Save 50% on Global Entry (Speed Through US Customs!)

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Global Entry allows you to skip the long lines at customs when returning home to the US.

You can save 50% on your Global Entry fee when you apply for NEXUS.

That’s because when you’re approved for NEXUS, you get Global Entry.

But applying for NEXUS is only worth it if you live close to the border and visit Canada often or live near a NEXUS enrollment center.  Otherwise most folks are better off with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

And you can use certain credit cards to reimburse your entire Global Entry fee.  

NEXUS

Link:   NEXUS

Link:   NEXUS Online Application

Link:   NEXUS Enrollment Centers

NEXUS lets you get through security faster at airports, northern borders (Canada), and marine ports of entry.

You can apply for NEXUS if you are a:

• US citizen
• Permanent resident/green card holder
• Canadian citizen

NEXUS costs $50 to apply and if approved, is valid for 5 years.  And with NEXUS, you get automatic enrollment in Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

As part of your NEXUS interview you have to have an eye scan.

However, NONE of the US NEXUS enrollment centers have the eye scan.  But if you aren’t flying to Canada (and mainly looking to get the Global Entry benefit), then you do NOT need an eye scan.

Here are the cities where you can schedule a NEXUS interview:

• Blaine, Washington
• Buffalo, New York
• Calais, Maine
• Calgary, Canada
• Champlain, New York
• Derby Line, Vermont
• Detroit, Michigan
• Edmonton, Canada
• Fort Frances, Canada
• Halifax, Canada
• Houlton, Maine
• Lansdowne, Canada
• Montreal, Canada
• Niagara Falls, New York
• Ottawa, Canada
• Pembina, North Dakota
• Port Huron, Michigan
• Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
• Seattle, Washington
• Sweetgrass, Montana
• Toronto, Canada
• Vancouver, Canada
• Warroad, Minnesota
• Winnipeg, Canada

If you don’t live near an enrollment center, you could make an appointment at 1 where you’re traveling.

So by getting NEXUS, you also get Global Entry for half the price!

Global Entry

Link:   Global Entry

With Global Entry you can clear US customs and immigration quickly and you’re automatically enrolled in TSA PreCheck.

You can apply for Global Entry if you are a:

• U.S. citizen
• Lawful permanent resident of the US
• Dutch citizen
• South Korean citizen
• Mexican national

Global Entry is also valid for 5 years, but it costs $100 to apply which is 2X the cost of NEXUS and you do NOT get enrollment in NEXUS.  Whereas when if you apply and are approved for NEXUS you also get Global Entry.

But you can get your Global Entry fee refunded if you have 1 of these cards or status:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum® Card from American Express
• The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz
• Citi Prestige
• Delta Airlines Platinum or Diamond elite status

So folks who have 1 of those cards or elite status could apply for Global Entry because it won’t cost them anything.  Whereas, you would have to pay $50 for NEXUS and it is NOT reimbursable.

But if you don’t have any of those cards or elite status, it makes sense to apply for NEXUS because it’s half the cost.  But you should do what’s best for you.

Bottom Line

Folks approved for Global Entry ($100 fee) can save hours of time at the airport waiting for US Customs.  But when you’re approved for NEXUS ($50 fee), you automatically get Global Entry privileges!

That said, your Global Entry fee is completely refunded if you have an American Express Platinum (personal) or (business), American Express Mercedes-Benz Platinum, Citi Prestige, or Delta Airlines Platinum or Diamond elite status.

So some folks can get Global Entry for free.  Otherwise, if you’re going find yourself near an enrollment center, you might consider NEXUS to save money.