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Everything you need to know about the Capital One travel portal

Editor's Note

Capital One's new travel portal, launched in 2021, has significantly improved since its beta release. It now allows Capital One credit cardholders , including those with the issuer's cash-back cards , to directly use their rewards for travel purchases. The portal also features updated flight search capabilities and the issuer's hotel programs: the Premier Collection and the Lifestyle Collection .

In this guide, we will explain what you need to know about the Capital One portal.

What is the Capital One travel portal?

Credit card issuers often provide bonus rewards when using their travel portals, but they can be frustrating due to poor customer service and user interfaces. However, Capital One differentiates itself by integrating technology from Hopper, a trusted app for predicting the lowest prices for flights and hotels. With access to vast amounts of data, Capital One claims a 95% accuracy rate in price predictions.

The portal also offers customer-friendly features like price drop protection, best price guarantee and price match with competitors. Suppose the portal advises you to book a flight. In that case, you will receive automatic price drop protection, ensuring a partial refund as a travel credit if the ticket price decreases within a specified time frame (generally up to $50 after booking).

Capital One has also addressed customer concerns by adding more support staff to reduce phone hold times. Three paid add-on features are available for users: cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) coverage, price freeze protection and rapid rebooking .

CFAR coverage allows you to cancel your flight up to three hours before travel and receive back 70-90% of the ticket price. On the other hand, price freeze protection lets you pay a fee to lock in a price, protecting against sudden price increases. Rapid rebooking lets you select a same-day or next-day flight for up to $5,000 on any airline if your flight is delayed more than two hours or you risk not making your connection.

Here's a list of some top Capital One cards that offer access to Capital One Travel:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Spark Cash Plus
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business

You can access the portal through this link .

Related: Best Capital One credit cards

How to book flights through the Capital One travel portal

To book airfare using the Capital One travel portal, log into your account and hover over the "Flights" tab to search for one-way or round-trip flights. Enter your desired departure and arrival cities.

When selecting departure and return dates, it's not just a matter of merely selecting the convenient dates for you. Capital One brings in Hopper's familiar, color-coded interface, allowing you to see which dates offer the lowest prices in economy class.

You'll see Capital One's booking recommendation and flight options on the next screen.

From the results page, you can narrow the parameters by:

• Fare class (cabin)

Then, you can sort your results by:

• Recommended
• Price (low to high)
• Departure time (earliest to latest)
• Arrival time (earliest to latest)
• Stops (least to most)
• Duration (shortest to longest)

There are a few other interesting features worth mentioning. Above all the options, you can see the price prediction tool come into effect with clear messaging on whether or not it's a good time to book.

If the site's algorithms advise you to book, that will trigger free price drop protection. You'll get back up to $50 of the difference as a future travel credit if you book now and the price drops in the specified time period (10 days in the above example).

If you're not ready, you can press "Watch This Trip" to receive emails about the best time to book whenever better prices become available. Unfortunately, this feature applies to the route and date, not the specific flight(s) you want to watch — though you can exclude basic economy and connecting flights.

Pay attention to the fare class when booking flights. Basic economy differs between airlines. For example, United Airlines does not allow full-size carry-on bags, but Delta Air Lines does. Additionally, cancellation policies vary across fare classes.

Capital One has tried to standardize fare classes across all airlines on its platform, making it easier for users. When searching through Capital One Travel, you'll see the following labels:

• Basic : The best-priced options are often basic fares with restrictive policies and few amenities.
• Standard : Typically, main and economy fares include amenities like carry-on bags and seat selection.
• Enhanced : These fares include more legroom, priority boarding, and free beverages and snacks.
• Premium : These fares include cradled or reclined seats, priority boarding, and premium snacks and beverages.
• Luxury : These fares feature reclined seats with personalized services and premium meals. Priority boarding is also included.

After selecting your desired flight, Capital One Travel provides an extensive overview of what to expect during your journey. This includes detailed information on seat measurements, aircraft layout and onboard amenities like power outlets, fresh food options and whether lounge access is included. These comprehensive details surpass what you typically find on other travel portals or even when booking directly with airlines.

The payment side is quick and easy too. Enter the traveler information, with fields for frequent flyer numbers and Known Traveler Numbers (for instance, your TSA PreCheck number).

As a holder of the Capital One Venture card , I can apply my miles at a rate of 1 cent each toward the purchase. However, if you want to save your miles for later, press "Do not apply my rewards." You can use your credit card to pay for your reservation instead.

Note that the Capital One Venture X card offers 5 miles per dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel.

Other options available in the booking process include purchasing the abovementioned add-ons: CFAR and price freeze. The price for these features will vary, depending on factors like your trip cost, how far in advance you're booking, whether the price is rated as "low" or "high," and other elements.

Related: Everything you need to know about Capital One's new rapid rebooking feature

How to book hotels through the Capital One travel portal

There are fewer distinctive features when booking your hotels through the Capital One travel portal, but the process is similar to the above.

To find a hotel, hover over the "Hotels" tab on the landing page and enter your destination, dates and number of travelers. Unlike flight bookings, there is no color-coded calendar for prices.

You'll then see a list and map format with various options. Filter your search by rating and price per night. Sort the listings by recommended, price (low to high) or star rating (high to low).

If your city has Premier Collection hotels, those options will appear toward the top. These hotels include benefits like an on-property "experience credit" of up to $100, daily breakfast for two people and complimentary Wi-Fi. Access is limited to those with premium credit cards from Capital One: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business (a business credit card formerly known as the Spark Travel Elite card).

If you click "All filters," you can sort by the amenities that matter to you or even look up specific properties.

While the search features are more limited than booking flights, you'll get a detailed description of each hotel and can find out about amenities, rates, location and cancellation policy.

The payment process for booking hotels is the same as for flights. You can redeem your Capital One miles for the trip or pay with your card.

Paying with your card may be the better option here, as multiple cards offer bonuses on hotels booked through Capital One Travel:

• Venture X: 10 miles per dollar spent
• Venture, VentureOne and Spark Miles: 5 miles per dollar spent
• SavorOne, Quicksilver and Spark Cash Plus: 5% cash back

However, if you book hotels in a major loyalty program — like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors — through Capital One Travel, you likely won't receive points. You also won't enjoy any elite status perks.

Related: The best hotels in San Francisco for a golden getaway

How to book rental cars through the Capital One travel portal

The process for rental cars is straightforward. Click "Car Rentals" at the top and enter your search criteria. You'll receive a list of options that can be filtered by car type, price per day, rental car company and specifications.

You can then reserve the car in a few clicks, with clear information about pick-up and drop-off.

With some rental car agencies — Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar — you can add your rewards number to the booking and likely enjoy the associated benefits. The option to add your loyalty number generally won't appear for other companies.

This is particularly appealing for Venture X cardholders , as you can earn 10 miles per dollar spent on rental car bookings and still enjoy the complimentary Hertz President's Circle status* that's included on the card.

Note that these car rentals earn rewards at the same rate as hotels booked through Capital One Travel:

*Upon enrollment eligible cardholders will maintain Hertz President's Circle status through Dec. 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g., at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

Related: Stacking rental car perks with Hertz and the Venture X

Further things to consider about the Capital One travel portal

Capital One Travel packs a punch for cardholders, but there are a few additional things to remember.

First, consider checking alternative platforms like Google Flights for better prices or alternate routings before booking with Capital One. Credit card portals sometimes have higher prices and don't always show all available flight options. Be sure you're not paying more for the same itinerary.

Additionally, if you're planning on using your Venture miles or Spark miles at a rate of 1 cent apiece , you should always book directly with the travel provider (whether it's an airline, hotel or car rental company). Then, use the miles to cover that purchase. This ensures you get all of the benefits of booking directly while using your rewards at exactly the same redemption value.

Also, with 18 transfer partners , Capital One offers a range of options for transferring your miles at a 1:1 ratio. Before booking through the portal, compare prices against Capital One transfer programs. For instance, a $150 United flight can cost 15,000 Capital One miles through the portal or just 7,500 Avianca LifeMiles (plus minimal taxes and fees). In this instance, it makes more sense to transfer your Capital One miles to Avianca LifeMiles.

As noted, hotel and car rental reservations through Capital One Travel likely won't be eligible for perks in a given loyalty program. If your elite status is important, it's advisable to book directly with major chain hotels and most car rentals. However, if you're booking independently owned hotels or elite status isn't a concern, the Capital One travel portal may be a better option.

Finally, remember that Venture X cardholders enjoy $300 in annual credits for bookings made via Capital One Travel. Unlike the $300 credit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve , this only applies to purchases made through the portal. As a result, even if you'd rather book flights, hotels or car rentals directly with travel providers, you should still spend at least $300 on your Venture X through Capital One travel each year.

Related: 7 tips to help keep an airline from losing your luggage

Bottom line

Capital One has made significant advancements in the travel space, including improved transfer partners, the introduction of a premium card and the opening of its flagship lounge in Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

The Capital One travel portal offers a user-friendly interface. With its detailed pricing and fare class information, you might consider especially using it for flight bookings. Additional features like CFAR coverage, price drop protection, rapid rebooking and price freeze add value for cardholders.

You can also earn bonus rewards for many Capital One Travel purchases across most of the issuer's card portfolio, making it a great option as you plan upcoming trips.

Additional reporting by Stella Shon.

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A complete guide to the Capital One travel portal

Carissa Rawson

Allie Johnson

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 5:50 a.m. UTC Jan. 16, 2024

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hocus-focus, Getty Images

You may know Capital One as a company that offers credit cards, car loans and bank accounts, but they also have a travel portal that allows you to book flights, hotels, rental cars and luxury vacations. For eligible Capital One cardholders, booking through the Capital One travel portal can be an excellent way to earn and redeem Capital One miles. Let’s take a look at the Capital One travel portal, how it works and who has access to its perks. 

• The Capital One travel portal is accessible to cardholders of more than 15 different Capital One cards. 
• Eligible cards will earn extra rewards on their Capital One travel bookings. 
• Features of the Capital One travel portal include price drop protection and price matching. 
• Capital One miles can be earned and redeemed through the Capital One travel portal. 

How to book travel through the Capital One travel portal

Booking travel through the Capital One travel portal is simple. To do so, simply navigate to the Capital One travel portal website . Then log in to your Capital One account. 

Once logged in, you’ll be directed to the site’s home page. 

From there, you can search for flights, hotels and rental cars for any travel you have planned. Just enter your search parameters, such as travel dates and destination, to get a list of booking options. 

Your search results will vary depending on what type of travel you want to book. For example, if you’re searching for a hotel, Capital One will bring up a dynamic map and a list of properties that match your filters.

Once you’ve perused available options, you can make a selection that suits your needs. You’ll then go through the checkout process, which includes filling in your personal details and payment information. Note that you’ll need to use your eligible Capital One card to pay. 

Who can use the portal?

The Capital One travel portal is accessible to those with an eligible Capital One credit card. These include:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• Capital One Spark 2X Miles * The information for the Capital One Spark 2X Miles has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• Capital One Venture X Business Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Business Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

You’ll want to be aware that not all Capital One cards provide access to the travel portal. For example, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Platinum Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , which is designed to help build credit, does not offer this feature. 

Is the portal worth using?

There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not to use the Capital One travel portal for a booking. 

First, depending on which Capital One card you hold, you may be able to earn big rewards by booking your travel through the portal. For example, the Capital One Venture X earns 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel. 

Capital One miles can be redeemed in a variety of ways, but are worth one cent each toward travel, which means you’re effectively getting 10% back on eligible bookings. 

That being said, many hotel and rental car companies limit the benefits you’ll receive if you choose to book through a third party (such as the travel portal). This can mean you lose out on perks such as bonus points and the benefits of any elite status that you’ve earned. However, this varies by hotel, so you might want to check before you book.

How to maximize your Capital One travel benefits through the portal

Capital One has built a robust portal that provides value to its customers. This is especially true when it comes to booking flights. The flight search function includes a handy calendar of prices to show you at a glance when fares are high.

Capital One has also partnered with the travel app Hopper to give customers free price prediction tools. When searching, the portal will let you know whether you should book or wait for a better price.

Even better, if you book a flight when recommended by Capital One, you’re automatically enrolled in price drop protection for 10 days. If the price goes down during that time frame, you’ll get a refund of up to $50. 

You can also choose to set an alert for your flight, which will notify you when the price changes. Finally, if you’re not ready to book but are worried that the price will increase, you can pay a small fee to freeze the cost of your fare so you can return later to book.

Other benefits associated with the Capital One travel portal include access to the Lifestyle Collection and the Premier Collection. If you have an eligible Capital One card, you’ll be able to book specialty hotels with exclusive benefits such as room upgrades, late checkout and experience credits. 

Quick guide to Capital One rewards

Different Capital One cards earn different types of rewards. Some cards earn cash back while others earn miles. 

Capital One miles can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including transfers to Capital One hotel and airline partners. This is generally the most valuable method of redeeming miles, but you can also redeem them for statement credits against travel purchases that you’ve made. While this isn’t typically the best way to redeem Capital One rewards, it can be useful if there are no reward options available for the dates you want to travel.

Finally, Capital One miles can also be used for bookings within the Capital One travel portal. You’ll be able to redeem them at a rate of one cent each — but you’d be better off using your card to pay, then redeeming miles against your purchase. This allows you to earn rewards on your booking before wiping away the charges. 

Other ways to redeem miles include gift cards, entertainment and cash, but you’ll want to be wary of doing so as you won’t get as much value from your rewards this way as you would with travel redemptions. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Capital One travel portal works with many different airlines, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue. 

However, you won’t see flights from Southwest Airlines on the Capital One travel portal. Instead, you’ll want to search directly with the airline to find these tickets.

Capital One miles don’t expire as long as you have an eligible Capital One credit card open. If you plan to close a Capital One credit card account, make sure to use or transfer any accumulated miles first.

Unlike hotels and rental cars, airlines generally don’t penalize those who book through a third party. This means you’ll be able to enter your loyalty program number and earn rewards on flights booked through the Capital One travel portal.

Many of the best credit cards on the market offer a statement credit (up to $100) that will reimburse you for the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, two popular trusted traveler programs that can help you speed through the airport. This includes Capital One cards such as the Capital One Venture X rewards credit card and the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card. 

Making a booking through the Capital One travel portal doesn’t automatically entitle you to entry into airport lounges. However, certain Capital One credit cards offer this as a benefit. For example, those who have the Capital One Venture X rewards credit card or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Business card receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required) and unlimited access to Capital One lounges for themselves and two guests.

*The information for the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Spark 2X Miles, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Business Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Carissa Rawson is a credit cards and award travel expert with nearly a decade of experience. You can find her work in a variety of publications, including Forbes Advisor, Business Insider, The Points Guy, Investopedia, and more. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her in your nearest airport lounge sipping a coffee before her next flight.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Global Entry is an expedited screening program for people entering the U.S. from a foreign country. It essentially prescreens participants for major red flags and criminal history to judge whether or not they’d be a risk entering the U.S. from a foreign area.  

In this article, we’re going to explore:

• How to apply for Global Entry
• How to use Global Entry properly
• How TSA PreCheck relates to Global Entry
• What not to do with Global Entry
• What credit cards you can use to negate the Global Entry fee

Let’s take a look at several of the most popular questions surrounding Global Entry.

1. Does Global Entry Come With TSA PreCheck?

Yes, Global Entry does come with TSA PreCheck.   TSA PreCheck is an expedited form of security within the U.S., where members can keep their shoes on, electronics in their bags, and light jackets on their bodies.

This process usually allows participants to go through a standard metal detector and not a full-body scan machine. Just because you have TSA PreCheck doesn’t mean you’ll always get the perks of TSA PreCheck, however.

Members of the program are subject to random full scans where you’ll be sent to the regular security line and asked to remove your laptop, liquids, and shoes, so don’t always assume you’re going to have PreCheck perks when you arrive at the airport.

Bottom Line: Global Entry does come with TSA PreCheck, allowing expedited security screening within the U.S.

2. What Should I Expect During the Global Entry Interview?

The Global Entry interview is done at an enrollment center, which can be found at most major airports. Once you arrive, you’ll be checked in and will watch a video about the Global Entry program, what’s included, and what’s not.

Eventually, you’ll meet with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. This officer will review your paperwork to ensure everything is in order, and also ask you simple biographical questions to verify your identity and intentions surrounding using the program.

Also — probably the most important part — your fingerprints will be recorded and programmed into the system so when you use the Global Entry kiosk you can be easily identified. The whole process should take around 30 minutes.

3. What if I’m Having Trouble Making an Appointment Due to Waiting Times?

Scheduling a Global Entry interview can be tedious. Sometimes, appointments aren’t available for months , and I know several travelers who have personally had problems securing a confirmed appointment.

There are several things you can do to help expedite this process:

• Check on the Global Entry website for cancellations or openings. People are constantly shifting their schedules and plans, so last-minute appointments certainly do open up. You can also try calling your local center to see if there are any last-minute openings.
• Go to another nearby airport. For example, in the Washington, D.C. area, both Washington-Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington (BWI) have interview appointments, so if you can’t find anything at one airport, consider driving to the next nearest one. There’s no restriction on which airport you can do your interview.
• Consider making your appointment while you’re traveling. Let’s say there are no appointments in your home market of New York City, but you plan on traveling to Seattle in the coming weeks, and there’s an appointment there. You can make an appointment in Seattle and do your interview there.
• Try out Enrollment on Arrival.  If you’re traveling internationally, you may be able to conduct your interview upon arrival back in the US. This option is only available for applicants who are conditionally approved and doesn’t require an appointment. Check out the list of eligible airports on the CBP website .

Hot Tip: If you’d like to be alerted of last-minute cancellations at your desired enrollment centers, consider a paid subscription to Appointment Scanner , a third-party service. You can set your notification preferences to alert you of last-minute interview cancellations and can designate the date limit.

4. Am I Guaranteed Not To Have Any Secondary Screening With Global Entry?

No. You’re always potentially subject to extra screening or questioning , even without declaring anything. This extra examination could include looking at your bags, asking about where you’re coming from, a search by a drug dog, or other precautionary measures.

Several years ago, I was stopped at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York upon coming back from a long weekend in Hong Kong (because that’s what crazy people with miles do, ya know?) and I was stopped by CBP officers upon showing my Global Entry receipt when trying to exit. I was told to step into a secondary area and waited while an officer searched all of my belongings, including my entire suitcase and backpack.

Each article of clothing was removed and searched. Eventually, a drug dog was brought over to sniff me and the luggage, but of course, nothing was found.

The entire process took around 15 minutes or so from start to finish and was extraordinarily thorough. For clarification, I was not declaring anything and didn’t mark “yes” to any of the questions on the Global Entry form itself, so I believe this was some sort of random check.

Bottom Line: You are never guaranteed not to have secondary screening when using Global Entry — so don’t think you can get away with anything.

5. Do I Need To Fill Out the Customs Declaration Form on My Flight?

You don’t, which is a cool benefit.

As a member of the Global Entry program, you are NOT required to fill out the customs declaration form , so as you see the flight attendant walking down the aisle with them, you don’t need to take one. You’ll answer all the questions found on the form at the Global Entry kiosk in the customs area.

6. What’s the Process for Using a Global Entry Kiosk?

As you approach the kiosk, your photo will be taken, which will then be printed on a receipt that you’ll show to the customs agent.

You then proceed to an exit point to present this receipt and passport to a CBP officer. Most times they’ll just wave you through, but occasionally they ask a confirmation question regarding your flight, countries you visited, or if you are bringing in any food.

Once you’re past this point, you can collect any checked baggage and then proceed out of the baggage hall.

7. Which Credit Cards Pay For Your Global Entry Membership Fee?

There are a variety of premium credit cards that will reimburse you for purchasing Global Entry .

Some of those cards include:

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Access to Amex International Airline Program
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

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• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges , along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
• Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
• Generous statement credits on select purchases with your card
• 35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per calendar year)
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• Access to Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program
• High annual fee of $695 ( rates & fees )
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards ® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card ® , here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR ® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card ® .
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• APR: 19.49% - 28.49% Variable
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Chase Sapphire Reserve ®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
• Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
• Rental car elite status with National and Avis
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
• Member FDIC
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Access to Capital One transfer partners
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

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Hot Tip: If you have one of the cards listed above, apply for the Global Entry program as normal and then use the card to purchase the service. Once you do and it posts to your card statement, the charge will automatically be reimbursed.

8. Do I Need To Declare All Food?

YES. I emphasize this because it’s incredibly important, and I’ve seen many people get burned by ignoring this rule.

You have to declare any and all food you have on you — even if it’s a prepackaged snack. Most people think of “food” as fresh meat, produce, or vegetables, but forget about the bag of chips or cookies in their bag. Anything and everything has to be reported, no matter where you got it from or what you may deem safe or prepackaged.

Failure to report even the most minor of food items can result in your Global Entry membership being revoked, or in you being charged with a crime , so please make sure to tell the officer about anything you may have brought with you.

Bottom Line: ALWAYS declare all food you may have brought with you back into the country.

9. How Does Global Entry Compare to the Regular Customs Process?

Essentially the premise of Global Entry is an expedited screening for pre-vetted citizens . With your interview and background check, you’re essentially deemed to be an unthreatening person, not likely to bring in anything illegal, lie on any questionnaires, or try to circumvent the customs and border process in any way.

It’s by no means a guarantee — there are plenty of people who misuse the system every year — but based on the statistical analysis, folks who are part of the program are less likely to do anything illegal.  

Back to the differences between the regular line and the Global Entry line: folks in the regular line have not been vetted. These passengers must fill out a customs declaration form on their inbound aircraft and physically speak with an officer at a booth upon entering the U.S.

This officer generally asks more probing questions to see why this person is entering the country and examines their form and passport. Because these individuals have not been pre-vetted, the officer needs to make a judgment on whether that person is a threat or not.

10. What Kind of Trouble Can I Get Into for Misusing Global Entry?

If you lie on any Global Entry questions when you come into the country, it’s almost near certain that your Global Entry will be revoked. Depending on the severity of what you bring in or fail to report, you may also be criminally prosecuted.

11. If I Have a Criminal History Can I Still Apply for Global Entry?

Yes, you can still apply for Global Entry with a criminal history.

Whether or not you are approved will depend on the crime, how much time has elapsed from it occurring, and what judgment was served.

There’s really no hard science to this, however, what is known is that people with previous misdemeanors and even higher crimes have still been accepted into the Global Entry program.

Your background application is reviewed along with the in-person interview, so if you do have some sort of criminal past, you need to fully disclose this without hiding anything. It’s not guaranteed you’ll get approved, but just because you have a criminal past doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be disqualified.

Bottom Line: Just because you have a criminal history does not mean your Global Entry application will be denied.

12. What Is TSA PreCheck and How Is It Different From Global Entry?

TSA PreCheck is actually a separate program from Global Entry, but because you’ve been through the rigorous background check of Global Entry, TSA PreCheck is automatically given to you without any additional fee .  

Essentially, PreCheck is the domestic expedited screening membership and is only available within the U.S. Most airports within the U.S. have some sort of PreCheck lane, though smaller airports may not use a dedicated lane and instead ask you to present a card to the officer by the metal detector to signal your participation.

At those airports with a dedicated lane, you’ll scan your boarding pass like usual, and the reader will indicate your eligibility for PreCheck. Sometimes, you may be directed to the regular lane as a random security check, though in my experience, it doesn’t happen often.

As you proceed through the security process, you don’t need to take your shoes off and can leave your electronics and toiletry kit in your bag. You can even keep a light jacket on your person, but if it’s a heavy winter coat, it must come off. You’ll then proceed through a normal metal detector and not the full-body scan machine. It’s a much quicker security process.

13. Do I Need To Carry the Physical Global Entry Card With Me?

No, the card is not required to go through the Global Entry lanes — this information is embedded in your passport number. You can also go through PreCheck without this card. For the most part, this card doesn’t serve a day-to-day function.

That said, this card is a form of government ID , just like your passport or driver’s license. So, when you go through security, you can show your Global Entry card as proof of identity. You can also use it with any other service or company requiring a government ID.

Some jobs or services require multiple forms of ID — some federal — for you to partake in whatever application or service they’re offering. Along with your passport, your Global Entry card is a second form of valid identification.  

14. What Is a Known Traveler Number?

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is basically your identifier in the program — it’s the number that carries your Global Entry and your TSA PreCheck. That number has to be on your reservation (PNR) for you to gain access to both Global Entry and PreCheck.

15. Which Airlines Participate in TSA PreCheck?

The following airlines are currently part of the TSA PreCheck program (this table is updated regularly):

16. What Is the NEXUS Program and How Does That Work With Global Entry?

Good question, because this can get a little complicated.

NEXUS is basically the Trusted Traveler Program for the U.S. and Canada, so when you enter Canada, you receive expedited entry, similar to using Global Entry when coming into the U.S.

Interestingly enough, NEXUS also gets you Global Entry, so you actually receive expedited border crossings on both ends of your journey to or from Canada.

That said, Global Entry does NOT get you benefits going into Canada , so NEXUS is actually a more-inclusive program. Chase credit cards that reimburse the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck generally include NEXUS as a third option for the reimbursable application fee.

In addition, because the program is a Trusted Traveler Program of the border between the U.S. and Canada, you can only enroll in cities near those ports of entry.

If you live in Miami, for example, it will be fairly difficult to enroll in NEXUS without flying up to a city in the northern part of the U.S.

Hot Tip:  We’ve got an entire piece dedicated to NEXUS if you want to learn more: NEXUS Trusted Traveler Program – Applying, Eligibility, Benefits & More .

17. What Is the SENTRI Program and How Does That Work With Global Entry?

SENTRI is the Trusted Traveler Program for the U.S. and Mexico. Similar to NEXUS, the program allows expedited entry to and from Mexico , helping you bypass customs lines.

SENTRI is even more limited in terms of where you can apply. You can only apply in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Like NEXUS, SENTRI is not reimbursed by any major credit card, so unless you frequent Mexico, it’s probably not the best membership — you’re better off sticking with the “free” (via reimbursement) Global Entry program.

18. What Happens if You’re in a Group or Traveling With Multiple People?

Here’s one of the (few) downsides of Global Entry.

If you’re coming off of a flight and are with family or other large group and not everyone has Global Entry, you must either (a) split up: you use the Global Entry lane and everyone else uses the regular lane, or (b) everyone uses the regular lane, and you receive no benefit as a Global Entry member.

In most situations like this, I recommend that those who are eligible use the Global Entry lanes and then wait for the rest of the group on the other side of customs and immigration. This way, you can collect your bags (and those of the others in your group) and take care of any necessary things beyond the border, such as checking in for onward flights.

19. What Is CLEAR and How Does That Relate to Global Entry and PreCheck?

CLEAR is an entirely separate screening service and is run by a private, third-party company. It is not related in any way to Global Entry. CLEAR members pay an annual fee to go through security without having to show an ID .  

Basically, members walk up to a kiosk and scan their fingerprints or eyes as well as a boarding pass. Once the system correlates the 2, you’ll be authorized to proceed through security — which is generally just walking past the TSA agent without further verification.

If you have PreCheck you’ll be placed in the PreCheck line, and if you don’t, you’ll be placed in the regular line.

Bottom Line: CLEAR is a third-party service that’s not Global Entry and is not PreCheck. 

20. How Long Does the Entire Global Entry Enrollment Process Take?

CBP advises that the entire Global Entry process will take about 4 to 6 months end-to-end.

The Global Entry application process follows these steps:

• Fill out your application
• Wait for the application to be approved
• Schedule and complete an interview with Customs and Border Protection
• Look for your Global Entry card in the mail (remember the physical card is not necessary for travel)

Bottom Line: Applying to Global Entry is not an overnight task — if you have an upcoming international trip, you want to make sure you apply and get approved with plenty of time to spare .

21. Does Global Entry Get You Expedited Service or Benefits on the Ground?

Aside from expedited screening in customs and immigration coming back into the U.S., there are no expedited ground handling or other services. For these, you would either need to pay a separate fee with your airline or have elite status with the carrier you’re flying on. It’s important to note that just because you have Global Entry doesn’t mean your bags will come out first on the carousel.

Global Entry can be a great way to speed through customs on your way into the U.S. and beat the lines. Since it comes as a perk of many premium credit cards , it’s a no-brainer to sign up. It also allows you to use TSA PreCheck screening when you leave the U.S., too. All around, it’s a great time saver and one that I’d highly recommend exploring if you travel more than a few times a year.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does global entry come with tsa precheck.

Yes, Global Entry does come with TSA PreCheck .  TSA PreCheck is an expedited form of security within the U.S., where members can keep their shoes on, electronics in their bags, and light jackets on their bodies.

How much does Global Entry cost?

Global entry costs $100 and is valid for 5 years. This fee is payable by credit card, and many cards will reimburse this fee !

Unfortunately, this application fee is nonrefundable — even if your application is denied.

How long does it take to get approved for a Global Entry pass?

The current processing time to get approved for Global Entry is 4 to 6 months (as of April 2023). Getting an appointment scheduled is typically the part that takes the longest, so check back frequently in case there have been cancellations.

Other options include looking at nearby airports or Enrollment on Arrival.

Is Global Entry still worth it?

If you are traveling internationally, Global Entry is absolutely worth it due to the time you’ll save upon arrival back into the U.S.

Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, so if you travel domestically, you can save time each and every visit to the airport.

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About James Larounis

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.

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• 2 Get around

Mytishchi is a mid-sized industrial city in North Moscow Oblast , which borders Moscow to the southwest. It is perhaps Moscow Oblast 's principal industrial center, particularly for machinery and armaments.

Get in [ edit ]

A convenient elektrichka route (in fact, the first elektrichka route in Russia) runs frequently all day between Mytishchi and Moscow's Yaroslavsky Train Station. Rapid trains (Sputniks) bound to Pushkino and Bolshevo also stop here.

You can also get here pretty easily by taking the Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya metro line to the end at Medvedkovo and there catch a bus or marshrutka to the Mytishchi center from the metro station.

Do [ edit ]

There is one of the biggest ice Arenas in Region (appr. 8 500 visitors) for ice hockey.

At summer: several pay beaches at Pirogovo water reservoir. Malibu pay resort (yachts, cafes etc)

Sleep [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

• Pushkino is just a little farther along the rail and elektrichka lines running from Moscow through Mytishchi.

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What is Global Entry and how do you get it?

December 7, 2023 | 6 min read

After a long international trip, you may be ready to get home. But first, you’ll have to go through customs to reenter the U.S. And that line might be longer than you’d like. The Global Entry program can help you bypass those lines when you arrive stateside.

Take a look at how this program works and what you need to do to apply.

Key takeaways

Global Entry helps travelers bypass long lines at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checkpoints when arriving in the U.S.

It costs $100 to enroll in Global Entry. If approved, the membership lasts for five years.

An application and in-person interview are required to be approved for Global Entry.

Many travel credit cards , including some Capital One cards , reimburse cardholders for the Global Entry application fee.*

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What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) run by CBP that lets you bypass customs lines when entering more than 75 U.S. airports.

With Global Entry, you can use automated kiosks rather than waiting in line to speak with a customs agent. At the kiosk, you’ll submit your passport and declare any goods. Then, you’ll either be directed to a CBP officer or cleared to go.

What does Global Entry get you?

Global Entry allows you to visit a kiosk when passing through customs, avoiding long lines and paperwork. If the kiosks are down for any reason, you’ll jump to the head of the regular customs line. Plus, you’ll be able to access TSA PreCheck® when traveling domestically through airport security and NEXUS and SENTRI when reentering the U.S. by land or sea from Canada or Mexico.

Who can qualify for Global Entry?

To qualify for the Global Entry program, you must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident or citizen of the following countries:

The Netherlands

South Korea

Switzerland

Taiwan 

United Kingdom

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can also use Global Entry if they’re members of the NEXUS program.

How much does it cost to enroll in Global Entry?

Applying for Global Entry requires a $100 nonrefundable fee, and the membership lasts for five years. If you travel internationally often, it may be worth the cost.

That said, the fee is nonrefundable, even if the application is denied. And if you renew your membership, you’ll need to pay the fee again.

Some travel credit cards, like Venture , Venture X , Spark Miles and Venture X Business , offer a statement credit up to $100 for the Global Entry fee.

How to sign up for Global Entry

Signing up for Global Entry can take several months. Here are the steps to apply:

1. Open a TTP account

First, you’ll need to create a TTP account . Every member of a household who’s applying for Global Entry needs an account, no matter their age.

2. Complete the application

After setting up a TTP account, you can complete the application and pay the $100 fee.

3. Schedule the interview

Once you complete the application, pay the fee and receive conditional approval, you’ll schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center . You may also be able to interview at a major airport with Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival the next time you’re traveling. Just remember to bring your passport and the required documents.

4. Attend the interview

You’ll need to bring the following to your interview:

Valid passport

Form of ID, like your driver’s license or ID card

Proof of address, like a utility bill

A permanent resident card for lawful permanent residents

If you’re approved after the interview, you should receive your Global Entry card within two to four weeks to use at NEXUS and SENTRI checkpoints. But you’ll still need a passport or permanent resident card at a Global Entry kiosk.

Should you sign up for Global Entry?

Whether Global Entry is worth signing up for depends on your travel habits. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends enrolling in Global Entry if you travel internationally more than three times a year. But if you travel more within the U.S., there may be other options for speeding up airport lines.

Other time-saving programs to consider

While Global Entry is an option for frequent international travelers, it’s not the only program that can save you time while traveling. Here are a couple of other programs to consider:

TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck® allows qualified travelers to navigate through domestic airport security faster. Travelers with TSA PreCheck® can access lines with shorter wait times and don’t have to remove their belts, shoes, outerwear, laptops or small liquids.

TSA PreCheck® costs between $78 and $85 to enroll. It may not help you move through international customs checkpoints faster, but it can cut down on security wait times in U.S. airports.

Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) lets you submit customs declarations, photos and travel information through a mobile app. Travelers who use MPC could access a priority line at customs and avoid filling out paper forms.

MPC may not allow you to skip the line at customs checkpoints, but it can still speed up the process of reentry into the U.S. The program is free, but it’s not available at every airport.

Global Entry FAQ

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Global Entry program:

What happens once you’re approved for Global Entry?

Most applicants can expect a decision in four to six months. If approved, new members will receive a Global Entry card in the mail two to four weeks after approval.

What happens if your application is denied?

Getting approved for Global Entry isn’t a guarantee. Applicants who are denied will receive a written explanation. It’s also possible to request a reconsideration.

What are the requirements for minors to enroll in Global Entry?

All travelers in a household, including minors, must be enrolled in Global Entry to bypass the customs line and use the kiosks. Guardians of minors must fill out separate applications, pay the $100 application fee and schedule interviews for each child.

Global Entry in a nutshell

If you travel internationally often, Global Entry can speed up the customs process when reentering the country. And with included access to TSA PreCheck®, you could save time when you leave and when you come home.

Have more travel plans in your future? Learn how a travel rewards card from Capital One could help you earn rewards on future trips and cover your Global Entry application fee.

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