Global Entry Pros and Cons: Is It Worth It?

What is Global Entry? Global Entry is a U.S. government program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to quickly clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when returning from international travel. It helps you skip long immigration lines by using a special kiosk at major U.S. airports.

I had honestly not considered getting Global Entry until maybe in the last year. John and I already had TSA Precheck, and we’ve had it for a few years, and we’ve loved it. But after coming back into the U.S. from abroad from some of our trips recently, I’ve caught myself lustfully watching arriving passengers sail through customs and keep going while we were stuck waiting sometimes up to an hour to get through the regular customs line.

I had heard that it can take months and months to get approved and virtually impossible to find an interview time. I thought that it was probably not worth it to go through all of that. But the more we stood in customs lines after long flights back to the United States, I figured I’d give it a try and see how it goes, especially since we will have more international travels in the next few years. Plus, with the credit cards we had at the time would pay for that Global Entry application fee. So what would I have to lose?

So I submitted applications for John and I on separate cards so that the card would reimburse us for the application fee. To my surprise, our applications were conditionally approved within 2 days and the credit was in our account. I was shocked at how quick it was! But also very very happy. Then I thought I surely was going to have to wait months for an interview.

Living near a few major airports, I knew we would have multiple options out there and thankfully, the Newark Airport location had so much open availability. The Philadelphia airport is slightly closer to our house but it had no availability. So yes, we will drive 1.5 hours for this interview! I ended up having to reschedule a couple of times for things popping up in our schedule, but every time the availability was wide open.

On our interview day, we dropped the kids off at school and headed straight to Newark. I was nervous about any traffic, but we arrived 20 minutes early, enough time to find a spot in the short-term parking lot of Terminal B and find where we needed to go. There was a small waiting area outside the office and there was already a number of people waiting. After waiting only about 15 minutes, we were called into the office, asked a few questions about our travels, had our fingerprints and picture taken, and we were done. So easy! Was the drive worth it? 100% yes!

And the best part? We were approved with membership numbers before we even reached home. It was that quick! Now we will be getting the kids set up for Global Entry. Kids are actually free if their parent or legal guardian is already a member or applying at the same time. They will just need to have their own account. I wasn’t too sure how this would work at the same time, so my plan was to get John and I situated and then get the kids set up. Would it mean an extra trip to the airport? Sure, unless we schedule it before flying out on a trip that same day. Either way, I’m really looking forward to saving time when coming back to the U.S. and breezing through customs!

So is having Global Entry worth it for you? Here are some pros and cons:

Pros of Global Entry

✅ Skip long immigration lines – You can use the Global Entry kiosks when re-entering the U.S., bypassing long customs lines.
✅ Includes TSA PreCheck – This means faster security screening for domestic flights (no removing shoes, laptops, or liquids).
✅ Saves time & stress – The time you save at customs and security can be significant, especially at busy airports.
✅ Works for families – While each family member (including kids) needs their own membership, it can make family travel much smoother.

Cons to Consider

⏳ Application process takes time – Requires an online application ($100 fee) and an in-person interview, which may have long wait times.
📍 Limited enrollment centers – You might need to travel to a major airport for your interview.
🛂 Not always perfect – Some airports may still require a quick check by a CBP officer, though it’s usually faster.

Who Should Get Global Entry?

• Frequent international travelers (at least 1-2 trips per year).
• Families who travel often (worth it, but each person needs their own membership).
• Anyone with a travel rewards credit card – Many premium travel cards reimburse the $120 fee.

My opinion: Global Entry could be a great perk for families. It will make traveling with kids that much easier!

Here are some credit cards that reimburse you for your Global Entry application:

Many top travel rewards credit cards reimburse the Global Entry ($120) or TSA PreCheck ($78) fee every four to five years as a statement credit. Here are some of the best options:

Premium travel cards (best for frequent travelers)

💳 Chase Sapphire Reserve® – $550 annual fee, but great for travel perks and points.
💳 The Platinum Card® from American Express – $695 annual fee, but tons of luxury travel benefits.
💳 Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – $395 annual fee, great for travel credits & lounge access.

Mid-tier travel cards (lower fees, still covers Global Entry)

💳 Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – $95 annual fee, simple 2x miles per dollar on all purchases.
💳 Chase United Explorer Card – $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95; good for United travelers.
💳 Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card – $95 annual fee, solid for cash back and travel rewards.

Business travel cards (if you want perks for your business)

💳 Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Chase) – $95 annual fee, strong travel points & protections.
💳 The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – $695 annual fee, packed with premium benefits.

So what do you think? Will Global Entry be in your future as well?