7 Credit Cards That Pay Your $100 Global Entry Fee (2026)

You just dropped $100 on your Global Entry application. Or maybe you're about to. Either way — did you know you probably didn't have to pay for it?

A bunch of premium travel credit cards will reimburse your Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) application fee automatically. You pay with the card, the charge shows up, and within a statement cycle or two, you get a credit back. Done.

Here are the best ones, ranked by how much value they actually deliver beyond just the GE reimbursement.

The Top Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Annual fee: $550
• GE/PreCheck credit: Up to $100, every 4 years
• Why it's great: $300 annual travel credit, 3x points on travel and dining, Priority Pass lounge access, trip delay/cancellation insurance. If you travel even a few times a year, the math works out heavily in your favor.

American Express® Platinum Card

• Annual fee: $695
• GE/PreCheck credit: Up to $100, every 4 years
• Why it's great: The granddaddy of premium travel cards. Centurion Lounge access, $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, $200 Uber credit, $155 Walmart+ credit, and more. The fee looks scary but the credits add up fast.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Annual fee: $395
• GE/PreCheck credit: Up to $100, every 4 years
• Why it's great: The best value premium card, period. $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel (basically makes the fee $95). 10x miles on hotels/cars through their portal, 2x on everything else. Priority Pass lounges. No foreign transaction fees.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Annual fee: $95
• GE/PreCheck credit: Up to $100, every 4 years
• Why it's great: The entry-level premium travel card. If you don't want to pay $400+ in annual fees, this is your move. 2x points on travel and dining, solid trip protection, and yes — it still reimburses Global Entry.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

• Annual fee: $400
• GE/PreCheck credit: Up to $100, every 4 years
• Why it's great: 3x points on travel and mobile wallet purchases. $325 annual travel credit. Often overlooked, but it's a sleeper pick.

Quick Comparison

Cards That Also Cover TSA PreCheck

If you don't need full Global Entry (maybe you don't travel internationally), these cards cover the $85 TSA PreCheck fee too:

• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® ($95/year) — Up to $100 TSA/GE credit
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® ($150/year) — Priority Pass + GE/PreCheck credit
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ Amex ($650/year) — GE/PreCheck + $300 Marriott credit

How It Works

1. Apply for Global Entry at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
2. Pay the $100 fee with your eligible credit card
3. Wait for the statement credit — usually appears within 1-2 billing cycles
4. Set up alerts with Global Entry Alerts to find your interview appointment fast

That's it. The reimbursement is automatic — no forms to fill out, no receipts to upload.

Which Card Should You Get?

If you travel 3+ times per year: Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X. The annual travel credits basically pay for themselves.

If you travel occasionally: Chase Sapphire Preferred. $95/year is nothing, and the GE credit alone covers it in year one.

If you're an Amex person: The Platinum. It's expensive, but the lounge access alone is worth it if you fly a lot.

If you just want GE reimbursed and nothing else: Honestly, the Sapphire Preferred at $95/year. Get the GE credit, earn some points, and call it a day.

The Bottom Line

You're already spending $100 on Global Entry because you value your time (smart move). Don't leave money on the table — use a card that gives it back to you. Most of these cards pay for themselves several times over if you travel with any regularity.

And if you're still waiting for your Global Entry interview? Sign up for alerts — we'll text you the moment an appointment opens up at your preferred location.