Trusted Traveler Price Increases

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a fee change across its different Trusted Traveler Programs. Effective October 1, 2024, the fee to enroll in each of the NEXUS, Global Entry, and SENTRI programs will increase to $120. Below we share the details about the recently announced trusted traveler price increases.

Updated 5/30/24

RELATED: Our ToP Premium Awards Card offers Trusted Travel Program fee credits.

Trusted Traveler Programs

Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI are the most popular of the Trusted Traveler Programs that the CBP offers. According to the CBP, the price to enroll with each of these programs has remained the same for over 15 years.

Global Entry offers expedited expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. NEXUS speeds up border crossings for frequent travelers between the US and Canada, while SENTRI provides expedited processing at the US-Mexico border.

The fee to enroll in Global Entry is increasing from $100 to $120. The price for NEXUS is going up from $50 to $120. SENTRI is shifting from an a la carte fee structure to a uniform fee of $120. With the increased fees taking effect on October 1, travelers are encouraged to apply by September 30, 2024 to pay the lower rate.

There is one silver lining with this news, though. Once the new fee goes into effect, applicants under the age of 18 will be exempt from the application fee when a parent or legal guardian is already a member of, or also applying for NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry.

Cards Covering the Trusted Traveler Price Increases

A number of credit card issuers have announced that they are updating some of their credit card benefits to cover these price increases. So far, the following credit cards will cover the increased $120 Global Entry fee:

• Barclays AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Silver Mastercard
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Chase United Explorer
• Chase United Club Visa Infinite
• Chase United Quest
• Chase IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Chase IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
• Chase Aeroplan Card
• Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
• Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
• Citi Prestige
• J.P. Morgan Reserve

Trusted Traveler Price Increases: ToP Thoughts

The price increase really shouldn't come as a surprise since prices have been the same for over 15 years. If you have been thinking about applying for any of these programs, do it before October 1, 2024. It has been nice to see so many credit cards updating their terms to cover the increased fee for Global Entry. The good news is that minors are now exempt from an application fee.

Hopefully this is a non-event for most of us. Let us know your thoughts over in the ToP Facebook Group.