Global Entry costs $120 — but if you have the right credit card, you'll get every dollar back as a statement credit. Over 20 cards offer this benefit in 2026. Here's exactly which cards qualify, how to claim the reimbursement, whether it covers renewals, and what to know before you pay the fee.

How the Global Entry credit card credit works

When you apply for Global Entry through the official Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) portal, you pay a $120 non-refundable application fee by credit card. That $120 charge then appears on your statement, and if your card has the Global Entry benefit, the issuer automatically applies a $120 statement credit to cancel it out.

A few important points about how this works:

• You pay upfront, then get reimbursed. There's no way to apply the credit before paying. The $120 charge hits your account, and the credit posts within one to two billing cycles.
• The credit is triggered by the charge. Most issuers recognize TTP/CBP charges automatically. You typically don't have to call or submit a claim.
• The credit is per-cardholder (usually), not per-account. This matters for authorized users — more on that below.
• The credit comes around once every four years. Global Entry membership lasts five years, but most card credits reset every four years — so they can cover both a new application and a renewal over time.

Cards that reimburse Global Entry in 2026

The following cards currently include a Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) fee credit as a stated benefit. Reimbursement amounts and terms can change — always confirm with your card issuer before relying on this benefit.

This list is not exhaustive. Many other premium travel cards from Barclays, Wells Fargo, and regional banks also include this benefit. If you're unsure whether your card qualifies, check the benefits guide that came with your card or log in to your card's benefits portal.

The top cards explained

Amex Platinum — best for families

The American Express Platinum Card is one of the most generous for Global Entry reimbursements because each authorized user who holds their own Platinum card gets their own separate $120 credit. If you add your spouse or partner as an authorized user (Amex charges a fee for this), both of you can get Global Entry reimbursed on separate applications. The credit resets every four years per card.

The annual fee on the Amex Platinum is $695, but the card includes a long list of travel credits (lounge access, hotel credits, airline fee credits, etc.) that frequent travelers usually offset easily against the fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve — straightforward, popular

The Chase Sapphire Reserve gives one $120 Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) credit per account every four years. Authorized users on the same account do not get a separate credit — there's one credit per account. At a $550 annual fee, the Sapphire Reserve is positioned as a premium travel card with Priority Pass lounge access, a $300 travel credit, and strong points earning on travel and dining.

Capital One Venture X — best value overall

The Capital One Venture X has a $395 annual fee but includes a $300 annual travel credit (for bookings through Capital One Travel) and 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary — making the effective cost much lower than it appears. The Global Entry credit is $120 per account every four years. For the price point and benefits, the Venture X is widely considered one of the best-value premium travel cards for 2026.

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve — underrated option

The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve is less well-known but offers a $120 Global Entry credit and a $325 annual travel/dining credit at a $400 annual fee. If you already bank with U.S. Bank, it's worth considering.

How to claim the reimbursement step by step

1. Confirm your card has the benefit. Log into your card's benefits portal or call the number on the back of your card and ask specifically: "Does my card include a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement?"
2. Apply for Global Entry on the TTP portal. Go to ttp.dhs.gov, create an account, and complete the application. At the end, you'll be asked to pay the $120 fee.
3. Pay with your qualifying card. When the payment screen appears, enter the card that carries the Global Entry benefit. Do not pay with a debit card or a card that doesn't have the benefit.
4. Wait for the statement credit. Most issuers apply the credit automatically within one to two billing cycles. You don't usually need to do anything. Check your statement to confirm it posted.
5. If the credit doesn't appear, call the issuer. Have your card's benefit guide handy and reference the TTP charge amount and date. Most issues are resolved quickly.

Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck credit — which to use

Most cards that offer a Global Entry credit also cover TSA PreCheck ($85). You can only use the credit once per cycle, so the question is: which should you apply for?

Apply for Global Entry first. Here's why:

• Global Entry costs $120 (vs. $85 for TSA PreCheck) — so you get more covered.
• Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck automatically. You get both programs for the price of one application.
• If you apply for TSA PreCheck first and use the card credit there, you'll have to pay out of pocket for Global Entry later.

The only reason to use the credit for TSA PreCheck instead is if you're ineligible for Global Entry (e.g., you're not a U.S. citizen and don't qualify under a partner program) or if you've already been conditionally approved for Global Entry and are waiting for your interview — in that case, the $120 is already paid.

See our full breakdown: Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck: Which Is Better?

Does the credit work for renewals?

Yes. Global Entry renewal costs the same $120 as a new application, and credit card reimbursements apply to renewals exactly the same way they apply to new applications. The TTP system charges the same amount through the same payment process, and the card issuer's benefit doesn't distinguish between the two.

Your Global Entry membership lasts five years. Most card credits reset every four years — meaning if you used the credit for your initial application, it will have reset by the time your membership needs renewal. This makes the benefit even more valuable over time.

For full details on the renewal process: How to Renew Global Entry (2026): Timeline, Cost, and No-Interview Option

Authorized users and family members

This is where the details matter, and the rules differ significantly by card:

• Amex Platinum: Each authorized user who holds their own Platinum card (not just an authorized user card) gets a separate $120 credit. This is the most family-friendly policy. Note: Amex charges a fee to add authorized users on Platinum cards.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: One credit per account, regardless of how many authorized users are on the account. Authorized users cannot claim a separate credit.
• Capital One Venture X: One credit per account. Authorized users are free to add on Venture X, but there's still only one Global Entry credit per account.
• Other cards: Varies — check your card's specific benefit guide.

If you have a family and want everyone to get Global Entry reimbursed, the Amex Platinum's per-card authorized user credit is the most efficient way to do it — though you'd need to weigh the cost of adding authorized users against the reimbursement benefit.

What to do after you pay: getting your interview slot

Paying the $120 fee is just the first step. After CBP reviews your application and grants conditional approval, you'll need to schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. This is where most people hit a wall: interview slots at major airports can be booked out for months, and when cancellations do open up, they're gone within seconds.

A few things to know:

• You can also complete enrollment at the airport upon returning from an international trip via Enrollment on Arrival — no pre-scheduled appointment needed.
• Appointment slots appear and disappear rapidly due to cancellations. Monitoring multiple locations and acting fast is critical. See why Global Entry appointments disappear in 60 seconds.
• Conditional approval is valid for one year. You have time, but demand far exceeds supply at most centers.

Frequently asked questions

Which credit cards pay for Global Entry in 2026?

The most popular are the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, Citi Prestige, and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve. Many airline and hotel co-branded cards from Amex, Chase, and Capital One also include the benefit. There are 20+ qualifying cards in total.

Does the credit cover the full $120 fee?

Yes. Most cards that offer this benefit now reimburse the current $120 fee in full (the fee was $100 prior to 2024). Verify your card's current benefit amount — a few older card agreements may still list $100.

Do I have to do anything to receive the credit, or is it automatic?

For most cards, the credit is applied automatically after you pay the TTP fee with your qualifying card. You don't need to file a claim. It typically posts within one to two billing cycles. If it doesn't appear, call your card's customer service line and reference the TTP/CBP charge.

Does the Global Entry credit card credit also cover TSA PreCheck?

Yes — the credit covers whichever program you apply for first (Global Entry or TSA PreCheck). Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and costs more, applying for Global Entry is almost always the better use of the credit.

Can I use the credit for a renewal?

Yes. The credit works the same way for renewals as for new applications. The $120 fee is identical, and most card credits reset every four years — well within Global Entry's five-year membership cycle.

Can authorized users get their own credit?

It depends on the card. The Amex Platinum gives each authorized user cardholder their own credit. Chase Sapphire Reserve provides one credit per account. Check your specific card's terms for authorized user treatment.

Do I have to pay the $120 upfront even with a qualifying card?

Yes. You pay $120 when you submit your TTP application, and the credit card issuer reimburses you as a statement credit afterward. You cannot skip the upfront payment.