You and your partner both want Global Entry. The obvious plan is to apply together, get approved around the same time, and interview on the same day. In practice, it rarely works that smoothly. CBP processes each application independently, approval timelines vary, and interview slots are hard enough to find for one person -- let alone two. Here's how to actually coordinate the process so you're not stuck with one partner cleared through customs in two minutes while the other waits in the regular line.

Each partner applies separately

There is no joint application for Global Entry. Each person creates their own account on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website, fills out their own application, and pays their own $120 fee. CBP runs a separate background check on each applicant.

This means your applications are processed independently. One partner might get conditionally approved in two weeks while the other takes six weeks. One might sail through the background check while the other gets flagged for additional review due to travel history, a common name, or a minor record.

The key thing to understand: there is no mechanism to link two applications together. CBP doesn't know or care that you're a couple. Each application stands on its own.

Apply at the same time (and why it matters)

Even though CBP processes applications independently, submitting both applications on the same day gives you the best chance of staying roughly aligned through the process.

Here's why timing matters:

• Background checks start when you submit. If one partner applies three months before the other, their approval and interview will likely be months apart.
• Conditional approval has a 365-day interview window. Once conditionally approved, you have one year to complete your interview. If Partner A gets approved months before Partner B, that clock is already ticking for Partner A.
• Interview availability is unpredictable. Popular enrollment centers book out months in advance. The sooner both partners are conditionally approved, the more flexibility you have to find overlapping interview slots.

The practical move: sit down together, fill out both applications in the same session, and submit them the same day.

When approvals don't line up

Even when you apply on the same day, one partner often gets conditionally approved before the other. This is normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong with the slower application.

Common reasons for mismatched timelines:

• Travel history complexity. A partner who has visited more countries -- especially ones that trigger additional screening -- may take longer.
• Name matching issues. Common names can cause delays as CBP cross-references databases. Legal name changes (marriage, divorce) can also slow things down.
• Citizenship status. If one partner is a U.S. citizen and the other is a lawful permanent resident or foreign national, the LPR/foreign national application typically takes longer.
• Previous applications. A prior denial, withdrawal, or expired membership can add processing time to a new application.

If one partner gets approved first, don't wait. Go ahead and start looking for interview slots. You can always reschedule if needed once the second partner is also approved.

Scheduling back-to-back interviews

This is the part most couples struggle with. You both want to interview at the same enrollment center on the same day, ideally back to back. Here's how to make it happen.

The scheduling reality

CBP's scheduling system shows available slots one applicant at a time. You log into Partner A's TTP account, see what's available, book a slot -- then log into Partner B's account and hope there's an adjacent slot at the same center on the same day.

At busy centers (JFK, LAX, ORD, SFO), available slots are rare and go fast. Finding two slots on the same day at the same center requires either luck or a monitoring strategy.

Strategies that work

• Book the first slot you find for Partner A, then watch for a nearby slot for Partner B. It's easier to find one slot than two simultaneously. Once Partner A is booked, focus all your monitoring on the same center and date range for Partner B.
• Be willing to reschedule. If Partner B gets a slot two weeks after Partner A at the same center, book it. Then keep watching -- if a same-day slot opens up for either partner, reschedule to align them. Rescheduling is free and unlimited.
• Consider less popular centers. Smaller enrollment centers and border town locations often have more availability. A 2-hour drive to a less busy center where you can both interview the same morning may be worth it.
• Use a monitoring service. Manually checking the TTP site for two people across multiple centers is time-consuming. A tool like GE Finder can alert you the moment slots open at your preferred centers, so you can grab adjacent appointments before they disappear.

Interview day logistics

If you've managed to book back-to-back slots:

• Arrive together, interview separately. CBP interviews each applicant individually. Your partner can wait in the lobby or seating area while you interview.
• Interviews take 10-15 minutes. If your appointments are 15-20 minutes apart, the timing works naturally.
• Bring all documents for both people. Don't assume you can share a car parking receipt or address verification. Each person should have their own complete set of documents.
• Both partners must be present for their own interview. One partner cannot interview on behalf of the other, even with a power of attorney.

Mixed-citizenship couples

If one partner is a U.S. citizen and the other holds a different status, the process looks a bit different for each person.

For mixed-citizenship couples, expect the non-citizen partner's application to take longer. Plan for this by applying at the same time but being flexible on interview scheduling.

Paying for two applications

Global Entry costs $120 per person, so $240 total for a couple. That covers five years of membership for each partner.

Credit card reimbursement strategies for couples

Many premium credit cards reimburse the Global Entry application fee. With a little planning, you can get both applications covered:

• Two eligible cards. If each partner has their own card that reimburses Global Entry (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, etc.), each can pay with their own card and both get reimbursed.
• Primary + authorized user. Some cards (notably the Amex Platinum) reimburse both the primary cardholder and authorized users. Add your partner as an authorized user, pay for their Global Entry with that card, and both fees can be reimbursed.
• One card, staggered timing. If you only have one eligible card with one reimbursement credit, pay for Partner A now and Partner B when the credit resets (usually on the card anniversary). This only works if you're willing to delay one application.

For the full list of cards that reimburse Global Entry, see our 2026 credit card reimbursement guide.

Recent name changes after marriage

If you recently got married and changed your name, timing your Global Entry application correctly matters.

• Apply with the name on your current passport. Your Global Entry application must match your passport exactly. If your passport still has your maiden name, apply with your maiden name.
• Update your passport first if possible. Applying with your new married name from the start avoids a name change update later. Passport name changes take 6-8 weeks.
• If you already applied with your old name: You can update your name in your TTP account after your passport is updated. You'll need to visit an enrollment center to complete the name change -- which can sometimes be combined with your initial interview if the timing works out.
• Don't delay your application just for a name change. If your partner is ready to apply and your passport update is months away, apply with your current passport name now. You can update it later. The 365-day interview window gives you time.

For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on updating Global Entry after a name change.

What to bring to a couples interview

Each partner needs their own complete set of documents. Here's what to have ready:

• Valid passport (must match the name on your application exactly)
• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
• Permanent resident card (if applicable)
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or similar -- one per person is safest)
• Your conditional approval letter or confirmation (printout or on your phone)

You do not need to bring proof that you're a couple -- no marriage certificate is required. CBP interviews each person individually about their own travel history, employment, and background.

For the full document checklist, see what to bring to your Global Entry interview.

What if one partner gets denied?

It happens. One partner clears the background check without issues and the other gets denied -- or gets stuck in extended review with no timeline.

Important things to know:

• One partner's denial does not affect the other. Applications are completely independent. If Partner A is approved and Partner B is denied, Partner A keeps their full Global Entry benefits.
• The approved partner should still complete their interview. Don't skip your own enrollment because your partner was denied. You'll both benefit from at least one of you having expedited customs access.
• The denied partner can appeal or reapply. CBP provides a reason for denial through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). Common fixable issues include incomplete information, outdated records, or administrative errors.
• TSA PreCheck is a fallback. If one partner can't get Global Entry, standalone TSA PreCheck ($85 for five years) is a simpler alternative with no customs benefit but still speeds up domestic departures.

Frequently asked questions

Can couples apply for Global Entry together?

Yes, but each person submits a separate application through their own TTP account. There is no joint or household application. You can apply at the same time and coordinate your interviews, but CBP processes each application independently.

Can we schedule our Global Entry interviews at the same time?

Not in the same slot. Each person needs their own interview appointment. But you can book back-to-back slots at the same enrollment center on the same day. Interviews typically last 10-15 minutes, so scheduling 15-20 minutes apart works well.

What if one partner gets conditionally approved before the other?

This is common. The approved partner should go ahead and schedule their interview rather than waiting. You can always reschedule later to align both interviews at the same center, or the second partner can book independently once approved.

Do both partners need to be U.S. citizens?

No. Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of several other countries with reciprocal agreements. Each partner is evaluated based on their own citizenship and eligibility. Mixed-citizenship couples can both apply.

Can one credit card reimburse both Global Entry fees?

Most cards reimburse one fee per cardholder per enrollment period. However, some cards -- like the Amex Platinum -- reimburse both the primary cardholder and authorized users. Check your card's specific terms. With two eligible cards between you, both fees can be covered.

What if we recently got married and one partner changed their name?

Apply with the name that matches your current passport. If your passport still has your maiden name, apply with that name and update it later once your passport reflects the change. Don't delay your application waiting for a name change to process.