Travel credit cards offer many perks that make your life on the go easier. Reimbursement for Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that lets you skip the long lines at customs, is a useful benefit that can be a real time saver. When applying for Global Entry, you are required to pay a $100 application fee before going in for your interview which can be months after applying. With the following credit cards, you can get the $100 Global Entry fee reimbursed in a few days! For those who don’t travel internationally, many credit cards reimburse TSA PreCheck ($85) which will save you time at security. If you have more than one credit card that offers Global Entry reimbursement, simply use the card to pay for a friend or family member’s fee since Global Entry isn’t as useful if your travel companions have to wait in line! Here’s a list of credit cards that offer free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Top Travel Credit Cards with Free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the top travel credit cards with a huge 100,000 point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months. In addition to getting Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursed every four years benefits include:
- $300 travel credit every year
- Earn 3x points on travel and dining
- Points worth 1.5x when redeeming for travel through Chase’s portal
- Priority Pass lounge access
You can read more about Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits that help offset the $450 fee.
Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express is Amex’s top travel card with similar benefits to Chase Sapphire Reserve. The sign-up bonus is much smaller at 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in three months though some people have received a targeted 100,000 point offer. This card reimburses Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every five years for the primary cardholder ($450) and all additional cardholders (add up to 3 cards for $175). Other benefits include:
- 5x points on flights booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel
- $200 travel fee credit every year
- Access to Priority Pass lounges, The Centurion lounge network, International American Express lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Airspace Lounges
- Gold status through Hilton HHonors and Starwood Preferred Guest
Citi Prestige
Citi Prestige is another great card for frequent travelers. It also boasts a $450 annual fee but has a 50,000 point sign-up bonus for spending $5,000 in the first three months. This card specifically reimburses Global Entry (every 5 years). Other benefits include:
- $250 air travel credit good for airline tickets and incidentals
- Priority Pass lounge access
- 3x points on air travel and hotels and 2x points on dining and entertainment
Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card
Chase revamped the benefits of the Ritz-Carlton Rewards card earlier in 2016. It previously provided a $300 travel credit that could be used for Global Entry. Now you get a $100 reimbursement for Global Entry every four years and an additional $300 each year for airline purchases like seat upgrades, fees, and lounge access. After spending $5,000 in three months, you’ll get three free nights at tier 1-4 Ritz-Carlton properties. The $450 fee gives you other benefits including:
- $100 hotel credit for dining, spa, and activities on paid stays of two or more nights
- $100 airfare discount on domestic round-trip flights for 2 to 5 passengers
- Priority Pass lounge access
- Upgrade up to three paid hotel stays (up to seven nights each) to Ritz-Carlton Club Level each year
Bonus points since this card isn’t included in the 5/24 rule!
All Credit Cards with Free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Here’s a summary of all the credit cards that offer Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement.
| Credit Card | Reimbursement | Annual Fee | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years | $450 | |
| Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from Chase | Global Entry every 4 years | $450 | |
| Platinum Card from American Express | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years | $450 | Additional cards also get reimbursement every 5 years. You can add up to 3 cards for $175 annual fee. |
| Enhanced Business Platinum Card from American Express OPEN | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years | $450 | Additional cards also get reimbursement every 5 years |
| Mercedes-Benz Platinum Card from American Express | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 5 years | $475 | Additional cards also get reimbursement every 5 years. You can add up to 3 cards for $175 annual fee. |
| Citi Prestige | Global Entry every 5 years | $450 | |
| Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 5 years | $450 | |
| Expedia+ Voyager Card from Citi | $100 annual travel credit for incidentals, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck | $95 | |
| Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite MasterCard | Global Entry every 5 years | $195 | Can't sign-up for this card. It was an upgrade option offered to US Airways Mastercard cardholders. |
| U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express Card | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 5 years | $85 | |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years | $400 | This card is only available to current U.S. Bank customers |
| Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years | $95 |
Final Thoughts
It’s unlikely that you would sign-up for a credit card just for the Global Entry reimbursement, but it’s a nice perk that can make your travel go more smoothly. Curious about the Global Entry application process? Read more here!
