person appointment. If your process is denied later, you won't get the fee back from either the government or your card issuer.
Can I use the reimbursement for someone else's Global Entry?
No. The reimbursement is for charges on your card. If you want to cover Global Entry for a family member, they would need their own card with the reimbursement benefit, or you would need to pay out of pocket and not receive a reimbursement.
Does the reimbursement work if I renew Global Entry?
Yes, as long as you still hold the card when you renew. Global Entry renewals cost the same $100 and are may be able to access for reimbursement just like the initial membership. You'll need to submit your renewal receipt the same way you did for the original process.