The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) just announced an upcoming fee change for some of its most popular Trusted Traveler Programs, including Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck), NEXUS, and SENTRI. Starting 10/1/24, the application fee for Global Entry will rise to $120 every 5 years, up from $100. NEXUS and SENTRI will also have the same $120 fee. TSA PreCheck on its own is still set to stay at $78, but again Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck.
This is potentially actionable news in a few different ways:
- It’s a good reminder to use up any of those $100 Global Entry/TSA credits on any credit cards you have now. There are over a dozen cards that offer this credit from all the major issuers like all of the major issuers. I’ve never actually paid for a Global Entry (GE) application fee for any of our five household members, thanks to such credits. The cards will probably eventually increase to match, but why not just get it reimbursed in full for sure. There is usually a 12-month window before expiration when you can renew.
- If you have kids, you may choose to wait until after 10/1 to apply or renew for Global Entry. As long as the parent or legal guardian is already a Global Entry member OR is applying at the same time, it will become free for the child under 18. A reminder that as long as just the parents have TSA PreCheck, the kids will still get TSA PreCheck line access as well when flying. However, Global Entry does not work that way and so everyone needs their own Global Entry membership to use that special line.
- Note that the biggest hassle right now is trying to find an interview time to actually complete for your Global Entry application, especially after the pandemic. This depends on the availability where you live. We still have one kid without Global Entry (even though we paid for the application) due to this hurdle. For a while, there were simply zero appointments available. Then we had to eventually schedule the appointment for six months out, and it’s still not until June 2024. Things appear a little better now.
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Jonathan, if I already have global entry or if I renew it right now while it’s still $100, I won’t be able to add my kids later? I can only add my kids while applying or renewing?
My reading of their announcement is that as long as the parent has Global Entry already (or is applying concurrently), the kids will be free if applying after 10/1.
This is great news for me, I am about to sign up for my family of 5 and have 3 credit cards that have Global Entry credits. What is the interview like for kids? How do they do it with very young kids, do the parents just answer?
It takes less than 5 minutes once they call you in, you must put the parent name on the application and then that one parent has to be there to answer questions. You only need one parent/guardian for Global Entry, unlike the passport where you need both if applicable.