Applying for Global Entry is getting more expensive this October, but many major credit card issuers are increasing their Global Entry benefits for some of their most popular travel rewards cards.

Citi announced in April that it would increase its Global Entry statement credit to $120 every four years on its two top cards. Chase quickly followed, and now Amex has announced it will do the same for many of its popular cards.

The move comes after TPG announced that the cost of applying for a five-year Global Access membership would rise from $100 to $120 from October 1. In announcing the fee increase, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees Global Entry, citing rising costs to operate the program.

Here’s what to know about this change and the full list of cards that will see the changes.

Offsetting higher global entry fees

As valuable an option as Global Entry is for travelers, the application fee isn’t a drop in the bucket. However, some travel credit cards The fee will be reimbursed when the time comes to apply.

But many of those card benefits include a specified credit of up to $100 to cover current global entry costs. (Exact words differ from card to card.)

Sean Cudahy/The Points Guy

CBP’s fee increase, planned for later this year, has raised questions about whether card issuers can adapt their global entry benefits to account for the new, higher fees.

Now, Citi, Chase and Amex have done the same, ensuring that Global Entry remains an essentially free benefit for travelers who hold its top cards.

Which Amex cards are increasing their Global Entry Credit?

An American Express spokesperson confirmed to TPG that the following cards will see their Global Entry statement credit increase:

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*The information for these cards has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Which Citi Cards are increasing their Global Entry Credit?

Starts from 1 October. Citi will increase its Global Entry Fee statement credit for two cards: Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (See Rates and Fees) and the Citi Prestige® Card.

The information for City Prestige is independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Although the Citi/AAdvantage Executive Card has a $595 annual fee (see rates and fees), it’s a strong value for regular American flyers because it’s the only card that offers complimentary access to the Admirals Club.

Cardholders can earn 4 AA Advantage miles for every dollar spent on American Airlines purchases and 1 mile for every dollar spent on other purchases. You’ll also earn loyalty points on everyday purchases, helping you work your way toward AAAdvantage elite status.

That’s on top of other perks like Lyft and Grubhub credits, as well as a Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) statement credit once every four years; That credit will now increase from $100 to $120 for global admissions applicants to cover increased program fees.

Meanwhile, cardholders of the Citi Prestige Card (no longer available to new applicants) can receive a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment fee credit every four years. As of October, it will also cover up to $120 for post-credit program applications. The card has a $495 annual fee.

Which Chase cards are increasing their Global Entry credit?

Also starting October 1, Chase Cardmembers will increase their global entry fee statement credit for the following cards:

Some of these cards, like the Sapphire Reserve and IHG One Rewards Premier, are among the most popular Chase offerings on the market. If you have one of the cards listed or are thinking of applying for one, keep in mind that your global entry fee will be fully covered even when costs increase later this year.

Information for the JP Morgan Reserve Card has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

What is global access?

Global Entry provides travelers with expedited travel through passport control after an international flight. It is available at more than 75 airports, most of which are in the US; There are also a handful of international preclearance facilities.

The program also gives travelers access to TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security checkpoints.

Carolyn Tanner/The Points Guy

Although global entry applicants have faced delays in recent years, from long processing times to challenges finding interviews, wait times for most travelers are improving, CBP claimed in a recent interview with TPG.

Bottom line

Now, all eyes will be on the rest of the credit card issuers to see if they will follow in the footsteps of Chase, Citi and Amex and increase their global entry statement credit for higher program fees. The higher fee will be applicable from October.

Due to changes to global entry More efficient and technologically advanced — not to mention the fact that children of members or applicants can apply for free until October — now is a great time to consider joining. This is especially the case if adults in your family can get their application costs reimbursed or offset by an eligible travel credit card.

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