Which cards reimburse Global Entry fees

Several premium credit cards reimburse the full cost of Global Entry, which runs $100 for five years. The reimbursement typically covers Global Entry itself, TSA PreCheck (which Global Entry includes), or trusted traveler programs in general — the exact wording varies by card, but the result is the same: you pay the fee to the government, submit your receipt, and the card issuer credits your account.

The cards that offer this benefit are almost always in the premium tier, meaning they charge an annual fee themselves. That fee is usually $395 to $550 per year. The Global Entry reimbursement is designed to offset part of that cost if you travel internationally or frequently enough to use it.

Not every premium card offers this benefit, and the terms differ slightly. Some cards reimburse once every five years (matching Global Entry's renewal cycle), while others reimburse once per year. A few cards in the premium category do not offer this reimbursement at all, so checking your card's benefits guide or calling the issuer is the only way to be certain.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium credit cards from American Express, Chase, and Citi offer Global Entry reimbursement, but the benefit is not universal across all premium cards.
  • You pay the $100 Global Entry fee to the government yourself, then submit proof of payment to your card issuer for a statement credit.
  • Most cards reimburse once every five years, though some reimburse annually — check your specific card's terms before you pay.
  • Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so you do not need to pay for both programs separately.
  • The reimbursement is a statement credit, not a refund to your bank account, so you must have an active account with the card issuer.

How the reimbursement process works

The process is straightforward but requires you to take action. You first explore for Global Entry through the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov). You pay the $100 fee by credit card at that time. The government sends you a receipt or confirmation email with a reference number.

Next, you log into your credit card account online or call the card issuer's customer service line. Look for a section called "benefits," "travel benefits," or "reimbursements." Some cards have an automated portal where you upload your receipt; others require you to mail it in or email it to a specific address. The issuer will tell you exactly what documentation they need — usually a screenshot or PDF of your receipt showing the $100 charge and the date.

Once the issuer receives and verifies your receipt, they post a $100 credit to your account. This typically happens within two to four weeks, though some issuers are faster. The credit appears as a statement credit, reducing your balance or your next bill — it does not go back to your bank account.

Cards that offer Global Entry reimbursement

The American Express Platinum Card reimburses Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or other trusted traveler programs once every four years. The card's annual fee is $695. American Express also offers the same benefit on its Business Platinum Card.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve reimburses Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once every four years. The annual fee is $550. Chase's Sapphire Preferred does not include this benefit, so do not assume all Sapphire cards have it.

Citi's Prestige Card (available by invitation only in most cases) reimburses Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once every four years. The annual fee is $495.

The Capital One Venture X card reimburses Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once per calendar year. The annual fee is $395. This card's annual reimbursement is more generous than the four-year cycles on other cards if you have multiple family members who need the benefit.

Bank of America's Premium Rewards card does not offer Global Entry reimbursement, even though it carries a $595 annual fee. Always verify your card's specific benefits before assuming it includes this reimbursement.

What to do if your card does not reimburse

If you hold a premium card that does not offer Global Entry reimbursement, you have two options: pay the $100 fee out of pocket, or switch to a card that does reimburse it.

Switching makes sense if you travel internationally or use TSA PreCheck regularly and plan to keep the new card long-term. The reimbursement effectively reduces your annual cost. For example, if you switch to the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 annual fee) from a card with no annual fee, the $100 Global Entry reimbursement (once every four years) brings your true cost down slightly. However, if you only travel once every few years and do not use TSA PreCheck, the $100 fee is a one-time cost that may not justify switching cards.

If you already have a premium card without this benefit and you do not want to switch, straightforward pay the $100 Global Entry fee directly to the government. The fee is the same regardless of which card you use to pay it, and you will still get the five-year membership.

Global Entry versus TSA PreCheck

Global Entry is the broader program. It includes TSA PreCheck (which speeds up domestic airport security) plus expedited customs screening when you return to the United States from international travel. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is worth the $100 fee because you get both benefits.

TSA PreCheck alone costs $78 to $85 and covers only domestic flights. If you never leave the country but fly domestically several times a year, TSA PreCheck is the cheaper option. However, many premium credit cards reimburse Global Entry or TSA PreCheck but not both — you choose which one to use the reimbursement for, not both.

Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, there is no reason to pay for TSA PreCheck separately if you are already getting Global Entry reimbursed. The reimbursement covers the full Global Entry fee, so you get both benefits for the price of one.

Timing and renewal

Global Entry lasts five years from the date you are approved. Most credit card reimbursements cover the renewal fee when your membership expires, but the timing depends on your card's specific terms.

If your card reimburses once every four years, you will be may be able to access for a reimbursement before your Global Entry expires (at the four-year mark). You can renew early and use the reimbursement, or wait until year five and pay out of pocket. If your card reimburses once per calendar year (like Capital One Venture X), you can use the reimbursement whenever you renew, as long as you have an active card account.

Keep your Global Entry receipt or confirmation number in a safe place. When it is time to renew, you will need proof of the renewal fee to submit for reimbursement. The government sends you a receipt when you pay, so save that email or screenshot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the reimbursement if I am not the primary cardholder?

Most cards limit the reimbursement to the primary cardholder only. If you are an authorized user on someone else's account, you would need to have your own card in your name to get the reimbursement. Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm.

What if I do not have a receipt from the government?

The government sends a confirmation email when you pay the Global Entry fee. That email, or a screenshot of your receipt from the CBP website, is usually sufficient. If you lost the email, log into your Global Entry account on cbp.gov and look for your payment history or receipt. If you cannot find it, contact CBP directly at the Global Entry help line.

Do I have to use the reimbursement in the same year I pay the fee?

No. You pay the fee to the government, then submit your receipt to the card issuer whenever you are ready. The reimbursement will post as a statement credit once the issuer verifies it. There is no important date to submit, but submitting within a few months of payment makes the process simpler.

What happens if I close my credit card account?

If you close the account before the reimbursement posts, you may lose the benefit. Always submit your receipt and receive the credit before closing an account. If you have already closed the account, contact the issuer's customer service to ask whether they can still process the reimbursement to a different card you hold with them.

Can I get reimbursed for TSA PreCheck instead of Global Entry?

Yes. Most cards that offer this benefit let you choose which trusted traveler program to use the reimbursement for. Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, there is no reason to choose TSA PreCheck alone unless you never travel internationally and want to save the $100 difference. The reimbursement amount is the same either way.