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No one wants to go through the stress of lining up at security lanes so it’s a good thing that Trusted Traveler Programs exist. There are two popular options that you can choose from, NEXUS vs Global Entry, and each program offers expedited entry and other perks to make travel easier for people.
NEXUS VS Global Entry: Why Do They Exist?
A passenger typically passes through multiple security checks before boarding a plane and it can take hours especially during peak seasons.
With NEXUS and Global Entry, you just undergo a series of background checks and interviews to apply for membership. Once you’re approved, you can pass through dedicated priority lanes easily since your information is already stored in their program databases.
These two security programs strengthen border security between the US and Canada as well as providing convenience for travelers. The main difference between the two is that Global Entry is run by the US Customs and Border Protection while NEXUS is both run by the US Customs and Border Protection and Canada.
But what does each program offer? Let’s find out!
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(Image courtesy of Envato Elements)
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is run by the United States Border Protection program and it provides expedited entry to its trusted travelers entering the US either by land, air, or sea. The applicants who are eligible are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful, and permanent residents.
Having a Global Entry membership allows you to use a dedicated lane where there are fewer people. You get to pass through scanners without having to take off your belt, shoes, or jacket. You also get to leave your laptops and other carry-on items inside your bag as you put them through baggage screeners.
To become a Global Entry member, you need to submit an application form online and schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center.
You’ll be asked basic questions about your work background, criminal history (if you have any), and reasons why you’re applying for a Global Entry membership. The chances of getting approved are pretty high as long as you don’t have past criminal records or pending cases.
How Much Does Global Entry Cost?
A Global Entry membership costs $100 and it’s valid for five years. It’s non-refundable so you won’t get your money back if ever you get denied.
Take note that you’re Global Entry membership also comes with a TSA PreCheck membership. Both programs work similarly but the only difference is that Global Entry is in charge of travelers flying into the US while TSA PreCheck is in charge of travelers leaving the US.
Individually, TSA PreCheck costs $85 which is also valid for five years. There’s only a $15 difference between the two programs so it’s recommended to just get Global Entry instead, regardless of whether you travel abroad or not.
How To Apply For Global Entry?
Applying for a Global Entry membership is quick and easy:
- Create A Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) Account – Every applicant, regardless of age, must have his/her own TTP account. Children must have their parents’ consent to apply for a membership.
- Complete The Application Form – Log in to your TTP account and fill out the form with your information. Upon completion, you need to pay a $100 non-refundable fee.
- Pre-approval And Scheduling Of Interview – The CBP will review your application after you’ve paid for the application fee. Once you are pre-approved, you will recieve an email that will instruct you how to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Separate interviews are required for each applicant.
- In-person Interview – Bring all necessary documents with you during your interview such as a valid passport, driver’s license, permanent resident card or other types of identification.
Cards That Have Global Entry Membership
There are many travel credit cards that offer a $100 statement credit which you can use to apply for a Global Entry membership. Just use your credit card to pay for the fee and it will be refunded into your account.
Here are some credits cards that you can apply for:
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card American Express Card
- American Express Platinum Card
- IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
Apart from having a free Global Entry membership, travel credit cards also offer a lot of perks. For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card comes with a 100,000-mile bonus after spending $10,000 within 6 months, and those points are worth around $1,000 when redeemed. Cardholders will also have lounge access to Priority Pass Lounges and Capital One Lounges.
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What Is NEXUS?
NEXUS is a Trusted Travelers program operated by the Canada Border Services Agency and the US Customs and Border Protection. Basically, it’s the Canadian version of Global Entry which provides expedited entry to pre-approved and low-risk travelers entering the US and Canada either by land, air or sea.
The applicants who are eligible for a NEXUS membership are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals.
Having a NEXUS membership is like having a Global Entry membership plus more expedited entry at Canadian airports. And since you have Global Entry benefits, this also means that you’ll have all TSA PreCheck benefits.
How Much Does NEXUS Cost?
NEXUS membership fees are cheaper since it only costs $50 per applicant (non-refundable) and it’s also valid for five years. Children are also required to apply for a NEXUS membership if they want to travel with their parents, however, the application fees are waived for children under the age of 18.
How To Apply For A NEXUS Membersship?
The application process is similar to Globaly Entry and here’s how to do it:
- Create A Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) Account – Applicans of all ages must have a TTP account.
- Complete The Application Form – Log in to your TTP account and fill out the NEXUS application form. Upon completion, you need to pay a $50 non-refundable fee.
- Pre-approval And Scheduling Of Interview – After paying for the fee, your application will be reviewed and pre-approved. Once you are pre-approved, you need to schedule an interview at a designated NEXUS enrollment center.
- In-person Interview – Bring all necessary identifying documents with you during your interview such as a valid passport, driver’s license, permanent resident card or other types of identification.
Compared to Global Entry, NEXUS applications take longer to get approved since they don’t have a lot of enrollment centers.
Cards That Have Nexus Membership
Back in 2021, the American Express Platinum Card and American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card used to have a $100 NEXUS application credit. As of now, there are NO credit cards that offer a free NEXUS membership.
NEXUS Vs Global Entry Comparison
Here’s a quick breakdown on the differences of each Trusted Travel program.
| Parameters | Nexus | Global Entry Program |
| Implemented By | US Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Service Agency | US Customs and Border Protection only |
| Benefits | Expedited entry into Canada + Global Entry Benefits (includes TSA PreCheck benefits too) | Expedited entry into the US + TSA PreCheck benefits |
| Eligibility | US citizens, US permanent lawful residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian lawful residents, and Mexican nationals | US citizens and permanent lawful residents |
| Passport | Not required for the application process. | Required |
| Application Processing Time | Slow processing time due to few enrollment centers | Fast processing time |
| Price | $50 for five years, children under 18 don’t have to pay | $100 for five years, rates apply to both adults and children |
Bottomline
In terms of pricing and benefits, having a NEXUS membership is the better option because it only costs $50 (valid for five years) and it gives you expedited entry into Canada and the US by land, air, or sea.
However, the only problem with NEXUS is that it’s not offered by any travel credit card at the moment so you have to pay out of the pocket. Plus, there aren’t a lot of NEXUS enrollment centers so it might take time to get approved.
Global Entry is twice the price of NEXUS but it’s offered by cards like the American Express Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Plus, it’s easier to get approved since it has a lot of enrollment centers.
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