NEXUS vs. Global Entry: Understanding the Difference

Nov 30, 2023

Global Entry and NEXUS are approved member programs to help expedite travel between the United States, Canada and other countries. The biggest difference between NEXUS vs. Global Entry is that NEXUS is a program directly between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency, while Global Entry aims to help expedite re-entry into the United States when returning from anywhere in the world.

NEXUS is a program between the U.S. and Canadian governments that helps expedite entry for low-risk travelers who pass back and forth between these two countries. Travelers may see the benefits of NEXUS at kiosks and special lanes for security at U.S. and Canadian border points of entry, whether by air, by sea or by road.

Global Entry pre-screens travelers to approve them for expedited entry through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This membership can help reduce your passage time through security clearance because it categorizes you as a low-risk traveler arriving in participating U.S. airports.

No, Global Entry doesn't include a NEXUS membership. However, both NEXUS and Global Entry do include TSA PreCheck® as part of their memberships, but this benefit is only for those who are eligible for TSA PreCheck. This could include Canadian citizens enrolled in NEXUS as well as U.S. citizens enrolled in both programs.

TSA PreCheck works at participating U.S. airports through expedited security checkpoints. It grants specific benefits such as not having to remove jackets, shoes, liquids and electronics during passage through security screening.

Let's dig further into some of the differences between NEXUS and Global Entry.

Cost: Global Entry's application fee is $100 while NEXUS's fee is $50 (as of May 2023). These are non-refundable fees.

Application procedure: Global Entry and NEXUS each involve an application process, including a background check and interview. Global Entry requires a single in-person interview with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, whereas NEXUS involves two; one with Canadian officials and another with U.S CBP agents.

Targeted travelers: NEXUS is great for travelers who often cross the border specifically between the U.S. and Canada, while Global Entry targets those who frequently travel from a variety of countries into entry points. No matter where you travel, credit cards such as Chase Sapphire Reserve® might help make your trip more rewarding. You could earn up to $100 statement credit every 4 years on NEXUS, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck with Sapphire Reserve. This offer applies when the fee is paid with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card.

When comparing NEXUS vs. Global Entry there are many similarities as well as differences. However, despite the different application processes, background checks and program restrictions, both NEXUS and Global Entry are designed to help travelers cross borders a little more smoothly than may otherwise be the case.