Global Entry is probably the No. 1 best thing to have as a traveler. If you travel internationally, you’ve probably experienced returning back to the US and instead of zipping out of the airport in a timely fashion you were instead stuck in a long customs line. Definitely no fun for anyone.
That is when having Global Entry access comes into play. Global Entry allows you to enter the country quickly and painlessly. Instead of waiting in line, you go right up to a Global Entry kiosk, scan your finger prints and you are pretty much on your way. The maximum amount of time I’ve waited in line has been about 5 minutes.
You also get TSA Pre-Check!
With Global Entry approval, you also automatically get access to TSA Pre-Check. This allows you to go through the TSA Pre-Check security line within the US which is typically a much shorter line. Not only that, you get to keep your shoes on, do not have to remove your computer and those 3-oz bags can stay right in your bag. A much more positive security experience, especially when traveling with kids.
Your credit card can get you complimentary Global Entry
There are a handful of credit cards that will reimburse you for your Global Entry application fee as long as you pay for it with the respective card. One of those cards is the United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card. Many of the cards that reimburse the fee come with quite a hefty annual fee, but not the United card. This card only costs $95 per year, but with the current welcome offer the annual fee is actually waived the first year!
This means if you apply for this card now, you can apply for Global Entry within the next few days, get reimbursed your $100 and not pay the annual fee until next year. This gives you an entire year to see if the card is worth it before paying any sort of fee. And at the same time you’ll still have Global Entry under your belt.
- Key Link: United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card — Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months. No annual fee for the first year, then $95 a year.
Now, if you already have Global Entry, you can always use the credit towards another family members application fee. The names do not need to match, you simply just need to use the card to pay for the fee. Tip: The Global Entry reimbursement benefit is only valid once every four years.
Other credit cards that reimburse for Global Entry
As I mentioned above, the United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card is not the only card that reimburses for Global Entry. Another credit card which waives the annual fee for the first year that also offers this benefit is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. The IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card also offers this benefit, although the annual fee is not waived for the first year (although a slightly less annual fee at $89/year).
Right now though, the United card is offering a limited time welcome offer. This offer is ending tomorrow, so earning an increased number of United miles plus complimentary Global Entry is definitely a win. With that being said, keep in mind that this card is subject to Chase’s “5/24” rule. This means if you’ve been approved for 5 or more credit cards in the past 24 months, Chase will not approve you for this card. Keep in mind though that only Chase and American Express PERSONAL cards (not BUSINESS cards) typically count towards the magical 5 number. Also, this offer is not available to those who are 1) currently a cardmember, and 2) have received a new cardmember bonus for this consumer credit card within the last 24 months.
Enjoy fast tracking through US customs and TSA security!
United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card
Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months. No annual fee for the first year, then $95 a year.
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