How much is Global Entry?
Global Entry costs a flat $120 non-refundable application fee for 5 years of membership (U.S. CBP, current as of 2026).
Key takeaways
- Global Entry costs a flat $120 application fee, set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- One membership is valid for five years before it must be renewed.
- The fee is non-refundable, you pay it even if your application is denied.
- Children under 18 apply free when a parent or legal guardian is a member or co-applying.
- The fee rose from $100 to $120 on October 1, 2024, its first increase since 2008.
Global Entry costs a flat $120 non-refundable application fee, and one membership is valid for five years, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Unlike most items on this site, this is a fixed government fee, not a range: everyone pays the same $120, and it is due when you submit your application through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) system.
The fee at a glance
Global Entry is a CBP Trusted Traveler Program that speeds up customs and immigration screening for pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States. The cost is set by the federal government and does not vary by applicant.
| Item | Amount / term |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $120 |
| Membership length | 5 years |
| Refundable? | No, non-refundable even if denied |
| Children under 18 (guardian enrolled) | Free |
| Effective cost per year | $24 (=$120 / 5 years) |
What the fee covers
- Five years of membership, after which you renew and pay the fee again.
- Expedited U.S. entry using Global Entry kiosks or the mobile app at participating airports.
- TSA PreCheck benefits are included with Global Entry, so you generally do not need to pay separately for PreCheck.
Important cost details
- It is non-refundable. The $120 is charged at the time you apply and is not returned if your application is denied.
- Payment is made through the TTP system, by credit card or electronic bank transfer, when you submit the application.
- Under-18 waiver. Applicants younger than 18 are free of charge when a parent or legal guardian is already a member of, or is concurrently applying for, Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI.
- The 2024 increase. The fee went from $100 to $120 on October 1, 2024, the first change since the program’s early years in 2008.
Ways the cost can effectively be lower
The government fee itself is fixed, but your out-of-pocket cost can differ:
- Credit card reimbursement. Many travel credit cards offer a statement credit that covers the Global Entry application fee, effectively reducing your cost to $0. Check your card’s benefits before paying.
- Bundled value. Because Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, travelers who would otherwise buy PreCheck separately get more for the same $120.
This is a fixed U.S. government fee current as of the verified date; always confirm the amount on the official CBP website before applying, as government fees can change.
How to save on Global Entry
- Check whether a travel credit card in your wallet reimburses the application fee as a statement credit; many premium cards cover it in full every few years.
- See if an airline loyalty program or employer travel benefit covers or reimburses the fee.
- Because Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, apply for it rather than paying separately for PreCheck if you travel internationally at all.
- Enroll children who qualify at the same time so the household is covered under one trip to the enrollment center.
- Renew on time to keep the same standard fee and avoid re-doing the full process.
- Note that the fee is a fixed government charge you cannot discount; the savings come from reimbursement and avoiding duplicate memberships.
Cost scenarios
Budget: The application fee is a flat $120 for a five-year membership, so even the lowest-cost path is $120 unless a card or program reimburses it.
Typical: Most applicants pay the same $120, which covers the background check, interview, and both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits.
Premium: There is no higher tier; the cost stays $120, though effective cost drops to zero when a credit card statement credit covers the full fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Global Entry cost?
The application fee is a flat $120, set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is the same for every applicant and is paid when you submit your application.
How long does Global Entry last?
One membership is valid for five years. That works out to about $24 per year over the life of the membership. After five years you renew and pay the fee again.
Is the Global Entry fee refundable?
No. The $120 fee is non-refundable, you pay it even if your application is ultimately denied.
Do children have to pay for Global Entry?
Applicants under 18 are free of charge when a parent or legal guardian is already a member of, or is concurrently applying for, Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI.
Can I get the Global Entry fee reimbursed?
Often, yes. Many travel credit cards provide a statement credit covering the $120 application fee, which can reduce your effective cost to nothing. Check your card's benefits.
Sources
How we estimate this
Every figure on this page is compiled from the public sources cited above and given as a low–typical–high range rather than a single false-precise number. Where costs vary by location we scale the national typical using published state price levels. We recheck figures on a set schedule and stamp each report with the date last verified. We are independent and are never paid to change a number — see how we price things.
