Cap One the final of the big 4 credit card issuers to increase Global Entry credit to $120
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Applying for Global Entry is getting more expensive this October, but many of the major credit card issuers are boosting their Global Entry benefits for some of their most popular travel rewards cards.
Citi announced in April that it would increase its Global Entry statement credits on two of its top cards to $120 every four years. Chase quickly followed, and now Amex and Capital One have announced they will do the same for many of their popular cards.
The move comes after TPG was first to report that the price of applying for a five-year Global Entry membership would rise from $100 to $120 from Oct. 1. In announcing the fee hike, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees Global Entry, cited rising costs to operate the program.
Here’s what to know about this change and the full list of cards that will see changes.
Offsetting the higher Global Entry fee
As valuable an option as Global Entry is for travelers, the application fee isn’t a drop in the bucket. However, some travel credit cards will reimburse the fee when it comes time to apply.
But many of those cards’ benefits include specified credits of up to $100 to cover the existing Global Entry expense. (Exact terms differ from card to card.)
CBP’s fee hike, planned for later this year, raised questions about whether card issuers might adapt their Global Entry benefits to account for the new, higher fee.
Now, Amex, Capital One, Citi and Chase have done just that, ensuring Global Entry remains essentially a free perk for travelers who carry its high-end cards.
Which Capital One cards are raising their Global Entry credit?
Capital One is the latest issuer to announce it will also increase its Global Entry statement credit, applicable for the following cards:
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture X Business
- Capital One Spark Miles for Business
If you've got one of these cards, you'll be able to continue enjoying Global Entry at no additional cost to you.
Which Amex cards are raising their Global Entry credit?
An American Express spokesperson has confirmed to TPG that the following cards will see an increase in their Global Entry statement credits:
- The American Express Business Centurion® Card*
- The American Express Corporate Centurion® Card*
- The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®*
- The American Express Gold Corporate Card*
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- The Centurion® Card from American Express*
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab*
- The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley*
- The Platinum Card® from American Express for Goldman Sachs*
Additional terms apply.
*The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Which Citi cards are raising their Global Entry credit?
Starting on Oct. 1, Citi will raise its Global Entry fee statement credits for two cards: the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) and the Citi Prestige® Card.
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Though the Citi/AAdvantage Executive card has a hefty $595 annual fee (see rates and fees), it carries strong value for regular American flyers as it’s the only card that provides complimentary Admirals Club access.
Cardholders can earn 4 AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on American Airlines purchases and 1 mile for every dollar spent on other purchases. You’ll earn Loyalty Points on everyday purchases, too, which helps you work your way toward AAdvantage elite status.
That’s on top of other perks such as Lyft and Grubhub credits, as well as the Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) statement credit once every four years; that credit will now rise from $100 to $120 for Global Entry applicants to cover the program’s hiked fee.
Meanwhile, cardholders of the Citi Prestige card (no longer available to new applicants) can receive a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment fee credit every four years. As of October, that credit will also cover up to $120 for applications to the latter program. The card carries a $495 annual fee.
Which Chase cards are raising their Global Entry credit?
Also starting on Oct. 1, Chase cardmembers will raise its Global Entry fee statement credits for the following cards:
- Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- J.P. Morgan Reserve Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees)
- United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees)
- United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees)
Some of these cards, like the Sapphire Reserve and IHG One Rewards Premier, are among the most popular Chase offerings on the market. If you have one of the listed cards or are thinking about applying for one, keep in mind that your Global Entry fee will continue to be fully covered even when the cost increases later this year.
The information for the J.P Morgan Reserve Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry provides travelers with an expedited trip through passport control following an international flight. It’s available at more than 75 airports, most of which are in the U.S.; there’s also a handful of international preclearance facilities.
The program also gives travelers access to the TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security checkpoints.
Though Global Entry applicants have faced delays in recent years, from long processing times to challenges finding an interview, wait times are improving for the vast majority of 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 big issuers' footsteps and raise their Global Entry statement credits to account for the program’s higher fee. The higher fee takes effect in October.
Because of the changes to make Global Entry more efficient and technologically advanced — not to mention the fact that children of members or applicants can apply for free as of October — it’s a great time to consider joining. This is especially the case if the adults in your family can get their application costs reimbursed or offset through an eligible travel credit card.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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.