Global Entry Time Savings Value Calculator

Decide if Global Entry is worth the paperwork. Provide the out-of-pocket enrollment fee and the minutes you expect to save per international trip. Optionally add trip frequency and the dollar value you assign to an hour of time. The calculator annualizes the time savings across the five-year membership, quantifies the net benefit after fees, and shows how many trips it takes to break even.

Include the $100 application fee or the net cost after any credit card reimbursement.
Estimate total time shaved off TSA and CBP lines each international round trip.
Defaults to 4 trips annually.
Defaults to $50/hour to reflect opportunity cost of lost work or leisure time.

Assumes time savings persist for the full membership term and ignores secondary benefits such as expedited re-entry for family members. Validate eligibility requirements before applying.

Examples

  • $100 fee, 45 minutes saved, four trips per year, $50/hour value ⇒ Five-year time value: $750.00 • Net benefit after fee: $650.00 • Payback achieved after: 3 trips
  • $22 net cost after credit card credit, 30 minutes saved, six trips per year, $80/hour value ⇒ Five-year time value: $1,200.00 • Net benefit after fee: $1,178.00 • Payback achieved after: 1 trip

FAQ

Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?

Yes. TSA PreCheck access is bundled, so the time savings should include shorter domestic security lines on itineraries tied to your Known Traveler Number.

How should I value my time?

Use your hourly wage, billable rate, or the amount you would pay to avoid waiting in line. Many travelers start around $40–$80 per hour for professional travel.

What if I travel less than expected?

Reduce the trips-per-year input to see how the payback shifts. If you fly internationally only once or twice a year, consider instead whether TSA PreCheck alone meets your needs.

Additional Information

  • Global Entry membership spans five years; the calculator multiplies annual time value by five to capture the full term.
  • Include both departure and arrival time savings when estimating minutes saved per trip.
  • If your credit card reimburses the fee, set the enrollment cost to the unreimbursed portion to isolate true out-of-pocket spend.

Related calculators