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Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, NEXUS Or SENTRI?
Global Entry, TSA preCheck, NEXUS and SENTRI are trusted traveler programs that will enable you to get past security quicker and more comfortably. They come with a fee, and have to be renewed every 5 years, but they are a useful tool for frequent travelers. Hopefully this trusted traveler programs comparison will help you decide which one is best for you.
What is Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. You scan your passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit. Therefore makes the experience much faster and stress free.
It is primarily aimed at travelers coming into the United States, but it’s also recognized at other participating countries such as Dominican Republic, Bahrain, Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
How it Works
To apply for Global Entry you need to fill out an online application first. After a thorough background check, assuming no issues come up, you will receive a letter instructing you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. They’re usually located at airports, but there are also other offices. At the interview you will be asked a few questions and they’ll take your picture and fingerprints. Bring two forms of ID and proof of residence. Depending on location it might take 1-2 months for an available time slot, but you can check for cancellations and even walk-in at some locations. There’s also an easy trick to get a quick appointment if your local center is super busy.
Once complete, you will then be issued a Global Entry ID card. It will cost $100 for five years. The fee is non-refundable. After five years, you’ll have to renew your status. If you get a new passport, you can update your information in your GOES account. But, if it involves a name change, you must visit a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
Global Entry travelers are automatically qualified for TSA PreCheck, which expedites the security screening process at airports.
What is TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck lets eligible, low-risk travelers enjoy expedited security screening. The program is available at participating U.S. airport locations and for most international itineraries. You can ease through checkpoints without removing shoes, liquids and gels from your carry-on, laptop from your bag, light outerwear/jacket and belts. 200 airports with 85participating airlines nationwide provide TSA Pre✓ as of November 2022.
You can apply for the program directly through TSA if you are a: U.S. citizen, or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), and haven’t been convicted of certain crimes. You’ll have to be fingerprinted and provide documentation proving your identity. Then you’ll receive a known traveler number (KTN) that will be printed on your airline tickets in the future. It will cost $78 or $70 for five years. After five years, you’ll have to renew your status. Besides enrollment centers at many airports, you can now also apply at new locations being opened up at DMVs around the country, at concerts and Tax Offices, and also some Staples stores.
You can use PreCheck lines if you have children 12 and under traveling with you, even if the child does not qualify for PreCheck.
What is NEXUS?
The NEXUS program is the Canadian version of Global Entry and will cost you $50 for five years. It allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada. Program members use dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports. NEXUS members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations.
It includes benefits of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck but you can only apply for it only at locations in Northern US and Canada. In the US you’ll find enrollment centers in Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Maine and Vermont.
What is SENTRI?
SENTRI will cost $122.25 (five years) and is useful if you drive through the US-Mexico border. The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Participants may enter the United States by using dedicated primary lanes into the United States at Southern land border ports. So it’s not useful for everyone.
Travelers must be pre-approved for the SENTRI program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. You’ll find enrollment centers in California, Arizona and Texas. It’s benefits include:
- Dedicated processing lanes at southern land border crossings,
- using NEXUS land when entering the United States from Canada by land, and
- Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States
Which One is Best?
If you think you will travel abroad within the next five years then you should apply for Global Entry. It does cost $15 more, but it’s a small price to pay and it includes all benefits of PreCheck. That extra cost will get you expedited entry into the US at immigration and border control. You never know what travel plans come up in the next five years. Keep in mind that if your travel partners do not have Global Entry, you’ll still have to wait for them to get through security, but at least you can sit somewhere instead of standing in line.
SENTRI is the most expensive option, so it would only make sense if you value the dedicated processing lanes at southern land border crossings.
NEXUS is the cheapest, at $50, so if you’re paying out of pocket and have easy access to those few enrollment centers up north, it could be the better option for some.
Compare Programs
| Agency | TSA | Customs and Border Protection | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program | TSA Pre✓® | Global Entry | NEXUS | SENTRI |
| Website | www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck | www.globalentry.gov | NEXUS | SENTRI |
| Eligibility Required | TSA Pre✓ is open to U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents. | Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of certain other countries. | NEXUS is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens and lawful permanent residents of Canada. | SENTRI requires proof of citizenship and admissibility documentation. |
| Application Fee | $70-$78 (5 year membership) | $100.00 (5 year membership) | $50.00 (5 year membership) | $122.25 (5 year membership) |
| Passport Required | No | Yes; or lawful permanent resident card | No | No |
| Application Process | Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center; provide fingerprints and verify ID. | Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an interview; provide fingerprints and verify ID. | Same as Global Entry | Same as Global Entry |
| Program Experience | TSA Pre✓™ expedited screening at participating airports. | Expedited processing through CBP at airports and land borders upon arrival in the U.S..
Includes the TSA Pre✓™ experience. |
Expedited processing at airports and land borders when entering the U.S. and Canada. Includes Global Entry benefits.Includes the TSA Pre✓™ benefits for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Canadian citizens. |
Expedited processing through CBP at land borders. Includes Global Entry and TSA Pre✓™ benefits for U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents. |
| Ready to apply? | TSA Pre✓® Application | Global Entry Application | NEXUS Application | SENTRI Application |
All memberships are valid for 5 years.
How to Get Them for Free
Although the prices are pretty reasonable for frequent flyers, since you only have to pay every five years, free is always better. As far as I know, you cannot get SENTRI for free through any credit cards. However, you’re able to get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees reimbursed with some premium cards from several issuers, and the list continues to grow. It is not really “free” since these cards come with an annual fee. But if you are already planning on applying for one of these cards, then it is an added benefit.
Global Entry is complimentary with the following cards:
- American Express
- Bank of America
- Bank of America Premium Rewards ($95 AF)
- Capital One
- Citi Prestige
- Chase
- City National Bank
- City National Crystal Visa Infinite ($400 AF)
- Suntrust
- Travel Rewards Credit Card ($89 AF)
- U.S. Bank
- FlexPerks Gold ($85 AF)
- Altitude Reserve ($400 AF)
- SKYPASS Select Visa ($450 AF)
TSA PreCheck is complimentary with the following cards:
- American Express
- Bank of America
- Bank of America Premium Rewards ($95 AF)
- Capital One
- Citi
- Chase
- Suntrust
- Travel Rewards Credit Card ($89 AF)
- U.S. Bank
- FlexPerks Gold ($85 AF)
- Altitude Reserve ($400 AF)
- SKYPASS Select Visa ($450 AF)
Nexus is complimentary with the following cards:
Let me know if I missed any cards, or if you notice any incorrect information on the list.
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