You set up Global Entry through the Trusted Traveler Program website, not through your card issuer

Global Entry set up is different from credit or debit card set up because Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program, not a banking product. Your card arrives in the mail after you have been conditionally approved, but you cannot use it at airport kiosks until you complete one more step on the official Trusted Traveler Program website.

The set up process takes about five minutes and requires your Global Entry approval notice, your card number, and your date of birth. Once you set up, your enrollment is live in the CBP system and you can use your card at Global Entry kiosks on your next international arrival.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry cards arrive with a conditional approval status and must be activated separately through the Trusted Traveler Program website at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov.
  • You will need your approval notice number, card number, and date of birth to complete set up online.
  • set up is when ready once you submit your information, and your card works at airport kiosks the same day.
  • If you received your card but did not receive an approval notice, you can look up your approval number using your passport number on the Trusted Traveler website.

Where to set up your Global Entry card online

Go to ttp.cbp.dhs.gov, the official Trusted Traveler Program website run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This is the only place where Global Entry set up happens. Do not use your bank's website or mobile app, even if your bank issued the card.

On the homepage, look for the section labeled "set up Your Card" or "Enroll Online." Click that link to begin. You will be asked to log in or create an account if you do not already have one. Your account is separate from any banking login you may have.

What information you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the set up process:

  • Your Global Entry approval notice (the letter or email you received from CBP after your interview or conditional approval)
  • Your Global Entry card number (printed on the front of your card)
  • Your date of birth
  • Your passport number (optional, but helpful if you cannot find your approval notice)

If you cannot locate your approval notice, the Trusted Traveler website has a lookup tool. Enter your passport number and date of birth, and the system will display your approval number. Write it down before you proceed to set up.

Step-by-step set up process

After you log into your Trusted Traveler account, select "set up Your Card" from the menu. The system will ask you to enter your approval notice number first. This is a nine-digit number printed at the top of your approval letter.

Next, enter your Global Entry card number exactly as it appears on the card. Then enter your date of birth in the format the system requests. Review all information for accuracy before submitting. The system will confirm set up when ready and display a message saying your card is now active.

You do not need to wait for an email confirmation, though CBP may send one. Your card is usable at Global Entry kiosks as soon as you see the set up confirmation on screen.

What happens if set up fails

If the system rejects your information, the most common reason is a mismatch between what you entered and what CBP has on file. Check that your approval notice number is correct — it is nine digits and appears near the top of the letter. Verify your card number matches exactly, with no extra spaces or dashes.

If your date of birth does not match, it may be because CBP has a different version on file than what appears on your card or passport. Try entering your date of birth in different formats (MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY) or contact the Trusted Traveler Program customer service line at 1-877-CBP-5511 before trying again. They can confirm what information CBP has and help you correct it.

Timeline from card arrival to first use

Once your card arrives in the mail, you can set up it when ready. There is no waiting period. set up is when ready, so you can use your card at a Global Entry kiosk the same day you set up it, assuming you are traveling internationally that day.

If your card takes longer than expected to arrive, check the status on the Trusted Traveler website using your approval number. Cards typically arrive within two to three weeks of conditional approval, but delays can happen. Do not set up until you have the physical card in hand, because you will need the card number to complete the process.

Using your card at the airport after set up

At U.S. airports with Global Entry kiosks, look for the blue kiosks labeled "Global Entry" or "Trusted Traveler." Insert your Global Entry card into the card reader, scan your passport, and follow the on-screen prompts. The kiosk will take your photo and print a receipt. You then proceed directly to baggage claim or exit without stopping at a CBP officer line.

Global Entry works on all international arrivals to the United States, including flights from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Not all airports have Global Entry kiosks, but most major hubs do. If your airport does not have a kiosk, you can still use your Global Entry membership by going through the standard CBP line, though you will not get the expedited benefit at that location.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have the physical card in hand because the set up system requires your card number. Once you receive the card, set up takes about five minutes online.

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

Contact the Trusted Traveler Program when ready at 1-877-CBP-5511 to report it lost. CBP can deactivate the card in the system. You can request a replacement card through your Trusted Traveler account, and a new card will be mailed to you. There is usually a replacement fee.

Do I need to set up my card if my bank sent it to me?

Yes. Even if your bank issued the card as a co-branded product, set up still happens through the CBP Trusted Traveler website, not through your bank. Your bank does not control Global Entry set up.

How do I know if my Global Entry card is active?

Log into your Trusted Traveler account and check your enrollment status. It should show "Active" next to your Global Entry membership. You can also test your card at any Global Entry kiosk — if it works, it is active.

Can I set up someone else's Global Entry card?

No. The set up system requires the cardholder's approval notice number, card number, and date of birth. Only the person whose name is on the card can set up it.