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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
News
Backlog of Global Entry applicants appears to be fading
A classically trained journalist, Caroline Tanner covers news and travel for TPG. She is a dual-journalism graduate of Mizzou and Northwestern.
January 15, 2022 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
Recent reports indicate Global Entry application processing times have improved significantly, with many approvals occurring within 24-48 hours.
Applicants renewing Global Entry must now use a new online system, requiring the creation of a Login.gov account and updated personal information.
Some renewals may still require an interview, but the grace period for completing this step has been extended to 24 months after expiration if you apply for renewal.
Many travel-focused credit cards offer statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees when used for payment.
What to consider
Applicants may need to periodically check their online account for updates or interview requirements, as notifications are not always immediate.
Interview appointments remain limited in some locations, but 'Enrollment upon Arrival' at select airports offers an alternative for those with conditional approval.
Some offers mentioned in the article may no longer be available.
What you'll miss from the article
Step-by-step guidance on navigating the updated Global Entry renewal process and tips for maximizing fee reimbursement.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Like many things in the past two years (and counting), securing access to expedited airport security programs like Global Entry has resulted in long wait times among users, creating yet another travel-related pandemic casualty.
As previously reported, delays in processing applications for both new applicants and renewals for Global Entry had become the norm. While TSA PreCheck applicants can be approved in as little as a week thanks to the 400-plus enrollment centers across the country, there are far fewer locations for Global Entry enrollment, fueling a large backlog exacerbated by lack of appointment availability due to COVID-19-closures.
Perhaps due to time, luck or a combination of both, TPG readers have recently begun receiving their Global Entry in a timely fashion, some as soon as the next day after submitting their application.
Faster turnaround time for Global Entry applications
Of the Global Entry applicants that responded, most said their applications were approved in 24-48 hours, some in as little as an hour, while those who waited longer still heard back within three weeks.
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One TPG reader (and a friend of mine), Bre Revell, was pleasantly surprised to renew her Global Entry for another five years in less than 48 hours as she had anticipated traveling without it for at least a bit.
Depending on when you last applied for a TTP, you may have to create a new account to submit an application as the website to do so has changed. I'll briefly outline how she navigated those steps below, which are also applicable to first-time applicants.
Since I first joined Global Entry before the new Trusted Traveler Program website was launched, I had to create a Login.gov account before I could proceed with the application.
For the renewal, you need your passport and driver's license information. You also have to include your full address and employment history since your last application. For most people, that's probably a quicker process than a wandering millennial like myself.
She created an account by entering her email address and language preference.
(Screenshot courtesy of U.S. government)
Next, she clicked "Submit," which directed her to a home page with a personalized dashboard detailing notifications, applications in progress and program memberships, under which she found Global Entry. Since Bre was renewing her Global Entry, she clicked "renew."
(Screenshot courtesy of U.S. government)
After submitting her application, she received a notice that it was "pending review" and a message warning of a "significant increase in application volume." Don't be discouraged though.
When renewing TTPs, an interview may or may not be required.
"This is determined by the vetting center," says Customs and Border Patrol. "Once you submit your renewal application and fee, and your application is processed, check your TTP account periodically for updates on what actions are necessary to complete the renewal process."
This was the case for Bre, who is now waiting for her card in the mail.
If you are told to schedule an interview, note that CBP has extended the grace period due to the increased volume of applications from 18 months after the expiration date to 24 months if you have applied for renewal.
"I didn't remember this from last time, but you have to check back to see once the application has been conditionally approved before you can try to schedule your interview," she said, while also noting that she set a recurring reminder on her phone to check back so she didn't forget.
Depending on where you live, you might still face a lack of timely appointments at your nearest renewal center. Consider "Enrollment upon Arrival,” which allows online candidates who have received conditional approval to set up an in-person appointment upon returning home from abroad at select U.S. airports.
Thanks to the knowledge amassed as a TPG reader, Bre used a credit card for her application that offered a $100 reimbursement for application fees.
"Make sure to use the credit card with the traveler benefit," said Bre. "I used my Chase Sapphire Reserve because I get up to $100 credit reimbursement every four years for Global Entry."
Many credit cards offer fee credits every four or five years for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck when the card is used to pay for membership (worth up to $100). Just make sure the application fee is charged to one of the cards below:
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees).
The Platinum Card® from American Express.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.
The credit should be automatically applied to your next statement.
Bottom line
A few readers have been unable to schedule interviews in their areas or are still waiting to hear back about their applications.
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Overall though, it seems that applications are back to being processed in a more timely manner, which is good news for travelers across the board.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
