Global Entry could get even faster with mobile app in the works
The popular service that makes it faster and easier to reenter the U.S., Global Entry, may soon be even faster and easier for members to use when returning to the U.S. on an international flight.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which operates passport control and customs facilities at U.S. airports, is planning to roll out a new Global Entry mobile app in the near future. The technology will allow Global Entry members to verify their identity on their smartphones before even arriving at customs facilities.
The news was first reported by PaxEx’s Seth Miller, who noted additional forthcoming technological improvements that will mean a mobile verification option for travelers arriving in the U.S. from visa-waiver countries using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA.
These tech-oriented changes should speed up the arrivals process for travelers at U.S. airport passport control facilities, and come on the heels of a record-breaking summer travel season and a surge in Global Entry membership.
Global Entry app on the way
The change on the way for Global Entry members is a new mobile app that should make the customs experience even easier than it already is.
On its Global Entry informational page, CBP describes this as an "upcoming processing technology option" for members.
The app will allow passengers "to validate their arrival to the U.S." using a photo on their smartphone. This would all be done before entering the passport control facilities.
These changes should make the Global Entry arrivals process even smoother for travelers than it already is. To that end, CBP has already deployed touchless kiosks at dozens of airports nationwide, which identify travelers through a biometric image. Oftentimes, you can speed through the process without taking out your passport or picking up a single slip of paper.
In my last two international Global Entry arrivals experiences — one at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and another at Dulles International Airport (IAD) — the experience was so fast I barely ever stopped walking. I only paused long enough to get my photo taken at a kiosk.
Related: These are the best credit cards for getting Global Entry
Global Entry growth
CBP’s upgraded technology for Global Entry comes as the agency deals with a rapidly increasing number of members in the program.
With more than 12.3 million members today, the agency says it “continuously seeks opportunities to help more travelers streamline their international arrivals processes.”
Over the last year, CBP has enrolled an average of 317,000 applicants per month, compared to 139,000 per month in the fiscal year 2019, before the pandemic.
The agency expects to process more than 4 million applications this fiscal year — up from a record 2.95 million last year.
The crush of applications has taken its toll, with a continued backlog of members waiting for a new interview. On its Trusted Traveler Programs dashboard, CBP warns of four-to-six-month processing times for new applications.
For new applicants who have been waiting awhile for an interview appointment, the program's Enrollment on Arrival option may be your best bet to enroll quickly.
Bottom line
As Global Entry continues to grow quickly, the agency's deployment of new technology should make the arrival process even more seamless for members landing in the U.S. after an international trip.
Already a convenient and, in many places, touchless option for travelers, the new app may help travelers avoid even a modest line during peak arrival periods.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.