Global Entry set up happens online 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 that lets you use expedited security lanes at U.S. airports and skip the standard customs line when returning to the country. Your card itself does not need set up the way a debit or credit card does — instead, you set up your membership status in the CBP system, which then links to your card number. The set up process takes about 10 minutes and happens entirely online at the CBP's Global Entry enrollment website.

You will receive your Global Entry card in the mail after CBP approves your process and background check. The card arrives with a welcome letter that includes your membership number and a link to the set up portal. You do not need to wait for the card to arrive before you start the set up process — you can begin as soon as CBP sends you an approval notice by email.

Key Takeaways

  • set up happens on the CBP website, not through your bank or credit card company.
  • You will need your membership number (on your approval letter or card), your date of birth, and your card number to complete set up.
  • Once activated, your membership is tied to your card number, so you must set up before using Global Entry at an airport.
  • set up is free and takes about 10 minutes, and your membership becomes active when ready after you complete the steps.

What you need before you start

Gather these documents before you log into the CBP set up portal. You will need your Global Entry membership number, which appears on your approval letter and on the front of your card. You will also need your date of birth, your card number (the 16-digit number on the front of your Global Entry card), and the expiration date on that card.

Have your Social Security number or passport number ready as well. CBP uses this information to verify your identity and match your set up to your approved process. If you cannot find your membership number, check your email for the approval notice CBP sent when your background check cleared — the number is in that message.

Step-by-step set up on the CBP website

Go to the CBP's Global Entry enrollment website (globalentry.cbp.dhs.gov). Look for the "set up Your Card" or "Enroll" button on the homepage — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it will be near the top of the page. Click it and you will be taken to a login screen.

Enter your membership number and date of birth, then click "Next." The system will ask you to verify your identity by entering your Social Security number or passport number. After you submit that information, you will see a screen asking for your card details: the 16-digit card number, the expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back of your card.

Review the information on the confirmation screen to make sure everything is correct. Once you click "Confirm" or "set up," your membership is live. You will see a confirmation message on screen, and CBP will send you a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your Global Entry card is now active and ready to use at airport kiosks.

When your membership becomes active

Your Global Entry membership is active when ready after you complete the set up steps on the CBP website. You do not need to wait for a confirmation email or for anything to process overnight. You can use your card at a Global Entry kiosk the same day you set up it, as long as you are at an airport that has the kiosks installed.

Most major U.S. airports have Global Entry kiosks in their customs areas. When you arrive at the kiosk, insert your Global Entry card into the reader and follow the on-screen prompts. The system will scan your card, verify your membership, and let you proceed through the expedited lane.

What to do if set up does not work

If you see an error message when you try to set up, the most common cause is a mismatch between the information you entered and what CBP has on file. Double-check that your membership number is correct — it is straightforward to misread a letter or number. Make sure your date of birth is entered in the format the website asks for (usually MM/DD/YYYY).

If your card number does not work, verify that you are entering the 16-digit number on the front of the card, not any other number. Some cards have multiple numbers printed on them. If you still get an error after checking all of this, wait a few hours and try again — sometimes the CBP system needs time to sync after your card is mailed.

If the problem continues, contact CBP's Global Entry customer service. You can find the phone number and email on the CBP website. Have your membership number and the exact error message ready when you call. CBP can manually verify your information and set up your card if there is a technical issue.

Using your card at the airport

When you arrive at a U.S. airport with a Global Entry kiosk, look for signs directing you to the kiosk area — it is usually in the customs hall near the standard inspection lines. Insert your Global Entry card into the reader when prompted. The kiosk will ask you to confirm your identity, take a photo of your face, and answer a few questions about your trip.

The entire kiosk process takes about two minutes. After you finish, the kiosk prints a receipt with a barcode. Take that receipt to the Global Entry officer at the exit, and they will scan it and wave you through. You skip the long customs line and the standard inspection process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up my Global Entry card before it arrives in the mail?

You can start the set up process as soon as you receive your CBP approval email, which comes before your physical card. However, you will need your card number to complete set up, so you must wait for the card to arrive. Once it arrives, set up takes just a few minutes.

What if I lose my Global Entry card after I set up it?

Contact CBP when ready to report the card lost. CBP can deactivate your current card number in the system and issue a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee (usually around $20) and wait for the new card to arrive. Once it arrives, you set up the new card number the same way.

Do I need to set up my card if I already have Global Entry from a previous card?

Yes. Each card has its own number, and you must set up each new card in the CBP system. If you renewed your Global Entry membership and received a new card, you need to go through set up again with the new card number.

Will my credit card company send me an set up code?

No. Global Entry is a CBP program, not a credit card product. Your card issuer does not handle the set up. All set up happens through the CBP website, and there is no code involved — you straightforward enter your card information directly into the CBP system.

What happens if I set up my card but never use it?

Your membership stays active for the full term you paid for (usually five years). You can use your card whenever you travel through a U.S. airport with a Global Entry kiosk. There is no penalty for not using it, and you can cancel your membership anytime if you no longer need it.