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We received an email from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that my son’s Global Entry membership will expire at the end of this month. In case you’re not familiar with Global Entry, it’s a program that facilitates expedited re-entry into the U.S. for low-risk travelers. The program also includes TSA Pre-check, which allows us to use the special (usually shorter) security line at domestic airports.
My family has grown quite fond of using the TSA Pre-check line. Since we fly several times a year, it really cuts down on the time and hassle of going through security.
Global Entry costs $100. However, there’s really no need to pay that amount if you own a credit card that offers a free credit for the program.
Renewing Global Entry
First, I had to create a new online account for my son since the government changed systems. Filling out his renewal application was very easy. I really just needed his passport plus a list of the countries he has visited in the past few years.
While I own several credit cards that offer a Global Entry credit, I paid with my Capital One Venture X card. I should see a statement credit for the amount in a few days.
After submitting his application, this message appeared:
So, just by filling out the renewal application, he can use the program’s benefits for two more years!
However, literally one day later, he received a notice that his renewal was approved. He was instantly approved despite being born in Russia and traveling to several countries besides Canada and Mexico in the last few years. He was not required to have an in-person interview. Easy peasy! He should receive a new card in the next few days.
Anybody else renew Global Entry lately? Did you get a quick approval, or are you still waiting?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I have newly applied for Global and am struggling to get an interview. In January and again in February I flew back from Mexico into ATL and they said they were not doing the re-entry interviews. The closer airport I had planned to use for the interview is not scheduling any appointments indefinitely. I have an appointment scheduled for June but I will have to take a day off work and drive 3 hours each way to get there and back. Covid continues to negatively affect so many things!
I never received a renewal letter, but haven’t reapplied yet.
It’s been 2.5 weeks since I submitted my renewal and I am still in “Pending Review” status.
@Jon W Sorry to hear it’s taking so long. 🙁
My family renewed our Global Entry a couple of months ago and it didn’t take but a week or so. Too bad I didn’t have the Capital Venture X then — Darn!
I’m glad yours came back quickly!
Does your son get commonly perceived to be of European ethnic origin?
Unfortunately, CBP has been sticking to the use of racist/tribalist profiling in how it deals with GE renewal applicants too, and it’s been doing so ever since before there were any renewal applicants. So there remains a stacked playing field when it comes to the conditions and speed of the approval processes depending on perceived ethnic origins and/or religious backgrounds and who on the CBP and contractor side was involved with the applications.
@GUWonder Interesting. Yes, he was born in Europe and is still a minor.