I just went through the interview process for Global Entry: Here's what it was like
Although I was conditionally approved for Global Entry last August, like many others I had trouble initially securing an interview appointment for the Trusted Traveler program that helps expedite the customs process back into the U.S.
Thanks to a separate line for Global Entry users only, Global Entry participants can skip the regular (and often long) customs line when returning to the U.S.
To reenter the country, Global Entry users must present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, sometimes place their fingers on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. Then, the kiosk will print a receipt that Global Entry members give to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer before exiting the baggage claim area. As a result, Global Entry eliminates the time spent worrying about completing extra paperwork or standing in line.
Even though the CBP approved my application in August, due to an application backlog I could not secure an appointment for the in-person interview required as part of the application process until December.
So, I planned to complete this process through CBP's Enrollment on Arrival service when I returned to the U.S. from a trip to Singapore in October. The service allows conditionally approved applicants to avoid a formal interview at an enrollment center to finalize their applications. Instead, you can just complete the enrollment at the airport.
Currently, this service is available at more than 50 airports globally. To enroll on arrival, you'll need your U.S. passport (which you'll already have if returning to the U.S. from abroad). Also, you may want to verify if any other proof-of-residency documents are needed to complete the interview, such as mortgage statements and rent stubs. A full list of support documents is available here.
Although I intended to enroll on arrival when I landed at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), the CBP officer I spoke to when I arrived told me the office wasn't doing EOA interviews that day (because of a staffing issue).
I resigned myself to try again upon returning home from my next international trip. However, I randomly checked appointment availability at ORD on Dec. 15 and found an opening for Dec. 30.
Here's what my experience interviewing for Global Entry last month was like.
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Global Entry location at O'Hare
When I booked my interview, instructions told me to follow the signs for Terminal 5C on the lower level at ORD. If you are unfamiliar with ORD, Terminal 5 is the international terminal, and the lower level is where international arrivals exit. Though 5C is the closest door to the Global Entry interview office, you can access the office via any door on the first floor.
Once inside, follow the signs for arrivals and U.S. Customs. If you've hit baggage claim, you've gone too far, as the office is before that. The office is marked with a Global Entry poster but is rather inconspicuous otherwise. Upon arriving, I checked in at the front desk with a CBP agent who told me to wait in a seating area reserved for Global Entry interviewees.
I had arrived about 15 minutes before my scheduled appointment at 2:45 p.m.
After waiting for only two minutes, the same officer called me back and escorted me to my interview. I wasn't allowed to document this process, but it took five minutes from start to finish. A second CBP agent verified my full name, address and passport before telling me that I should receive my Global Entry card via mail in two to three weeks; the agent said I could still use Global Entry by providing my CBP PassID number.
This nine-digit number usually begins with 15, 98 or 99. You can find it on the back of your physical Global Entry card or by logging in to your Trusted Traveler Program account, per CBP.
The next day, I received confirmation via email that my Global Entry application was complete.
Note that this Global Entry office services travelers with appointments who are not returning from an international flight. Those travelers who plan on interviewing via Enrollment on Arrival should proceed through Customs as you normally would upon reentering the country, where you'll be escorted to your interview.
Ways to save money on application fees
As a reminder, it costs $100 to enroll in Global Entry. When you get a membership to Global Entry, you also automatically receive access to TSA PreCheck for five years. If you already have PreCheck and sign up for Global Entry, your Global Entry PassID will replace your Known Traveler Number.
Whether you apply for one or both programs, be sure to use a credit card that covers the application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Currently, there are nearly 50 cobranded airline, hotel and other credit cards offering up to $100 in statement credit reimbursement for the application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is typically available every four to five years, though you should check the terms for your specific card for the exact frequency.
Bottom line
Despite not being able to enroll on arrival as planned, I had a relatively smooth experience enrolling in Global Entry.
As of January, CBP currently says Global Entry applications can take four to six months to process. Try to apply at least six months before your next international trip to avoid any issues with your application being processed before your departure date.
For more information on Global Entry, read:
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| 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. |
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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.