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NEXUS membership has been one of my best investments in travel. It has saved me hundreds of hours in wait times when going to the US and using Nexus kiosks upon returning to Canada. Nexus also comes with the benefits of Global Entry, which is just the cherry on top for all members. This wonderful travel perk will become expensive as the NEXUS application fee will increase from US$50 to US$120, effective October 1, 2024 (subject to the approval of regulatory amendments in the United States and Canada).
What is the NEXUS program?
The NEXUS program is a bilateral initiative between Canada and the United States designed to facilitate quicker and more efficient border crossings for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. NEXUS benefits frequent travellers between the two countries.
Upon successful application and background checks, NEXUS members gain access to dedicated processing lanes at land borders and expedited airport clearance through self-serve kiosks or eGates in Canada and U.S. Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States. This significantly reduces waiting times and simplifies the border crossing process. Additionally, at major airports in Canada, members can enjoy expedited clearance through CATSA security screening lines and, similarly, expedited clearance through the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Pre-Check lines at over 200 participating U.S. airports.
Increase in NEXUS Application Fee
The latest update crucial for current members and potential applicants of the NEXUS program involves a proposed increase in the application fee from US$50 to US$120, effective October 1, 2024 (subject to the approval of regulatory amendments in the United States and Canada).
According to the news release, the program has seen a high demand, with over 510,000 applications received since April 2023 and almost 10,000 interviews conducted bi-weekly. For individuals contemplating obtaining a NEXUS card or renewing their membership this year, it’s advisable to act swiftly. Applicants who have submitted their application and paid the US$50 fee, but have not completed their enrolment interviews by October 1, 2024, will not have to pay the proposed US$120 fee. The Trusted Traveller Programs System consistently has appointments, often offering next-day slots, especially in many airport enrolment centers across Canada;
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
- Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG)
- Calgary International Airport (YYC)
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Credit Cards with NEXUS Application Fee rebate
Over the years, several credit cards in Canada have started offering statement credit benefits for the NEXUS Card. Here is a list of Canadian cards that provide the benefit;
- American Express Platinum Card ($100)
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve ($100)
- American Express Gold Card ($50)
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege ($100)
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite $100
- TD Aeroplan Business $100
- CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege ($100)
- CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite ($100)
- CIBC Aventura Gold ($100)
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege ($50)
5 comments
I guess renewals are increasing to 140$ as well?
I meant 120$
Yep. All new (incl. Renewals) apps after Oct 1st will be subject to increased fee (pending govt. approval)
How the costs work out.
Person 1: crosses the border 3 times per year. Flies domestically once a year.
Time saving: 3 border trips, saving 10 minutes each time, 1 border trip saving 20 minutes, 2 border trips saving 45 minutes. TSA time saving 10 minutes, including not having to retie shoes. Total savings: 2:30, of which 2 x 45 min is unreasonable waiting times. 7.5 hours saved, $16/hour
Person 2: crosses the border 12 times per year. Total time savings 39.16 hours or $3.06/hour
My conclusion is that person 2 and those who travel more often need NEXUS. NEXUS for Person 1 would be convenient but it would be like paying $3.50 each time you use it. Some people won’t want to pay. For some trips when the line is short, $3.50 would offer little of value but if waiting 45 minutes, $3.50 is of value. Put it another way might be that NEXUS costs $120 to save time on 33-40% of transborder trips.
Other group that NEXUS is very handy for are the non-US, non-Canada passport holders. Not getting pulled into secondary based on passport is awesome.