How to Get Free NEXUS in United States [2021]

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UPDATES:
  • Chase added NEXUS fee credit benefit to more Chase credit cards. 

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Since the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card was launched in the United States, Chase decided to add NEXUS fee credit to more Chase cards that offer Global Entry (GE) or TSA PreCheck fee credit benefits. 

It’s worth noting that all U.S. citizens are eligible to apply and get approved for the NEXUS card and take advantage of the NEXUS fee reimbursement credit benefit, mainly when NEXUS also includes Global Entry and Global Entry includes PreCheck.  
How to Get Free NEXUS in United States
Photo Credit: NEXUS
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    What is NEXUS?

    NEXUS is a program that expedites the border clearance process between Canada and United States. You must be pre-approved for the program and receive the NEXUS identification card to enter Canada or the United States at designated air, land, and marine ports of entry that accept the program. 
    NEXUS is a joint program between the U.S. and Canadian border protections. The program is available to Canadian citizens, American citizens, and permanent residents of the United States. 

    NEXUS Vs. Global Entry

    Do you need NEXUS if you already have Global Entry?
    If you want to expedite the clearance process when entering Canada, then yes, you will need NEXUS. Global entry is available for entering the U.S. Simply put, the United States has Global Entry, and Canada has NEXUS. 
    However, it’s worth noting that you do not have NEXUS if you are approved for Global Entry. But if you are approved for NEXUS, you also have Global Entry, and thus you also have PreCheck. So it may make more sense to get NEXUS for only $50 for 5 years, whereas Global Entry costs $100 for 5 years. 

    How to Apply For NEXUS Online in the U.S. For American Citizens?

    The process to apply for NEXUS is quite simple. But first of all, you must make sure you are eligible for the program first as an American citizen:
    • You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
    • You must have resided as a legal resident of the U.S. for a minimum of three (3) years. 
    • You have no criminal background that makes you inadmissible to Canada. 
    • Your background security will be checked when you apply by Canada and the U.S. 
    Once you determine you are eligible to apply for the NEXUS program, then you can proceed with NEXUS enrollment:
    • Go to the CBP Trusted Travelers Programs (TTP) website
    • Under NEXUS, click on Get Started button, and that will launch a sign-in page
    • Create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account if you do not have one. 
    • Once you successfully complete a TTP account, sign in to your account.
    • Within your dashboard, you can go ahead and apply for the NEXUS. Simply follow the screen to complete your profile and answer questions on the application form. 
    • Pay a $50 application fee (see How to Get NEXUS For Free section below) and submit your application. 
      • Children under the age of 18 can also apply free of charge. 
    • If your application looks good and you pass the initial security check, you’ll be asked to attend an interview at a joint Canada-United States NEXUS enrollment center.
    • Once approved into the NEXUS program, you will receive a NEXUS identification card valid for five (5) years.
    • NEXUS membership also includes Global Entry (GE) and TSA PreCheck

    How Much Does NEXUS Cost Per Year?

    • The NEXUS application processing fee is $50 (USD) per adult 18 and over.
    • Children under 18 are free.
    • The fee must be paid at the time of application submission.  
    • The fee is non-refundable
    • Approved NEXUS membership is valid for five (5) years
    • Approved NEXUS membership comes with Global Entry (GE) and TSA PreCheck

    NEXUS Enrollment Centers in the U.S.

    How to Get NEXUS For Free in the U.S.?

    Chase bank is currently the only card issuer that offers NEXUS fee credit as an alternative to the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee credits. This comes after the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card launched in the United States in 2021. 
    Below are the Chase credit cards with NEXUS fee credit reimbursement:
    • Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card
    • Chase Aeroplan Credit Card
    • Chase United Explorer Credit Card
    • Chase United Quest Credit Card
    • Chase United Club Infinite Credit Card
    • Chase IHG Premier Credit Card
    • Chase Ritz-Carlton Credit Card (not available for new applicants, but available for product change. $450 Annual Fee).

    How to check if your Chase credit card has NEXUS fee credit benefit? 

    You can use your computer’s desktop to check if your Chase credit has NEXUS fee credit below:
    • Log into your Chase account online
    • Click on the Chase credit card that you want to know. 
    • Click on the More link that’s next to the Paperless link. Then click on Card Benefits.
    • The card’s benefits page will appear. From there, you can scroll down to find the benefit you are looking for, or you can search for the benefit in the Search box provided. See the screenshot below. 
    How to Get Free NEXUS in United States
    How to check if your Chase credit card has NEXUS fee credit benefit?

    How Does Credit Card NEXUS Fee Reimbursement Work?

    The way the NEXUS fee credit benefit works is this:
    • You pay $50 when applying for or renewing NEXUS membership online with an eligible Chase credit card that offers NEXUS fee credit benefit. See How to Get NEXUS For Free in the U.S.? section above. 
      • It is free for children under the age of 18. 
    • After that charge is posted, Chase will then issue you a $50 statement credit. So, in the end, you owe nothing. 
    • You can only receive the NEXUS’s statement credit every 4 years, but your NEXUS, once approved, is valid for 5 years
      • NEXUS includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. 
    • Suppose you do not think you will benefit from getting NEXUS. In that case, you can also use the credit for someone else’s NEXUS application because Chase does not restrict that credit to being used only for the primary cardholder. 
    • This benefit is also a great way to help reduce the annual fee on the credit card. 

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