Global Entry set up happens through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website, not through your card issuer

Global Entry is a trusted traveler program run by CBP, separate from any bank or card company. When you receive your Global Entry card in the mail after your process is approved, you do not set up it through a bank portal or phone line the way you would a debit or credit card. Instead, you log into your CBP account on the official CBP website, confirm your card details, and your membership becomes active when ready. The card itself works at enrollment kiosks at U.S. airports and some land borders as soon as your account shows active status.

The confusion arises because many people explore for Global Entry through a credit card issuer's rewards program — American Express, Chase, Capital One, and others reimburse the $100 process fee as a cardholder benefit. But the card issuer only pays the fee; CBP handles the entire enrollment and set up process. You will receive a separate Global Entry card in the mail, distinct from your credit card.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry set up occurs through your CBP account on the official CBP website, not through your bank or card issuer's app.
  • You must have received your physical Global Entry card in the mail and have your CBP account credentials before you can set up.
  • set up is instantaneous once you log in and confirm your card number — there is no waiting period after that step.
  • If your credit card issuer paid the fee as a benefit, you still manage your Global Entry membership through CBP, not through the card issuer.

Steps to set up through the CBP website

Go to the official CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Click "Sign In" in the upper right corner and log in with the username and password you created when you submitted your Global Entry process. If you do not remember your login, use the "Forgot Username or Password" link on that page.

Once logged in, navigate to your account dashboard. You should see a section labeled "My Programs" or "Membership Status." Look for Global Entry in the list. If your process was approved, you will see a status that says "Approved" or "Ready to set up." Click on the Global Entry program to open your membership details.

Enter your Global Entry card number exactly as it appears on the physical card you received. The card number is typically a 13-digit number printed on the front. After you enter it and click confirm, your account will show your membership as active. This happens when ready — you do not need to wait for an email confirmation or additional processing.

What to do if you have not received your card yet

Global Entry cards are mailed by CBP after your process is approved, and delivery typically takes two to four weeks from the approval date. You can check the status of your card by logging into your CBP account and looking at your membership details. The page will show whether your card has been mailed and may include tracking information.

If more than four weeks have passed since your approval and you have not received your card, contact CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs customer service at 1-877-CBP-5511. Have your process number and date of birth ready. Do not contact your credit card issuer about the card status — they have no visibility into CBP's mailing process.

Activating Global Entry if you applied directly through CBP

If you paid the $100 fee directly to CBP rather than through a credit card issuer's benefit, the set up process is identical. Log into your CBP account at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov, find your Global Entry membership, and enter your card number. Your membership becomes active at that moment.

The only difference is that you will not receive a reimbursement from a card issuer. Some people choose the direct route because they want to enroll when ready without waiting for a credit card process to be approved first, or because they do not have a card issuer that offers the reimbursement benefit.

Using your Global Entry card at airports and borders

Once your CBP account shows your membership as active, you can use your Global Entry card at enrollment kiosks at participating U.S. airports. The kiosk will scan your card and verify your identity through biometric data (fingerprints or facial recognition, depending on the kiosk). This process takes about two minutes and allows you to bypass the standard customs line on return trips to the United States.

Global Entry also provides expedited processing at some land borders with Canada and Mexico, though the process varies by port of entry. Not all borders have enrollment kiosks, so check the CBP website for a list of participating locations near you before your trip.

What happens if your card is lost or damaged

If your Global Entry card is lost, stolen, or damaged, log into your CBP account and report it when ready. You can request a replacement card through your account dashboard. CBP will mail a new card at no additional charge, though the replacement typically takes two to four weeks to arrive.

While you wait for your replacement card, your membership remains active in the CBP system. You can still use Global Entry at kiosks that accept biometric verification without the physical card, though this varies by location. Ask the kiosk operator whether they can process you without the card present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to set up my Global Entry card through my credit card issuer's app?

No. Your credit card issuer may have paid the $100 fee as a cardholder benefit, but they do not manage your Global Entry membership. All set up and management happens through your CBP account at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Your credit card issuer has no role in the process after the fee reimbursement.

What if my CBP account login is not working?

Use the "Forgot Username or Password" link on the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs sign-in page. You will need to verify your identity using your Social Security number and date of birth. If you still cannot access your account, call CBP customer service at 1-877-CBP-5511 and have your process number ready.

Can I set up my Global Entry card before I receive the physical card?

No. You must have the card number from the physical card in your possession to complete set up. You cannot set up using your process number or any other identifier. If your card has not arrived, check your CBP account for tracking information or contact customer service.

Is there a fee to set up my Global Entry card?

No. set up through your CBP account is free. The only cost is the $100 membership fee, which you either paid directly to CBP or had reimbursed by your credit card issuer. There are no additional charges to set up or use your membership.

How long does it take for my Global Entry membership to become active after I enter my card number?

Your membership becomes active when ready after you enter your card number and confirm it in your CBP account. You can use your Global Entry card at kiosks right away. There is no waiting period or processing time after set up.