Several Chase credit cards can reimburse your Nexus application fees

It may surprise you that a credit card in your wallet could help you breeze through airport security and border controls in more than one country. You're likely familiar with Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, but a lesser-known option called Nexus can provide expedited security benefits in both the U.S. and Canada.

The most interesting aspect is that enrollment in Nexus will not only provide TSA PreCheck benefits and expedited processing when you return to the U.S. from abroad, it also allows for expedited airport screening at multiple airports in Canada. And, if you aren't flying, having a Nexus card can speed up your border crossings when traveling by car or by boat.

The kicker? The Nexus application fee is much cheaper than Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and several credit cards from Chase offer reimbursement for your application fee.

Unfortunately, interview locations aren't as widespread as with the other expedited screening programs, but for some travelers, it could still make sense.

Here's what you need to know about getting Nexus by leveraging your credit card.

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What benefits do you get with Nexus?

With Nexus, you will enjoy expedited border crossing and airport security benefits in the U.S. and Canada. Here's a look at benefits you'll receive:

• Access to TSA PreCheck lines at U.S. airports.
• Expedited security lanes for arrivals and for security checks before departure at nine airports in Canada, including all of the major international gateways.
• Use of Global Entry kiosks at over 70 airports when flying into the U.S.
• Use of Nexus expedited entry lanes at over 20 land border crossings when driving between the U.S. and Canada (note that everyone in the car must have a Nexus card to use these lanes).
• Ability to sail between Canada and the U.S. using just a phone call to report your border crossing; unless customs officials stop you for an inspection, you can proceed to your destination using the confirmation number from your phone call.

Thus, you get access to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry lanes in the U.S., plus benefits in Canadian airports and at the border with Canada.

Related: Another way to speed through security: Answers to your questions about Nexus

How to apply for Nexus

It might surprise you that Nexus offers the benefits of Global Entry ($100 application fee) and TSA PreCheck ($85 application fee) while charging just $50 to apply. While children under 18 do need their own Nexus cards, it is free to add minors to an adult's application. Thus, a family with two parents and two children would pay just $100 in application fees.

To apply, your first step is to complete this online application. After conditional approval, you'll need to schedule an interview.

This is where applying for Nexus becomes a bit trickier than applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Since Nexus is run jointly by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency, all Nexus interview locations in the U.S. are located near the Canadian border. You can schedule your interview in Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Vermont and Washington state on the U.S. side of the border. There are enrollment centers located in some Canadian airports, if that is more convenient for you, but these locations are closed until further notice at this time.

If you're approved, you will receive your Nexus card and can begin using your Known Traveler Number to enjoy all of the perks outlined above.

Related: US Nexus enrollment centers reopen after 2 years, but Canadian ones remain closed

Nexus is open to the following applicants:

• U.S. citizens.
• U.S. lawful permanent residents.
• Canadian citizens.
• Canadian lawful permanent residents.
• Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico's trusted traveler program, Viajero Confiable.

Credit cards that reimburse your Nexus application fee

When Chase launched the Aeroplan Credit Card in late 2021, it became the first credit card in the U.S. to offer reimbursement for Nexus application fees. Since then, the list of cards with this benefit has grown. It now includes the following (all issued by Chase):

• Aeroplan Credit Card ($95 annual fee).
• Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 annual fee).
• IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card ($99 annual fee).
• IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card ($99 annual fee).
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card ($199 annual fee).
• United Club Infinite Card ($525 annual fee).
• United Explorer Card ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95).
• United Quest Card ($250 annual fee).

You can be reimbursed up to $100 in application fees every four years on these cards. Simply pay your application fee with the relevant card and you should receive a statement credit automatically.

Since the Nexus application is $50 and enrollment is valid for five years, you may have enough credits across your Chase cards to cover the application fee for yourself, family members and even some friends.

Related: Don’t let your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits go to waste

Bottom line

Getting through airport security quickly and with less effort makes the travel experience so much better. Numerous credit cards offer these perks, but Chase has upped its game by also covering Nexus application fees as a benefit on several of its credit cards.

Along with improving your airport experience, a Nexus membership can help with expedited crossings at the U.S.-Canada border by land and by sea. And given that the Nexus application fee is the cheapest, this might be your best bet for overall value, especially since children can be added to adults' applications for free — as long as you can find an enrollment center that works for you.