Can someone else use the Global Entry balance on my credit card?

You may be wondering: “If I have a credit card that reimburses the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, can I use the benefit for someone else if I already have it?”

Maybe you have a friend, family member or spouse who would like to use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Or maybe you’re just tired of waiting on the other side of the security checkpoint for your travel companion.

Can you use your credit card benefit to cover the application costs yourself? The answer is yes.

If you use your travel rewards credit card to cover Global Entry costs, there is no requirement that the funds be used for the account’s primary cardholder.

I recently received the *Delta Skymiles Platinum Card* to cover the costs of my Global Entry application. He had already received his *Chase Sapphire Reserve* to take advantage of the benefit for themselves, leaving the funds on their Delta card unused. Here’s what you need to know and how to proceed.

Read more: The cheapest credit cards that get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for free

Should I use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

The answer is simple: If your credit card covers the cost and you plan on doing even some international travel, get Global Entry. Global Entry is a two-for-one deal: a fast-track pass through immigration when you re-enter the United States after international travel, and it also includes membership in the TSA PreCheck program.

Yes: If you have Global Entry, TSA PreCheck is part of the program. As with TSA PreCheck, the application process is straightforward and the interview is a breeze as long as you have no criminal record. But actually finding an open time to complete your application is easier said than done.

Check out our tips on how to schedule your Global Entry interview faster!

Cover yourself first

Before lending your credit card with free Global Entry offer, make sure you have covered this service yourself. This benefit can only be used every four (approximately) years, depending on the card, and Global Entry must be renewed every five years.

In this case, we recommend starting by covering the cost of Global Entry with your credit card. If you have several of the credit cards on this list, or already receive Global Entry through an employer or other source, this is a great opportunity to share the wealth.

Read more: The best credit cards with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

How to use Global Entry funds on someone else’s card

I’ve had TSA PreCheck for a few years now, but recently I switched to Global Entry. One small downside: I had already used up the credit myself. *dare x* and there were no plans to extend it anytime soon. However, my fiancé owns both *Delta Skymiles Platinum Card* Map and the *Chase Sapphire Reserve* cards and only needs to use one to use and renew his Global Entry. He offered to let me use the Global Entry credit benefit on his Delta Platinum card so I could get Global Entry for free.

The Global Entry application process is simple but may take some time. You will need to provide personal information, such as where you have lived and worked for the past five years. Once you have completed the application and received conditional approval, you will need to schedule an interview at one of the designated locations. Read the detailed process to apply for Global Entry here.

There is only one difference in your application if you use someone else’s credit card that is eligible for the Global Entry benefit: You pay the $100 (soon $120) Global Entry fee with your credit card.

Your credit card will then be credited with the amount of $100. The name on the credit card and the name on the Global Entry application do not have to match for the refund to be processed.. However, keep in mind that most credit cards with this benefit only allow the Global Entry credit to be redeemed every four years, so keep an eye on the timing when taking advantage of this benefit.

If you have kids, free Global Entry access with a credit card is an even bigger benefit. Starting October 1, children under 18 can enroll in Global Entry for free if their parents or guardians are part of the Trusted Traveler program. Previously, you had to enroll each child in the program and pay the membership fee individually, even for newborns – and membership still cost $100 for a five-year membership.

While minors must still submit a separate application and obtain separate approval to take advantage of Global Entry benefits, the fee is waived if a parent or guardian is already registered – or applies at the same time.

So, if you use the Global Entry credit on a travel card, not only will you, but your children may also get faster access to security.

Conclusion

Are you feeling generous and want to gift your friend, family member or spouse Global Entry with your credit card benefit? Just have them go through the application process as usual and pay with your credit card to receive the full refund. Remember to keep a card’s Global Entry refund for yourself and reapply every five years if needed.

However, if you have more than one premium travel card and want to gift Global Entry to a fellow traveler, take advantage of this great travel benefit and make them happy.