Major card issuers to increase Global Entry statement credits to $120: Coming in October

Applying for Global Entry is more expensive this October, but many of the major credit card manufacturers are expanding their Global Entry benefits on some of their most popular travel rewards cards.

Citi announced in April that it would increase its Global Entry statement credits on its top two cards to $120 every four years. Chase quickly followed suit, and now Amex and Capital One have announced they will do the same for many of their popular cards.

The move comes after TPG first reported that the price to apply for a five-year Global Entry membership would rise from $100 to $120 starting Oct. 1. In announcing the fee increase, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees Global Entry, cited the rising cost of operating the system.

Here’s what you need to know about this change and the full list of cards that will see the changes.

Lowering the high entry fee around the world

As important an option as Global Entry is for foreigners, the application fee is not a drop in the bucket. However, some travel credit cards will refund the fee when it comes time to apply.

But many of those cards’ benefits include up to $100 in specified credits to cover the cost of Global Entry. (Exact terms vary from card to card.)

The CBP fee increase, scheduled for later this year, has raised questions about whether card issuers can adjust their Global Entry benefits to accommodate the new, higher fee.

Now, Amex, Capital One, Citi and Chase have done just that, ensuring that Global Entry remains a free benefit for travelers who hold its top cards.

Which Capital One cards increase their Global Entry credit?

Capital One is the latest issuer to announce that it will once again increase its Global Entry statement credit, which applies to the following cards:

If you have one of these cards, you will be able to continue enjoying Global Entry at no additional cost to you.

Which Amex cards increase their Global Entry credit?

An American Express spokesperson confirmed to TPG that the following cards will see an increase in their Global Entry statement credits:

Additional terms apply.

*The information for these cards has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card information on this page has not been updated or provided by the card issuer.

Which Citi cards increase their Global Entry credit?

Effective October 1, Citi will increase its Global Entry payment statement credits for two cards: i Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) and the Citi Prestige® card.

Citi Prestige information is independently collected by The Points Guy. The card information on this page has not been updated or provided by the card issuer.

Although the Citi/AAdvantage Executive card has a maximum annual fee of $595 (see rates and fees), it has strong value for American frequent flyers as it is the only card that offers Admirals Club access.

Cardholders can earn 4 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar spent on other purchases. You’ll earn Loyalty Points for everyday purchases, too, which helps you work toward Advantage elite.

That’s on top of other benefits like Lyft and Grubhub credits, and a Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) statement credit once every four years; that fee will now increase from $100 to $120 for Global Entry applicants to cover the increased program fee.

Meanwhile, cardholders of the Citi Prestige card (no longer available to new applicants) can receive a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry registration fee credit every four years. Starting in October, that credit will also include $120 for late-stage applications. The card carries an annual fee of $495.

Which Chase cards increase their Global Entry credit?

And since Oct. 1, Chase card members will increase Global Entry payment statement credits on the following cards:

Some of these cards, like the Sapphire Reserve and the IHG One Rewards Premier, are among the most popular Chase offerings on the market. If you have one of these cards on the list or are thinking about applying, remember that your Global Entry fee will continue to cover you in full even when costs increase later this year.

JP Morgan Reserve Card details are independently collected by The Points Guy. The card information on this page has not been updated or provided by the card issuer.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry offers travelers expedited travel through passport control following an international flight. Available at more than 75 airports, most of them in the US; There are also a number of credit protection centers around the world.

The program also gives travelers access to TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security checkpoints.

While Global Entry applicants have faced delays in recent years, from long processing times to challenges getting interviews, wait times are improving for most travelers, CBP said in a recent interview with TPG.

Bottom line

Now, all eyes will be on the remaining credit card issuers to see if they will follow in the footsteps of the major issuers and increase their Global Entry statement credits to account for the program’s higher value. The higher payment goes into effect in October.

Thanks to changes to make Global Entry more efficient and technologically advanced – not to mention that children of members or applicants can apply for free from October – now is a good time to consider joining. This is especially true if older people in your family can get their application fees reimbursed or paid with an eligible travel credit card.

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