nexus travel lanes

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Using the NEXUS lane at airports

Travelers, who intend to use their NEXUS pass for air travel should have had an iris scan at one of the NEXUS enrollment centers. Everyone must complete a Customs declaration form and then proceed to the NEXUS or Global Entry kiosk. Then they should stand before the camera for iris scan identification and enter details about their trip using the touch screen. After receiving a NEXUS kiosk self service receipt they should proceed to baggage claim and present the self service ticket and the Customs declaration form at the exit.

Using the NEXUS lane by land

Upon reaching the US-Canada-border by car NEXUS pass holders should follow pull into the NEXUS lane and hold their passes before the pass reader. After they scan their passes, they should stop at the customs booth for a visual check from the customs officer. If not selected for a random or vehicle check, they can proceed to crossing the border. NEXUS pass holders cannot use the NEXUS lane if they are traveling with persons without NEXUS passes in the car. Please note the NEXUS pass can be revoked for carrying non-Nexus passengers and letting them out to walk across the border.

Using the NEXUS lane by sea

When crossing the border by sea, it is the boat captain who is responsible for dealing with customs and immigration on behalf of the NEXUS pass holders aboard the boat. The captain should call the NEXUS reporting center number up not later than 30 minutes before the boat’s arrival and give the personal details of all NEXUS members onboard, together with details of the trip.  The border officer at the reporting center will issue a report number that must be presented to the customs officers at a specified landing site.

Items permitted in a NEXUS lane

• Alcohol a traveler’s own use (only if out of country of residence for 48 hours)
• Tobacco products marked “Canada-Duty Paid”
• Gifts up to $60 each  (when traveling into Canada) or up to $100 total (when traveling into the United States)

Items prohibited in a NEXUS lane

• Cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos or loose tobacco not marked “Canada-Duty Paid”
• Commercial goods
• Agricultural products
• $10,000 or more in cash

Before purchasing the NEXUS pass service, please refer to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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Nexus vs. Global Entry: Which Is Better?

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Table of Contents

Global Entry vs. Nexus at a glance

Global entry, which is better: global entry or nexus.

After a red-eye flight or a long car ride, it's not ideal to be stuck in a long line at customs or the border. A trusted traveler program like Global Entry or Nexus can get you where you're going faster.

The main difference between Global Entry and Nexus is that Global Entry allows for expedited reentry to the U.S. when returning from any country abroad. On the other hand, Nexus allows expedited passage between the U.S. and Canada.

Global Entry and Nexus also differ in who is eligible for the programs. Global Entry is available to citizens of the U.S. and 14 other countries, while Nexus is available to citizens and residents of the U.S. and Canada (and Mexican nationals).

All Nexus members are eligible for Global Entry benefits —and TSA PreCheck benefits — as long as their passport and fingerprints were collected at the enrollment interview. The catch is that to get a Nexus membership, you need to go for an in-person interview. The interview locations are along the U.S.-Canada border and at major airports in Canada, so proximity to an interview location may limit who can apply for Nexus.

The programs share other similarities and also some differences. Here's a look at Global Entry versus Nexus.

This chart shows the difference between Nexus and Global Entry.

*All current Nexus members are eligible to use Global Entry kiosks once they provide fingerprints and document information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

» Learn more: How redress numbers work for travel

Typically, anytime you return to the United States from another country, you have to go through customs, a process with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that includes passport checks and potentially an interview with a live agent — sometimes after standing in line for half an hour or more.

Global Entry , a program run by CBP, allows preapproved passengers who are deemed low risk to skip this process when they return to the U.S. by instead using an automated kiosk at more than 75 airports. At these entry kiosks, you'll swipe your passport, scan your fingerprints and fill out a customs declaration form — then you're done.

CBP also has Global Entry kiosks at more than a dozen international airports, allowing members returning to the U.S. to go through the required customs and immigration processes before getting on their U.S.-bound planes. Then, when they land in the U.S., they're treated as domestic travelers, bypassing the customs and immigration hassles.

Citizens from the United States and 11 other countries — as well as Mexican nationals — are eligible for Global Entry membership. To become a Global Entry member, you must fill out an application, pass an extensive background check and get interviewed in person by a CBP officer.

Airports with Global Entry kiosks

Some Global Entry-eligible U.S. airports include:

Fort Lauderdale.

Los Angeles.

New York-JFK.

Philadelphia.

If you're heading to the U.S., you may be able to use a Global Entry kiosk before you even board your flight. CBP operates these kiosks at select airports, including:

The Bahamas.

See this link for a complete list of airports with Global Entry kiosks.

How to apply for Global Entry

Ensure you're eligible by checking CBP's criteria before paying the nonrefundable $100 application fee. Some reasons for disqualification include:

Crime conviction.

Criminal charges.

Current criminal investigation.

Denial for the purchase of a firearm.

To begin the application process, create a Trusted Traveler Programs account and fill out the application online. Every traveler, including minors, must have an individual account.

CBP officials will then review your application, and if you’ve been approved, you'll be notified to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Find the center nearest to you at this link .

Suppose you're flying into the U.S. from abroad after your application is approved, but your interview has not been completed. In that case, you can finalize this last step at an Enrollment on Arrival location at certain airports. The CBP recommends using an Enrollment on Arrival location for anyone traveling into the U.S. in the next six months.

No matter where you do your interview, bring your valid passport and one other form of official ID. In addition, bring your machine-readable permanent resident card if you're a lawful permanent resident. During your interview, you'll answer questions from a CBP officer, get photographed and supply biometric information like fingerprints.

Be prepared to supply other information or documents that could include:

Proof of citizenship or proof that you're allowed to enter the United States.

Driver's license.

Proof of your current address.

Address history for the past five years.

Employment history for the past five years.

International travel information for the past five years.

Court documents if you've ever been convicted of a crime other than a traffic violation.

Vehicle information if you plan on driving into the U.S. from Mexico.

What happens after you apply for Global Entry?

Once you fill out your application, it can take between four to six months or more to get final approval. Once approved, you'll be issued a Global Entry Card with your nine-digit CBP PASSID. You can also find this number anytime by logging in to your Trusted Traveler account.

You'll enter this number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field when you book plane tickets. For example, here is American Airlines' booking page showing the field where you enter your PASSID number.

Alternatively, you can add the KTN to your frequent flyer profile so that the number will be automatically included on your reservation. You’ll need to do this for each airline’s frequent flyer account.

» Learn more: What is a Known Traveler Number?

Global Entry cost

Global Entry costs $100 for a five year membership. You can renew your membership during the fourth year.

Many popular travel cards like the The Platinum Card® from American Express reimburse the $100 Global Entry application fee, and the renewal fee during your fourth year. Terms apply.

Other cards that offer Global Entry or NEXUS credits include:

on Bank of America's website

on Chase's website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is one of the benefits included with Global Entry. TSA PreCheck is a separate traveler program that allows you to wait in a designated (and usually shorter) security line before you enter the gate area. The TSA PreCheck line is generally faster than the standard security line because you don’t need to remove your shoes or belt, or take out your laptop or liquids from your bag.

So, by getting Global Entry membership, not only do you get expedited reentry when you return to the U.S. from traveling abroad, but you also get access to the separate TSA PreCheck line at the airport.

Depending on where you're traveling from, your boarding pass should show the TSA PreCheck logo if your KTN was on your reservation. If the logo doesn't print on your boarding pass, you'll have to go through the regular TSA screening lane (or go back to check-in to add your KTN). You can't just show your Global Entry Card at airport security to access the TSA PreCheck lane.

» Learn more: Is TSA PreCheck worth it?

Nexus is a joint program of the U.S. and Canadian governments, making it easier for low-risk travelers to pass back and forth across the border. Citizens and residents of the U.S. and Canada, as well as Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico’s trusted traveler program Viajero Confiable, are eligible to apply.

Your Nexus membership can help you bypass hassles at the border, whether traveling by plane, car, boat or even on foot. If you frequently travel between the U.S. and Canada, you don't need to bring your passport or residence card and can use your Nexus card instead as long as you cross the border at the following locations: the U.S. and Canadian land borders, Canadian airports, and U.S. airports with Canada pre-clearance locations only.

Nexus by air, land and sea

Members can use Nexus kiosks to enjoy expedited entry into Canada when arriving at any of nine airports:

Calgary International.

Edmonton International.

Halifax Stanfield International.

Montréal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International.

Toronto Pearson International.

Billy Bishop Toronto City.

Vancouver International.

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International.

When flying to the United States from abroad, Nexus members enjoy Global Entry benefits at any airport with a Global Entry kiosk .

When traveling by car, Nexus members can use one of the designated Nexus lanes at any of the 21 U.S.-Canada border crossings, which are listed here (make sure to note the applicable hours and any closures). No matter which direction you're traveling, you'll present your Nexus card for electronic scanning and then proceed to visual inspection.

Everyone in your car, regardless of age, must be a Nexus member to take advantage of the Nexus lanes. You can lose your Nexus membership if you try to use the Nexus lanes with non-Nexus passengers.

If you're traveling by boat to Canada, you have to call the Nexus Reporting Centre at 866-996-3987 at least 30 minutes, but not more than four hours, before entering. If you're traveling to the U.S., you'll need to call the CBP marine reporting number for your arrival area.

Check this CBP website to find out which number to call for the specific location you’re entering. For more information on Nexus for sea travel, visit the Nexus Marine website . Like driving across the border, all individuals on board must be Nexus members to use this service.

How to apply for Nexus

American citizens can apply for Nexus through the U.S. government's Trusted Traveler Programs website . You'll create a Trusted Traveler Programs account, fill out an application, and then get interviewed in person once you pass the vetting process.

Canadian citizens and residents can apply through the Canada Border Services Agency website . It's similar to the process U.S. citizens undergo, including the online application and the required in-person interview.

What happens after you apply for Nexus?

It can take between 12 to 14 months for U.S. and Canadian authorities to approve your Nexus application.

If you're approved, you'll get a Nexus card that you must activate online. Then, when booking a flight, you'll enter your nine-digit PASSID displayed on your card, which should automatically qualify you to receive the TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass when traveling from U.S. airports offering TSA PreCheck.

Nexus costs $50 for a five-year membership. You need to pay the fee when applying. The fee is nonrefundable, so if you’re denied, you will not get your money back.

There are also several credit cards that reimburse NEXUS application fees.

Does Global Entry include Nexus?

Global Entry benefits are included for Nexus members. Since Global Entry costs $100 and Nexus only costs $50, signing up for Nexus is a great way to get a Global Entry membership for half the cost.

However, getting a Global Entry membership through Nexus is only convenient for those who live along the U.S.-Canada border or travel through a major Canadian airport frequently, as you will need to go for an in-person interview at a Nexus enrollment center.

Does Nexus include TSA PreCheck?

Similar to Global Entry, Nexus also includes TSA PreCheck benefits if you input your KTN into your reservation. Since TSA PreCheck (which typically costs $78 for new applicants) is also included with NEXUS, signing up for a NEXUS membership is a great way to get TSA PreCheck at a discount.

When comparing Nexus versus Global Entry, the answer depends entirely on your travel habits. If you travel between Canada and the U.S. often, Nexus is better because it can help you in both directions. However, if you travel to many different countries (whether they include Canada or not), Global Entry is better because it speeds your entry back into the U.S.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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NEXUS: Trusted traveller program for travel by air, land and boat

From: Canada Border Services Agency

Sign in to TTP System

Exit notice

You will be leaving the CBSA website. You will link to the Trusted Traveler Programs ( TTP ) System website operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ). U.S. CBP is the CBSA's partner in delivering the NEXUS program.

When you complete your application for NEXUS using the TTP System, you will be providing your personal information directly to U.S. CBP . Your information will be shared with the CBSA to determine your eligibility for NEXUS.

By continuing, you confirm that you have reviewed Canada's privacy statement and United States Privacy Act statement and agree with the use of your personal information.

Planned interruption to scheduling of new Canadian interviews: Scheduling service to resume July 13

Between July 7 to 13, no new interview appointments at Canadian airport enrolment centres will be visible on the Trusted Traveller Programs (TTP) site as we update the online scheduler. Existing appointments will go ahead as planned. To schedule a new interview, check back on July 13 .

NEXUS is designed to speed up border crossings into Canada and the United States ( U.S. ) for low-risk , pre-approved travellers. It is jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Applicants must create an account in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program System to proceed.

NEXUS memberships are valid for 5 years. There is a $50 (USD) non-refundable application processing fee.

Travelling with your family? Everyone needs their own card to benefit. Children under 18 are free.

Apply for, renew or replace a NEXUS card

Submit your application for NEXUS membership online through the U.S. Trusted Traveller Programs System.

Schedule a NEXUS interview or update your information

Where to schedule your enrolment interview or update your personal information in person when needed.

How to use NEXUS to enter Canada

Use your NEXUS membership to enter Canada by air, land and boat quickly and efficiently.

Where you can use NEXUS

Find an airport, land border or marine crossing where you can use your NEXUS membership.

What happens if you lose your NEXUS membership

Consequences of violating the NEXUS terms and conditions. How long you need to wait before reapplying.

Request an appeal

Submit an appeal for your rejected application or your cancelled membership.

Canadian Processing Centres

Email : [email protected]

Related links

• Directory of CBSA offices and services
• Free and Secure Trade Program (FAST)
• Program for private and corporate aircraft (CANPASS)
• Permit to enter Canada in certain remote areas
• Verified travellers (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)
• Border wait times
• Advance Declaration: For a faster border experience

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NEXUS Trusted Traveler Program – Applying, Eligibility, Benefits & More [Detailed]

James Larounis

Senior Content Contributor

547 Published Articles 1 Edited Article

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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What Is NEXUS?

Where to find your membership number, who’s eligible, nexus restrictions and ineligibility reasons, benefits of nexus, apply online (fastest way), apply by mail, security screening, what is the nexus interview like, how long is the whole application process, airports with nexus kiosks, nexus marine crossings, nexus land border crossings, entering canada by land, entering the u.s. by land (from canada and mexico), how much does nexus cost, activating your nexus card, how to use your nexus card, nexus card legal status, nexus kiosk instructions, card replacement, traveling with non-nexus individuals, how much time you can save with nexus, countries that participate in the nexus program, traveling with pets, items permitted in nexus lanes, about tsa precheck, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has Trusted Traveler programs that can help you move through ports of entry or airport lines more quickly . If you’re a frequent traveler who visits Canada for business or pleasure, there’s a special program for you. 

NEXUS provides a modified screening process for pre-approved members . In addition, it improves security via more efficient screenings while also facilitating legitimate travel and trade.

If you’re looking to beat the long lines, we’ll answer your questions about the NEXUS program’s advantages, and point you in the right direction for signing up. Soon you’ll be zooming through customs and getting to your destination a lot faster — and with way fewer headaches.

If you’ve never heard of it, basically NEXUS is a program that allows pre-screened travelers to use expedited processing when entering Canada or the U.S.

• Members can use dedicated processing lanes at specific border ports of entry
• There are NEXUS kiosks for air entry to Canada (as well as Global Entry kiosks for U.S. entry at certain Canadian pre-clearance airports)
• NEXUS members can receive expedited processing when arriving by sea at some locations

To avoid long waits, NEXUS members’ information is stored in a special database. When a member enters the country at a participating airport (or other port of entry), their membership card and fingerprints are scanned at a kiosk, they fill out a customs declaration form, and they can go straight to the baggage claim area.

The NEXUS program is 1 of 5 Trusted Traveler programs available, 4 of which are designed for both business and personal travelers:

• Global Entry
• TSA PreCheck

The fifth program, FAST, is designed for commercial trucking.

Bottom Line: NEXUS can save time, lower stress, and simplify travel by allowing its members to skip the normal lines for customs entry and arrive at their destination much faster.

How Does the NEXUS Program Work?

NEXUS allows expedited entry into the U.S. and Canada via kiosks and marine entry points. Instead of waiting in line to speak with a customs officer, NEXUS cardholders simply answer a series of standard questions in electronic form and can then enter the country without having to pass through a manned checkpoint.

That said, NEXUS does not absolve you from having to speak with a human. You can be selected for random screening at any point, and your bags or personal belongings can be examined. However, a majority of the time, you’ll be let into the country without further processing.

To take advantage of domestic TSA PreCheck benefits, NEXUS members need to enter their membership number in the Trusted Traveler number field when they book a flight (or add it to their frequent flyer profile). That membership number gives TSA the ability to proceed with Trusted Traveler verification.

Hot Tip: Your NEXUS program number is your Trusted Traveler number. When purchasing your airline ticket, enter your NEXUS number to receive TSA PreCheck benefits.

Your member number can be located by logging into your account on the Trusted Traveler Program website . It can also be found on the back of your card.

About NEXUS Eligibility

Not everyone is eligible for NEXUS, and there are certain categories of people who can and can’t apply.

Eligible parties include the following:

• U.S. citizens
• U.S. lawful permanent residents
• Canadian citizens
• Canadian lawful permanent residents
• Mexican nationals (members of Viajero Confiable, Mexico’s Trusted Traveler program)

Anyone under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian for participating in the program in addition to meeting the eligibility requirements above.

Hot Tip: There is no fee to apply for NEXUS for minors under the age of 18, but they must still complete an application.

If you’re in a family with more than one person applying, including a minor, we suggest that you apply at the same time and do your interview on the same day.

You might not be eligible for participation in the NEXUS program if you:

• Provide incomplete or false information on your application
• Were convicted of a criminal offense or have outstanding warrants or pending criminal charges (including DUI)
• Are in violation of any agriculture, customs, or immigration laws or regulations in any country
• Are the subject of any ongoing investigation(s) by any local, state, or federal law enforcement agency
• Have been denied the purchase of a firearm
• Have received a criminal pardon (in any country)
• Are inadmissible to the U.S. under any immigration regulation (includes applicants with parole documentation or approved waiver of inadmissibility)
• Are unable to satisfy Canada Border Services Agency or CBP regarding your low-risk status

Hot Tip: Both the U.S. and Canada need to approve your application ; application denial by either country will result in the denial of your participation in the NEXUS program .

It’s important to understand that not every criminal act will get your NEXUS application denied. You may still be approved, and there are several things you can do to help improve your chances.

Let’s take a look at each of the qualifications for possible denial, your chances of being approved, and what you can do to help your situation. To be clear, this is not legal advice or a guarantee of approval — but it is worth mentioning since there are many people who may apply with some sort of demerit on their record.

• If you provide incomplete information on your NEXUS application, you may be given a chance to update that information during your interview, so long as it is determined that you did not omit it purposely. Always double-check your application to be sure all information is complete.
• If you provide false information on your application, there is almost no chance you will be approved. This shows you cannot be trusted to answer the arrival questions honestly at a port of entry.
• If you have been convicted of a criminal offense , you won’t necessarily be denied. It depends on the severity of the crime and how long ago your conviction was. You generally stand a better chance of approval if the crime was over 10 years ago.
• If you have any pending criminal charges , you likely won’t be approved.
• If you have been convicted of a DUI , the chances you will be approved are very slim. The Canadian government takes driving under the influence cases much more seriously than the U.S. That said, there is some anecdotal evidence of successful approval with a previous DUI arrest.
• If you’re in violation of any agriculture, customs, or immigration laws , there is almost no chance you will be approved. NEXUS is a cooperative agreement between the U.S. and Canada, and both countries take these violations seriously. In fact, these offenses are taken more seriously with NEXUS than with Global Entry, since NEXUS involves access into 2 countries.
• If you are inadmissible to the U.S. for any reason , you will not be approved for a NEXUS card. This could include previous violations, customs issues, or immigration issues.
• As a general blanket statement, if you are unable to prove to either country that you are a low-risk traveler , you will not be approved.

If you have questions before applying, we recommend you speak with an immigration attorney or another professional familiar with the approval process.

Bottom Line: Just because you have a criminal conviction doesn’t mean you’ll be automatically denied, though it certainly reduces your chances of being approved.

NEXUS program membership allows you to have reduced waiting times at designated ports of entry by allowing you to:

• Use dedicated land border crossing processing lanes
• Use NEXUS kiosks when you enter Canada via airport
• Use Global Entry kiosks when you enter the U.S. via airport
• Call a marine telephone reporting center for reporting your arrival in the U.S. or Canada

There are several obvious perks here. First, when you can use the dedicated land border crossing processing lanes, you’ll experience a shorter wait when entering either country by vehicle.

At the airport, by using a NEXUS kiosk, you’ll avoid having to use the manual admission kiosks and can proceed straight to a customs officer for presentation . This avoids the inevitable long lines, especially at busy airports such as Toronto Pearson.

Hot Tip: Even when you use a NEXUS kiosk, you still present a verification printout to an officer at the exit — but generally these officers will simply waive you through without additional questioning.

When you use a Global Entry kiosk to enter the U.S. by air, you won’t have to fill out the paper customs declaration form or have a formal interview with an officer (where you approach the row of “cubicles” where they sit).

Instead, you’ll go right to the Global Entry kiosks, answer a few questions, and then give the printed slip to the border officer at the end of the process.

For seaport entries, calling the marine telephone reporting center lets you avoid having to physically present yourself to an officer through an official customs station. Instead, you can simply declare yourself and any goods over the phone.

How to Apply for NEXUS

There are 2 ways to submit a completed application:

Step #1: Create your Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account .

Step #2: Logging in to your TTP account, you can then complete your application and pay your $50 fee, which is non-refundable and required with all completed applications.

After acceptance of your completed application with the required fee, CBP reviews your application. If it is conditionally approved, you’ll be instructed to schedule your interview at any NEXUS Enrollment Center.

This is by far the easiest way to enroll in the NEXUS program since it can be completed online. You can also track your status online and see where you are throughout the process, as well as any approvals or rejections.

The Canada Border Security Agency no longer allows paper applications for the NEXUS program. Previously, Canadian residents were able to print out an application and submit it by mail, but this is no longer the case.

Applicants will undergo screening for their immigration status and citizenship, as well as a check for any possible criminal history and/or positive match on the following databases:

• Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
• Interpol terrorism and no-fly list
• United Nations databases
• The UK Police National Computer
• U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

As a reminder, it is very important you do not lie on your application, even about minor criminal activity . Because the background check is so thorough, anything you try to hide will be discovered.

Applying for a NEXUS card is similar to a government background check to work at the Pentagon, for example — it covers all bases to ensure you’re safe to proceed into the country without risk of hiding something.

Applicants who pass the initial screening will then have an in-person interview with both the Canadian Border Services Agency and U.S. CBP.

Following approval, new members will receive an RFID-enabled NEXUS card in the mail, which is valid for 5 years from their next birthday following issuance. Renewal generally occurs 90 days prior to the card expiration date.

Upon renewal, another interview to verify your continued qualification may be required.

Part of the requirement of the NEXUS program is to present yourself in front of both a CBP and CBSA officer. This is done for a few reasons, but partly so they can take your fingerprints and picture, match your information against their databases, and have the opportunity to question you on any discrepancies.

In general, you can expect several questions throughout the interview process that you should be prepared to answer:

• Why do you want the NEXUS card? It’s okay to be honest and say you’re doing it because it’s a cheaper option than Global Entry, but you only intend on using it for admittance into the U.S. If you’re truly going to enter both Canada and the U.S., you will want to explain your frequency of travel between the countries, how you usually get between them, and what your business is on either side.
• You’ll be asked to detail your line of work . This is important so customs officials know you’re not using the program to gain entry into either county to live or work illegally. This question won’t be too complex.
• You may be asked about any previous interactions at the border and if you’ve ever brought over anything you shouldn’t have, such as food. Saying you have won’t necessarily disqualify you, but it may show you’re an honest person.
• You may be asked what countries you have traveled to . The officer is trying to see where outside the U.S. and Canada you have been, and if any of the countries on your list have bad relations with the U.S. or Canada. This could signal potential terrorist activity, so officers will want to know why you were in those countries specifically. There are many people who have traveled to Iraq or Iran for tourism — if you have visited there or any other potentially risky countries, just be forthcoming in your response and state why.
• You may be asked how you usually travel to any countries you have visited outside the U.S. or Canada. The officer is looking to see what modes of transportation you frequently use, who may pay for your tickets, and how you get around once in a foreign country. This answer helps them get a big-picture look at how you normally travel.
• You may be asked why you applied for NEXUS vs. applying specifically for Global Entry. In this case, state why you visit Canada frequently or want expedited processing there. Many travelers report that they travel to Canada for work, or even to fly out of a cheaper airport.
• You’ll be asked to confirm your personal details , including your home address, personal biographical information, phone number, etc. They want to confirm you know what you put on your application, and where to send the card and informational packet if you are approved.
• You’ll be asked about any business dealings you have on either side of the border , which can represent an issue for customs. Do you manufacture goods in one country and export them? Do you produce fresh food in one country and intend on bringing it across the border? They’ll also see if you have employment in either country and how that affects any trade.
• If you have criminal convictions or other things that may arise , you’ll be asked about each of these in detail. If you’re asked for details about a specific crime, be very open and honest — do not lie about anything. Make sure you inform them of the dates of the crime, what you did, whether you were found guilty, any punishments, and what has happened since the infraction. If you’ve gone into a rehabilitation program, had a record expunged, etc., these are very important details to offer.

Many people ask what the dress code is for this interview. It’s not formal, so there’s no need to show up in your Sunday best, but you should be presentable. For men, that may be a polo-style shirt or casual button-down. For the ladies, a sweater or professional top should work great.

Hot Tip: You’ll have your picture taken at your interview for printing on your NEXUS card, so you should wear whatever you’d like to see in your picture for the next 5 years!

It’s also worth noting that your dress does represent who you are — if you have previous criminal convictions or any problems with your application, you’ll want to dress to impress. While wearing a t-shirt and jeans won’t necessarily get you denied, wearing something presentable lets the interviewing officer know you’re serious about following the terms and conditions of membership.

Most reports of the interview process suggest you should allow for about a 15-minute meeting. Depending on the wait at the facility, you may be asked to be seated until you are called, but many interviewees indicate this was a relatively short process.

Where to Apply: NEXUS Enrollment Centers

NEXUS Enrollment Centers are located in several states in the U.S. as well as in Canada.

Canadian NEXUS Enrollment Centers:

• Buffalo-Fort Erie, Ontario
• Calgary International Airport
• Edmonton International Airport
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport
• Landsdowne, Ontario
• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
• Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
• Toronto Pearson International Airport
• Vancouver International Airport
• Winnipeg Richardson International Airport

U.S. NEXUS Enrollment Centers:

• Blaine, Washington
• Buffalo, New York
• Calais, Maine
• Champlain, New York
• Derby Line, Vermont
• Detroit, Michigan
• Houlton-Woodstock, Maine
• International Falls, Minnesota
• Niagara Falls, New York
• Pembina, North Dakota
• Port Huron, Michigan
• Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
• Sweetgrass, Montana
• Warroad, Minnesota

You’ll notice that all of these interview points are located along the Canada/U.S. border, and many of them aren’t at obvious locations (such as airports).

So how should you do a NEXUS interview if you don’t live along the border or near one of the interview points? After all, just because you don’t live near the border doesn’t mean you might not visit Canada frequently.

Many travelers plan their air travel trips to connect or end at one of the interview points on either side of the border. For example, you might connect or end a trip in Seattle. This lets you avoid having to drive far distances or plan on an overnight adventure just to complete the interview process.

To clarify, you don’t have to schedule 2 separate interviews at 2 separate locations — you schedule 1 interview at an enrollment center and are interviewed there by both Canadian and U.S. officials.

The entire NEXUS application process can end up taking anywhere from 12 to 14 months depending on the current application and interview backlog.

Your initial application will only take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete, but conditional application approval can take months — and booking your interview could take even longer.

Things That Can Speed Up Your Application:

• Easily verifiable history
• No criminal convictions
• No blemishes on your application

Things That Can Slow Down the Application Process:

• History that isn’t verifiable (for example, a reported address for which the government has no record)
• Criminal history
• Missing information from your application

Hot Tip: Be honest and thorough on your application. If you omit anything, even if by mistake, it could slow down the processing of your application. 

Where Can You Use Your NEXUS Card?

Here is a complete list of airports with kiosks, as well as those that only offer priority security screenings. Priority screening means that while there’s no full NEXUS kiosk setup, you will receive priority security access when leaving or arriving to help you avoid waiting in long lines.

Essentially, because you’re a Trusted Traveler, they’ll assume you have a lower risk of bringing in or departing with any contraband.

You’ll also find a listing below of available land border crossings and marine crossing details.

You will find NEXUS kiosks at these airports:

• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
• Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
• Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)

These airports have priority security screening only:

• Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM)
• Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
• Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
• St. John’s International Airport (YYT)
• Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE)
• Regina International Airport (YQR)
• Victoria International Airport (YYJ)

NEXUS members have the opportunity for reporting to nearly 400 designated sites in Canada or the U.S. by calling CBP/CBSA between 30 minutes and 4 hours prior to arriving. Though the system is simplified, you’ll still need to provide the appropriate declarations and other specified information.

For those not familiar, essentially it’s possible to arrive in Canada or the U.S. by hundreds of different marine locations. You could take a boat from the U.S. into Canada or vice versa — because that boat doesn’t have to go through a specifically marked border crossing, it is essentially allowed to cross the border with the understanding that once it reaches land, the passengers onboard must declare themselves and their belongings.

NEXUS lanes can be found at these land border crossings :

• Alexandria Bay, New York
• Blaine, Washington (Pacific Highway and Peace Arch)
• Buffalo, New York (Peace Bridge)
• Detroit, Michigan (Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel)
• Highgate Springs, Vermont
• Houlton, Maine
• Niagara Falls, New York (Lewiston Bridge and Whirlpool Bridge)
• Point Roberts, Washington
• Port Huron, Michigan (Blue Water Bridge)
• Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (International Bridge)
• Sumas, Washington

Participating Canadian land border crossing points usually have a single lane that is reserved solely for use by NEXUS members. Some border crossing points will designate a second NEXUS lane on an as-needed basis depending on the volume of entering traffic.

Vehicles are only allowed to utilize the NEXUS lane if each passenger (including children) has a valid NEXUS card. This is something that trips many travelers up and can get them into trouble.

Some drivers believe that because they hold a NEXUS card it allows them to use the expedited lanes, even though other passengers in the vehicle do not have clearance. But this can actually slow down your processing dramatically, as the vehicle will need to move to a regular lane so everyone inside can be screened.

If you’re traveling with other non-NEXUS passengers, here are your options:

• Take 2 vehicles: one vehicle for NEXUS cardholders, and the other for non-NEXUS travelers
• Take 1 vehicle, but go through the traditional non-NEXUS checkpoint

In addition, all passengers must not bring anything that requires a duty payment or special customs declaration — this would require you to go through the traditional lanes to officially declare them with an officer.

Bottom Line: Don’t use the NEXUS lanes unless every passenger in your vehicle has NEXUS and isn’t carrying anything they need to declare.

NEXUS cards are valid at all RFID-ready lanes found at land crossings into the U.S. from Canada, and vice versa.

At the Mexican border, NEXUS members can use SENTRI lanes when they enter the U.S. via car, but they must be traveling in a registered and approved vehicle — you can’t be driving a rental car that’s not registered to your account. This is because the SENTRI program requires registration of vehicles, which involves thorough inspections by the CBP.

Whether travelers are in approved vehicles or not, NEXUS cards are always WHTI-compliant documents and can be utilized in all standard lanes entering the U.S. from Mexico as proof of citizenship and identity . In addition, pedestrians can utilize the dedicated SENTRI lines for accessing expedited entry at the San Ysidro border crossing from Tijuana to the U.S.

NEXUS Cost Information

Application fee (nonrefundable).

A $50 one-time fee will be required with your NEXUS application. It must be paid in full with your application submission via the Trusted Traveler Program System (credit card or electronic bank transfer).

Note that this fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied .

Paying for Membership

Frequent travelers will be accustomed to the reimbursement of fees with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck from premium credit cards . However, Chase is the only credit card issuer that will reimburse Nexus fees. Here are a few of the cards where you can find this coverage:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve ®
• United Quest℠ Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• Aeroplan ® Credit Card

NEXUS Cards

If approved for participation in NEXUS, you will receive a radio frequency identification (RFID) card for use when entering the U.S. or Canada at all designated NEXUS land, air, and marine ports of entry.

Log in to your account on the Trusted Traveler Program website, and then click on “Activate Membership Card” at the bottom of the Program Membership section. You’ll need to enter information from your card to finalize the process.

Land Borders

To Enter Canada:

Use a designated NEXUS lane by stopping and holding your membership card directly in front of a card reader. Then, proceed to the inspection booth for your visual inspection. A border officer will specify whether you should proceed into Canada or enter the inspection area.

To Enter the U.S.:

In a designated NEXUS lane, stop and hold your membership card directly in front of a card reader. Then, head to the inspection booth for your visual inspection. You may proceed into the U.S. unless directed to an inspection area.

NEXUS members using air travel as their mode of transportation can enter Canada via the self-serve kiosks no matter where they’re coming from. For example, NEXUS members returning from overseas to Canada via Montréal are permitted to use a self-serve kiosk upon arrival in Montréal.

Use Global Entry kiosks within the customs area and follow the designated prompts on the screen. There is usually no wait for these kiosks — if there is, it usually moves pretty quickly.

Once you are finished answering the questions on the screen, scanning your fingerprints, and having your picture taken, you’ll get a printout to give to a CBP officer at the exit point. Then may ask simple questions about your visit abroad, though in most cases you can proceed beyond that point without any further inquiry.

A NEXUS Trusted Traveler card is a valid document in the U.S. under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). As such, it may be used on its own for reentering the country from Canada by air. NEXUS cards issued after September 2010 will be accepted as proof of citizenship, so a passport is no longer required.

In addition, NEXUS membership cards are acceptable proofs of identity for confirming citizenship upon entering Canada at any marine or land port of entry. This means that U.S. or Canadian citizens who are NEXUS members with valid membership cards aren’t required to carry additional documents (i.e., birth certificate or passport) for entering Canada by land or boat, even when using a non-NEXUS lane.

Hot Tip: A NEXUS membership card is also acceptable as a List B identity document for use on a form I-9 employment verification.

• Have your NEXUS card ready
• Select your language of choice
• Insert your card into the document reader when prompted
• Make sure it’s face up (picture side) and fully inserted
• Leave your card in the reader until you are instructed to remove it
• When you receive audio instructions that advise you to look in the mirror, use the arrows to adjust and ensure you can see both eyes
• Looking into the mirror, move slightly back or forward until you see the circle is centered between your eyes and is changing from orange to green
• Follow all on-screen instructions and answer all questions displayed on the monitor

It’s important to make sure you are answering all questions correctly — don’t glance over things too quickly. Read all the questions presented carefully; once you confirm your answers, it is essentially legally binding. If a customs officer finds something you didn’t report, it could cause issues with your processing.

A nonrefundable $25 fee will be charged for replacing any NEXUS card that is lost, damaged, or stolen.

In the event that you’re traveling with any person(s) into the U.S. or Canada who are not NEXUS members, you must use the regular lanes.

If everyone traveling with you (including children) is a member as well, then you can all proceed to the NEXUS lane.

Usually, NEXUS cardholders are screened faster than non-NEXUS cardholders when crossing U.S. and Canadian borders where NEXUS, SENTRI, and Ready lanes are available. However, you will still be subject to any/all standard customs and immigration checks, and you could still be chosen for a secondary screening.

While exact times vary based on the date and time you’re traveling, we’ve compared some average wait times at major border crossings, you’ll see that NEXUS can save you some significant time!

NEXUS is one of 3 travel programs offered to frequent travelers who cross the border between Canada and the U.S.

Thus, the program has no benefit to visitors from any country other than the U.S. and Canada . For example, it has no use entering the European Union, Australia, countries in South America, or Asia. You’d only want to apply for the NEXUS program if you frequently cross borders with immediate U.S. neighbors.

Most domestic pets are allowed to be taken through dedicated NEXUS lanes both at NEXUS kiosks and at land border crossings. However, birds and other prohibited animals aren’t allowed in any NEXUS lanes.

All NEXUS members must be in possession of their pet’s valid rabies vaccination certificate that has been dated and signed by a licensed veterinarian. This certificate must:

• Clearly identify your animal by age, coloring, breed, sex, and any distinguishing marks
• Include the name, serial number, and expiration date of the vaccine utilized. (You can obtain this from a veterinarian.)
• The vaccination’s validity period (must not be expired)

Hot Tip:  Don’t miss this study on the best and worst U.S. airlines to fly with your pet . 

Other Pet Travel Facts:

• Pet tags will not be accepted in lieu of certificates.
• Kittens and puppies under 3 months of age don’t require rabies vaccination certificates, but proof of age is recommended. Usually, paperwork from a veterinarian suffices for this purpose. If you have questions on what type of paperwork can be used for this, speak with your animal’s medical professional.
• Pets that are used for commercial purposes (like racehorses or breeding animals) are considered commercial importations and are not allowed in any NEXUS lanes.

If you’re bringing an animal with you that falls outside of these requirements and restrictions, you won’t be able to use the expedited NEXUS lanes and will need to speak with an officer.

Humans should also check that they don’t need a vaccination! Check out our in-depth guide on Travel Vaccinations and Travel Health for all the details. 

Certain items will be permitted when using NEXUS lanes, including:

• Alcohol in an amount that is within a member’s personal entitlement (depends on how long you are visiting)
• Tobacco products bearing the marking “Canada-Duty Paid”
• Any gifts worth up to $60 each (entering into Canada) or up to $100 total (entering the U.S.)
• Any reasonable amount of personal effects

Be very careful about what you’re reporting when you enter a checkpoint or kiosk. You may be asked if you’re carrying any food, which can include fruit, bags of chips, snacks, or other common household goodies. Even if you simply bought these in Canada or the U.S., ensure you report them fully.

This includes items you may have taken from an aircraft or lounge. Be sure you remember if you’ve taken something — many travelers unknowingly stick fruit or other food items in their backpack and forget about them, but later get caught at customs as dogs and other teams are trained to detect food items not declared.

When in doubt, declare. If you can’t remember whether you have something, but there’s a chance you do, report it — this way you’re not hiding anything. If you have food on you that isn’t reported and a customs officer finds it, this could be grounds for additional search — or possibly removal from any and all Trusted Traveler programs including NEXUS, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck.

Hot Tip: You don’t want to have to fight this type of claim, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. It is extremely difficult to get your Trusted Traveler membership back once it has been revoked, and it is a very lengthy administrative process.

Global Entry vs. NEXUS

NEXUS actually includes Global Entry , though it’s important to talk about the differences between them so you can see what you’re applying for. Both programs are similar in premise, but the countries you can access are different.

Global Entry provides expedited pre-screened access only for entry into the U.S. , so it wouldn’t work for someone leaving the U.S. into Canada, for example. NEXUS includes expedited pre-screened access across both the Canadian and U.S. borders, which is why it requires approval from both governments.

For clarification, it’s important to briefly talk about TSA PreCheck and how it differs from the NEXUS program as well. PreCheck entitles travelers to bring liquids under 3oz. in their bag (without removing them), keep laptops in their bag, keep light jackets on as they walk through the metal detector, and keep shoes on.

Hot Tip: Remember that NEXUS gets you Global Entry which gets you PreCheck, so it’s an invaluable perk when using airport security facilities in the US.

PreCheck was launched in October 2011 and is currently available to many elite members of participating airlines’ frequent flyer programs, as well as members of Trusted Traveler programs (like NEXUS) who are U.S. citizens and flying on participating airlines. Active-duty military members are also eligible to use PreCheck.

Many airlines currently participate in the PreCheck program, and the TSA says it is working with other airlines to enroll them as well.

Eligible travelers will have their information embedded in a boarding pass barcode. However, even a traveler approved for PreCheck is subject to a random search and/or security screening.

Bottom Line: If you have NEXUS, you will receive TSA PreCheck benefits. But it doesn’t work both ways — if you only have TSA PreCheck, you will not have NEXUS benefits.

People who travel frequently overseas know just how difficult it gets to pass through customs upon arrival. NEXUS goes a long way toward lessening that pain while also dealing with an ever-expanding number of security risks. That’s why the U.S. government created the Global Entry and NEXUS programs for providing pre-approved clearance to travelers who are low-risk when entering the U.S.

If you travel between the U.S. and Canada often, this program could save you a tremendous amount of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nexus.

NEXUS is a Trusted Traveler program between the United States and Canada. Travelers are screened by border agencies of both countries, and you are then given privileges to received expedited immigration processing when entering Canada or the United States. In the United States, you also receive Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

How much does NEXUS cost?

NEXUS costs $50 to enroll, payable online with your application.

Is my NEXUS membership card a valid identification document?

Yes, your NEXUS membership card can be utilized in place of your passport under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). This includes when you fly between the U.S. and Canada. NEXUS conforms with the Global Entry program for expediting immigration and customs clearance, as well as TSA PreCheck for expediting airport security checks.

You can consider your membership card a valid legal document when applying for a passport or any other government service. It doesn’t replace a passport completely, but it does serve as a legal document should you need one.

As a Viajero Confiable program member, can I apply for a NEXUS membership?

Yes — since 2016, Mexico’s Viajero Confiable program members have been able to apply online for NEXUS membership.

The Viajero Confiable program is the NEXUS equivalent for access across the Mexico border, but it only works for traveling to Mexico (not for gaining entry back into the U.S.). It also does not come with TSA PreCheck.

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About James Larounis

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.

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What is the nexus program.

As international travel continues to regain its pre-pandemic popularity, security has not lost any importance when travelers are entering a country. Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) can make that process a bit easier, and the TTP called NEXUS was developed as a collaborative effort between the United States and Canada.

This article explores the various aspects of the NEXUS program, including its benefits, eligibility criteria and application process.

What is NEXUS?

Canadian and United States agencies jointly offer NEXUS to give travelers a chance at entering Canada and United States more efficiently. The TTP provides pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited processing at designated ports of entry, fostering seamless travel while maintaining strict border security measures. To enroll, individuals must apply, pay a nonrefundable fee and undergo a careful vetting process.

How does NEXUS work?

NEXUS allows members to use reserved processing lanes at various U.S. and Canadian ports of entry. After using the lanes, NEXUS members can access Global Entry or NEXUS kiosks, whichever is available at the port of entry. When entering the United States or Canada by sea, NEXUS members may receive expedited processing by calling a reporting line ahead of time. NEXUS members typically receive a physical card to be used at designated processing lanes.

Who is eligible for NEXUS?

NEXUS is open to individuals who meet specific criteria and pass a comprehensive background check. Eligibility extends to citizens and permanent residents of the United States and Canada. In addition, Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico's TTP, Viajero Confiable, may apply for NEXUS.

NEXUS enrollment involves rigorous background checks, in-person interviews, and biometric data collection. This selective approach designates approved members as low-risk travelers and offering them the possibility of expedited border crossing.

Here are some important points about NEXUS eligibility:

• Citizenship or permanent residency: Applicants must be either a citizen of the United States or Canada or hold permanent residency status in either country; or be a Mexican national who is a member of Viajero Confiable.
• Criminal record: Individuals with a criminal record or pending criminal charges may not be eligible for the NEXUS program. This includes convictions for serious offenses such as terrorism and espionage.
• Immigration history: Applicants must have complied with immigration laws and regulations of both the United States and Canada. Individuals with past immigration violations or unresolved immigration issues may be ineligible for NEXUS.
• Admissibility: Applicants must be admissible to both the United States and Canada. This means they should not have been denied entry or removed from either country in the past.
• Age Requirement: There is no specific age requirement to apply for NEXUS, but minors must have a a parent's or legal guardian's consent to participate in the program.

It's important to note that meeting the NEXUS program eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval. Each application undergoes a thorough review, including a personal interview with customs and immigration officers.

What are the benefits of the NEXUS program?

NEXUS offers a wide range of benefits to its members, promoting hassle-free travel between the United States and Canada. One of the primary advantages is expedited processing at designated NEXUS lanes, allowing members to bypass regular immigration and customs queues. This streamlining can significantly reduce wait times at border crossings and airports.

Dedicated processing lanes

NEXUS members receive physical cards with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. After activating your card, you can use it when entering the United States and Canada at select entry ports. Just hold up your membership card at the card reader when passing through a dedicated NEXUS lane.

Automated kiosks

Self-service kiosks are available to NEXUS members in various U.S. and Canadian airports. The kiosks may be labeled differently depending on exactly where you are: You'd use NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States. Being able to access these designated kiosks tends to reduce wait times.

Using NEXUS when entering Canada

At least one pedestrian lane is designated for NEXUS members to use at participating border crossing points. When a vehicle lane is available, it can only be used if every passenger in the vehicle has a NEXUS card. A physical NEXUS card and visual inspection by a border officer will be required.

Using NEXUS when entering the U.S.

Dedicated NEXUS lanes are available in the United States at several land border crossings . To use the lane, your NEXUS card will be required. If you're a member, but you're traveling with nonmembers, you'll have to use the regular processing lanes. The process is similar at participating international airports in the United States, but here, NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks.

Using NEXUS at marine crossings

Processing at all marine crossings between the United States and Canada can be faster for NEXUS members. When arriving in the United States or Canada this way, report to a marine telephone reporting center at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Be prepared to provide the appropriate declarations and identifying information for every NEXUS member.

How much does a NEXUS card cost?

As of May 2023, the application fee for NEXUS is $50, and membership lasts five years. The NEXUS fee is still nonrefundable, even if your application is declined. Credit cards are accepted, and some actually offer a benefit that reimburses the NEXUS application fee —  Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , for example. If you use your card to pay the NEXUS application fee, you could be eligible for a statement credit up to $100 every four years.

Should I enroll in the NEXUS program?

The NEXUS program has created efficiency for international travel since its creation. By enabling members to use dedicated lanes and streamlined screening processes, the program expedites the flow of travelers while maintaining stringent security measures. This not only improves the overall travel experience for NEXUS members but also reduces congestion and enhances the capacity of border facilities.

If the benefits appeal to you and align with your travel habits, NEXUS membership may enhance your travel experiences. To recap, members can access automated, self-service Global Entry airport kiosks, as well as designated NEXUS lanes to expedite travel time.

You might also want to consider how the application process works. Will any parts of the process be challenging or inconvenient for you to complete? Also consider that, as of May 2023, the average processing time for a NEXUS application is 12 to 14 months.

How to apply for NEXUS

The application process begins with completing an online application and paying a nonrefundable fee. The fee may be nonrefundable, but several travel credit cards may reimburse it. Children under 18 need a parent or legal guardian's consent to participate in NEXUS.

After submitting the initial application, applicants schedule an in-person interview at a NEXUS enrollment center, which are located in the United States and Canada. During the interview, applicants undergo biometric fingerprinting and iris scanning, providing an additional layer of security. The interview also allows officers to assess an applicant's credibility and eligibility for the program.

The NEXUS program is open to citizens and permanent residents of the United States and Canada who pass comprehensive background checks. Applicants must undergo an extensive vetting process. It involves a thorough review of criminal records, immigration history and an interview with customs and immigration officers. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate their low-risk status and willingness to comply with program requirements.

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All you need to know about Sentri, the only trusted traveler program available widely to foreign travelers

Editor's Note

Thus far, I've detailed three of the five trusted traveler programs designed to assist travelers in passing through security lines at U.S. airports and crossing domestic borders.

This week, I take a look at Sentri, the Mexican counterpart to Nexus , which, unlike other TTPs, is accessible to foreign travelers outside of the U.S.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Here are this week's top five questions:

1. What is Sentri?

Sentri not only allows drivers (or walkers) expedited passage into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico via Sentri-specific lanes but also grants access to TSA PreCheck lanes at airports within the U.S. and overseas territories.

The other big TTPs , Global Entry , TSA PreCheck and Nexus, are primarily restricted to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, although Canadian citizens/permanent residents can use Nexus. Sentri, on the other hand, is open to all those groups plus all foreign nationals.

"SENTRI was established to expedite movement along the Southwest Land Border of eligible, pre-screened, low-risk, pre-approved travelers through designated vehicle traffic lanes," says the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "There is no citizenship or residency requirement to apply for SENTRI."

Despite this, Sentri is most beneficial for people who live in or frequently cross border states, specifically those along the northern border with Canada or southern border with Mexico.

2. How do I apply for Sentri?

Interested people can apply for Sentri online, in addition to submitting a $122.50 fee.

"Applicants must voluntarily undergo a thorough biographical background check against criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, and terrorist indices; a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check; and a personal interview with a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer," per the DHS.

If your application is approved, you'll be asked to schedule and attend an in-person appointment at one of 13 locations across Arizona, California and Texas.

Currently, the soonest available appointments are in Laredo and Mission, Texas, so note that you may have to wait for an appointment depending on your desired enrollment center location.

Once approved, a Sentri membership lasts for five years.

3. Are there any other application steps?

In order to access a Sentri lane, all vehicles must be registered. Those registered as part of your initial application to the program are free; however, any additional vehicle registrations cost $42 per car.

You can register up to four vehicles for use in the Sentri lanes and up to eight members per vehicle.

"Approved SENTRI members are able to use the Global Entry kiosks when re-entering the United States by air and TSA Pre-check, as long as they meet the citizenship requirements for Global Entry and their fingerprints and passports are on file," says the DHS.

4. Does Nexus allow me to use the Sentri lanes (and vice versa) when traveling back to the US from Mexico?

Per the DHS, Sentri members are not "entitled to any benefits under the NEXUS program through their SENTRI membership," but Nexus members have the option to register their vehicle for use in Sentri lanes when entering the U.S. from Mexico.

5. Is there a way to expedite a Sentri application when I already hold a Nexus card?

Unfortunately, no. Your status in one program does not affect the speed at which your application is processed for another.

Have a question for next week? Email me at [email protected] or [email protected] .

What is TSA PreCheck? Plus, how to get it nearly free

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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

TSA PreCheck provides expedited screening when you check in at the airport. Passengers who have TSA PreCheck clearance on their boarding pass can go through a dedicated line at U.S. airports for faster security clearance. We’ll explain everything you need to know about this Trusted Traveler program and how it can make your pre-flight experience better.

What does TSA PreCheck do?

TSA PreCheck is a government-run program that provides expedited screening at airport security checkpoints for travelers flying from U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you’ll use a separate line at the airport for screening and you won’t have to remove your shoes or belt, or take your laptop or other electronic devices out of your carry-on. According to the TSA, 99% of passengers who use the TSA PreCheck lines wait less than 10 minutes to complete the screening process.

How to get TSA PreCheck

TSA Precheck is a Trusted Traveler program run by the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration. Membership in this program is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and legal permanent residents. For those who fit the residency criteria, there are a few steps to apply for TSA PreCheck:

• Go to the Trusted Traveler website and select the Get Started button under TSA PreCheck.
• Idemia , which charges $78 to enroll, $70 to renew online and has over 610 enrollment centers, or 
• Telos , which charges $85 to enroll and $70 to renew online and has 28 enrollment centers. 
• Make an appointment. At the appointment, which TSA says should take about 10 minutes, you’ll be asked to provide the appropriate identification , have your photo taken and be fingerprinted.
• Pay the application fee. Some travel credit cards offer an application fee reimbursement if you charge it to the card. More on that below.
• Wait to receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) from your provider. TSA says this usually takes about three to five days, although it could take up to 60 days. You can get your application status by email, phone, text, or by checking online through the enrollment provider you applied with.
• Once you have a KTN, you can add it to any frequent flyer programs you participate in and also enter it on any flight reservations you make to have TSA PreCheck marked on your boarding pass for security. Each time you book a ticket you’ll need to enter your KTN on your reservation if it isn’t already saved with the airline to take advantage of the TSA PreCheck line. If your boarding pass does not show a TSA PreCheck indicator you will not be able to use the PreCheck lane to go through security.

What’s the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry ?

TSA PreCheck is run by the Transportation Security Administration and expedites the security line process when departing from U.S. airports. 

Global Entry is run by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and allows expedited entry into the U.S. from international locations. However, TSA PreCheck is included with Global Entry membership . Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the two programs:

What is CLEAR?

CLEAR is a biometric technology company that is not a government-operated trusted traveler program but can provide expedited identity screening. CLEAR® Plus is a program found at more than 55 U.S. airports that allows its members to go through the security checkpoint process in a dedicated lane with reduced waiting times.

Certain credit cards provide a statement credit to reimburse CLEAR Plus membership, such as the The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Green Card .

Amex Green vs Gold vs Platinum: What color looks best on you?

TSA PreCheck is in more than 200 airports, although some airports will have both TSA PreCheck lanes and CLEAR lanes. Which one is faster will depend on various factors including how busy the airport is and how many people are in line for each.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page

All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Fortune Recommends™ .

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See Rates and Fees

Intro bonus

Reward Rates

• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases
• Packed with valuable potential credits for digital entertainment, Equinox gym, Walmart+ membership, and more.
• Airport lounge access with a larger network than any other card
• Membership Rewards are valuable due to their flexibility.
• The multiple potential credits can be cumbersome to track.
• Sky-high annual fee
• Some of the perks can be hard to use if they don’t align with your lifestyle.

Other benefits

• Travel benefits including hotel and car rental chain statuses, car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection
• Consumer protections including extended warranty and return protection

Are there other Trusted Traveler programs?

Yes, in addition to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, other trusted traveler programs include:

• NEXUS: This program has a $50 application fee and is good for five years once approved. NEXUS allows expedited air, vehicle and pedestrian entry into the U.S. and Canada, expedited marine entrance into the U.S. from Canada and access to TSA PreCheck expedited security lanes at airports within the U.S. and U.S territories for U.S. Citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Canadian citizens.
• SENTRI: This program has a $122.25 fee and SENTRI is valid for five years once approved. The program allows expedited air, vehicle and pedestrian entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. It’s available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as all foreign nationals. SENTRI offers access to TSA PreCheck expedited security lanes at airports within the U.S. and U.S territories for U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.
• FAST: This program has a $50 fee and it’s valid for five years. FAST allows expedited entry for truck drivers entering and exiting the U.S. from Canada and Mexico who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. FAST does not include TSA PreCheck membership.

Credit cards with TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement

There are numerous travel credit cards that offer an up to $100 application fee reimbursement credit for you to apply for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry if you pay with the card. Some of the options include:

• American Express Platinum Card
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards®
• Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Aeroplan® Credit Card
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

United SM Explorer Card

• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• United Quest℠ Card

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card,  see this page 

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page  

To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page

Intro Bonus

• 5x Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x Earn 2x miles on every purchase
• Flexible travel rewards
• No foreign transaction fee
• Maximizing Capital One Miles requires a learning curve
• Cash redemption value is limited
• The Venture offers travel accident insurance, rental car coverage, extended warranty protection, exclusive access to events through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment

The takeaway

TSA PreCheck has the potential to save you a lot of time and hassle at the airport, particularly if you’re a frequent traveler. And, with the right credit card, you can get it almost free—we say “almost” because cards that come with a TSA PreCheck reimbursement typically charge an annual fee, so you’ll still have to pay to carry the card. But that doesn’t have to be expensive. 

For example, the United Explorer charges a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $95). If you’re someone who flies United regularly, you’ll likely find this card well worth that price tag. In addition to the TSA PreCheck benefit, it offers perks such as your first checked bag free, priority boarding, and two United Club one-time passes per account anniversary year.

See our picks for the best credit cards for cheap airport lounge access .

In conclusion, we think most travelers flying out of U.S. airports will find TSA PreCheck well worth it. And, if you fly internationally, consider Global Entry—you’ll get PreCheck included.

Rewards Rates

• 2x 2x miles on dining (including eligible delivery services), hotel stays, and United® purchases (including tickets, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, Economy Plus® and more)
• 1x 1x miles on all other purchases
• Free first checked bag benefit.
• Expanded award availability on United Saver flights.
• No foreign transaction fee.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $95) annual fee
• Subject to Chase 5/24 rule.
• United perks: 25% back on in-flight purchases checked bag benefit, expanded Saver award ticket availability
• Travel perks: TSA/Global Entry credit, trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

3 Staten Island bridges have lane closures this weekend, next week: Port Authority travel advisory

• Published: Apr. 26, 2024, 3:22 p.m.

This file photo from July 16, 2017, shows the Outerbridge Crossing. (Staten Island Advance/ Bill Lyons) (Staten Island Advance/ Bill Lyons)

• Staten Island Advance Staff

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – If you’re planning to travel off the borough this weekend, you may need to leave extra time if you’re driving to New Jersey.

All three bridges to the Garden State will experience lane closures over the course of the weekend.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey included the closures in a travel advisory released on Friday.

Closures include:

Bayonne Bridge

• From 10 p.m. Friday, April 26, to 5 a.m. Saturday, April 27, one northbound right lane and one southbound right lane will be closed simultaneously.
• From Monday, April 29, through Thursday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, one northbound right lane and one southbound right lane will be closed simultaneously.

Goethals Bridge:

• From 9 p.m. Friday, April 26, to 5 a.m. Saturday, April 27, one westbound left lane and one westbound center lane will be closed.
• On Saturday April 27, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. one westbound right lane and one eastbound right lane will be closed at a time.
• On Sunday, April 28, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. one westbound right lane and one eastbound right lane will be closed at a time.
• From 9 p.m. Monday, April 29, to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, one eastbound left lane will be closed.
• From Tuesday, April 30, to Wednesday, May 1, from 9 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. the following morning, one eastbound right lane and one eastbound center lane will be closed.

Outerbridge Crossing:

• From 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 26, to 8 a.m. Saturday, April 27, two eastbound right toll lanes will be closed.
• From Monday, April 29, through Thursday, May 2, from 10 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. the following morning one westbound left lane will be closed.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Is it legal for motorcyclists to split lanes in Illinois?

S T. LOUIS – There’s a good chance you’ll encounter more motorcyclists on the roads as temperatures continue to climb. You may even see some weaving in and out of traffic.

To get to their intended destinations faster, motorcyclists may consider “lane-splitting.” Perhaps you have even been that motorcyclist in the past.

The American Motorcyclist Association defines “lane-splitting” as “the practice of riding a motorcycle between clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction.” The AMA also endorses it, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal just anywhere.

Motorcyclist or not, when venturing out on the roads, you’ll want to keep state laws in Illinois in mind. The legal considerations vary among U.S. states based on where there’s an opportunity to split lanes.

Is it legal for motorcyclists to drive between lanes of traffic in Illinois? In shorter terms, is lane splitting legal in the state?

A statute within the Illinois Vehicle Code doesn’t specifically use the term lane splitting, but offers guidance for a practice that comes close to the AMA’s interpretation.

Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-703 within the Illinois Vehicle Code explains:

Essentially, the motorcyclist (two wheels) is not permitted to maneuver to the left of one vehicle if that move would also be to the right of another vehicle, except in cases where there is a lane completely open between both vehicles without another passerby in the vicinity of that lane.

Short answer: Is it legal in Illinois? No, at least not by the standards of the AMA’s definition of “lane splitting.”

Other considerations

Lane splitting may present different risks in different situations. Some common considerations before lane-splitting legally could be the amount of room, the amount of protection and the speed of travel between cars in any given situation.

This analysis comes after a motorcyclist attempted to split lanes on Interstate 70 in Warren County earlier this month before he crashed and died from his injuries.

If you need legal advice in a road-splitting situation, you should contact an attorney. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

With May Approaching, Pump Prices Stick to the Slow Lane

By: andrew gross.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 25, 2024)—With domestic gasoline demand decidedly in the doldrums and the cost of oil retreating, the national average dipped two cents since last week to $3.65.

“Domestic gas demand is pretty pokey at the moment, which is often the case in the runup to Memorial Day and the traditional start of summer driving season,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “The recent national average price of  $3.67 could be the peak until hurricane season is well underway. But as always, the wildcard will be the cost of oil, so stay tuned.”

For the complete report, including the latest EIA data and oil market dynamics, please visit:  https://gasprices.aaa.com/with-may-approaching-pump-prices-stick-to-the-slow-lane/

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How G.M. Tricked Millions of Drivers Into Being Spied On (Including Me)

This privacy reporter and her husband bought a Chevrolet Bolt in December. Two risk-profiling companies had been getting detailed data about their driving ever since.

By Kashmir Hill

Kashmir Hill is a technology reporter who has been covering the privacy implications of connected cars, including her own.

Automakers have been selling data about the driving behavior of millions of people to the insurance industry. In the case of General Motors, affected drivers weren’t informed, and the tracking led insurance companies to charge some of them more for premiums. I’m the reporter who broke the story . I recently discovered that I’m among the drivers who was spied on.

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

My husband and I bought a G.M.-manufactured 2023 Chevrolet Bolt in December. This month, my husband received his “consumer disclosure files” from LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Verisk, two data brokers that work with the insurance industry and that G.M. had been providing with data. (He requested the files after my article came out in March, heeding the advice I had given to readers.)

My husband’s LexisNexis report had a breakdown of the 203 trips we had taken in the car since January, including the distance, the start and end times, and how often we hard-braked or accelerated rapidly. The Verisk report, which dated back to mid-December and recounted 297 trips, had a high-level summary at the top: 1,890.89 miles driven; 4,251 driving minutes; 170 hard-brake events; 24 rapid accelerations, and, on a positive note, zero speeding events.

I had requested my own LexisNexis file while reporting, but it didn’t have driving data on it. Though both of our names are on the car’s title, the data from our Bolt accrued to my husband alone because the G.M. dealership listed him as the primary owner.

G.M.’s spokeswoman had told me that this data collection happened only to people who turned on OnStar, its connected services plan, and enrolled in Smart Driver, a gamified program that offers feedback and digital badges for good driving, either at the time of purchase or via their vehicle’s mobile app.

That wasn’t us — and I had checked to be sure. In mid-January, again while reporting, I had connected our car to the MyChevrolet app to see if we were enrolled in Smart Driver. The app said we weren’t, and thus we had no access to any information about how we drove.

But in April, when we found out our driving had been tracked, my husband signed into a browser-based version of his account page, on GM.com, which said our car was enrolled in “OnStar Smart Driver+.” G.M. says this discrepancy between the app and the website was the result of “a bug” that affected a “small population” of customers. That group got the worst possible version of Smart Driver: We couldn’t get insights into our driving, but insurance companies could.

Many G.M. owners have reached out with similar accounts since my article appeared. Jenn Archer of Illinois bought a Chevy Trailblazer in April 2022. She didn’t subscribe to OnStar and had never heard of Smart Driver, but last month discovered that LexisNexis had her driving data.

“I was furious,” she said. In the last two years, her insurance rate has increased by 50 percent.

In 10 federal lawsuits filed in the last month, drivers from across the country say they did not knowingly sign up for Smart Driver but recently learned that G.M. had provided their driving data to LexisNexis. According to one of the complaints, a Florida owner of a 2019 Cadillac CTS-V who drove it around a racetrack for events saw his insurance premium nearly double, an increase of more than $5,000 per year.

At no point had these drivers been explicitly informed that this would happen, not even in the fine print, they said. New reporting reveals the cause: a misleading screen that these people would have briefly seen when they bought their cars — if their salesperson showed it to them.

“G.M. established the Smart Driver program to promote safer driving for the benefit of customers who choose to participate,” said a company spokeswoman, Brandee Barker. “Based on customer feedback, we’ve decided to discontinue the Smart Driver product across all G.M. vehicles and unenroll all customers. This process will begin over the next few months.”

Last month, G.M. stopped sharing data with LexisNexis and Verisk — giving up annual revenue in the low millions, an employee familiar with the contracts said. The company also hired a new chief trust and privacy officer.

“Customer trust is a priority for us, and we are showing that in our actions,” Ms. Barker said.

How It Happened to Me

According to G.M., our car was enrolled in Smart Driver when we bought it at a Chevrolet dealership in New York, during the flurry of document-signing that accompanies the purchase of a new vehicle. That this happened to me, the rare consumer who reads privacy policies and is constantly on the lookout for creepy data collection, demonstrates what little hope there was for the typical car buyer.

To find out how it happened, I called our dealership, a franchise of General Motors, and talked to the salesman who had sold us the car. He confirmed that he had enrolled us for OnStar, noting that his pay is docked if he fails to do so. He said that was a mandate from G.M., which sends the dealership a report card each month tracking the percentage of sign-ups.

G.M. doesn’t just want dealers selling cars; it wants them selling connected cars.

Our Bolt automatically came with eight years of Connected Access, a feature we didn’t know about until recently. It allows G.M. to send software updates to our car but also to collect data from it — actions consented to during OnStar enrollment.

Our salesman described the enrollment as a three-stage process that he does every day. He selects yes to enroll a customer in OnStar, then yes for the customer to receive text messages and then no to an insurance product that G.M. offers and that monitors how you drive your car. (This sounds similar to Smart Driver, but it is different.)

He does this so often, he said, that it has become automatic — yes, yes, no — and that he always chooses no for the last one because that monitoring would be a nuisance for customers.

Ms. Barker, the G.M. spokeswoman, said that dealers are not permitted to sign customers up and that the customer must be the one to accept the terms. At my request, she provided the series of screens that dealers are instructed to show customers during the enrollment for OnStar and Smart Driver. There is a message at the top of each screen: “The customer must personally review and accept (or decline) the terms below. This action is legally binding and cannot be done by dealer personnel.”

The flow of screens was almost exactly as my salesman described, except for the second one about receiving messages, which he said he always hits “yes” on. That screen wasn’t just about accepting messages from G.M.; it also opted us into OnStar Smart Driver.

It’s a screen that my husband and I do not recall seeing — presumably because our salesman filled it out for us as part of his standard procedure.

The Forgettable Screen That Enrolled Millions

I drove to the dealership — in my Bolt, appropriately — to ask about this, and a more senior salesman said they always have the customers accept the terms themselves.

Maybe our salesman misspoke on the phone and my husband and I have forgotten a moment during our car purchase when we were asked to tap “yes” on this screen. I can’t say with certainty.

What I can say is that, regardless of who pushed the consent button, this screen about enrolling in notifications and Smart Driver doesn’t say anything about risk-profiling or insurance companies. It doesn’t even hint at the possibility that anyone but G.M. and the driver gets the data collected about how and where the vehicle is operated, which it says will be used to “improve your ownership experience” and help with “driving improvement.”

I showed the screen, used to enroll millions of people in Smart Driver, to a series of information design experts.

“What you showed me does not at all disclose clearly how G.M. or OnStar benefits from the use and sale of your info,” said Jen King, an information privacy expert at Stanford University. “Including it during the purchase process appears to be a conscious decision to get high conversion rates.”

Harry Brignull, author of “Deceptive Patterns: Exposing the Tricks Tech Companies Use to Control You,” said: “In these sorts of agreements, they need to be very clear about the true function of it. Otherwise, users won’t understand what it is they’re opting into.”

Ms. Barker said G.M.’s terms and privacy statement allowed the company to share information with “third parties” — legalese that people agree to on the first screen the salesman was instructed to show us. That wouldn’t seem, however, to meet G.M.’s own bar for such sensitive information.

A decade ago, G.M. and other major automakers made a commitment to the Federal Trade Commission to provide “clear, meaningful and prominent” notice about the collection of driver behavior information, including why it is collected and “the types of entities with which the information may be shared.”

Moreover, this innocuous-sounding data-collection program appears alongside a request to send important-seeming notifications about, among other things, “issues with your car’s key operating systems.” To get them, you have to accept the other.

Kate Aishton, a lawyer who advises companies on data and privacy practices, deemed the process poorly designed for obtaining actual user consent, particularly since it takes place in a high-pressure sales environment. She was sympathetic to salespeople who were given an incentive to sign G.M. customers up for this without realizing the consequences.

“Their job is to sell cars. It’s not to understand the details of privacy products,” she said. “Passing the buck on to that blind person, if there hasn’t been a really specific education on it, would be pretty unfair.”

Smart Driver 2.0

A former G.M. employee who worked on the company’s data engineering team said he was not surprised that drivers did not understand what data was being collected from their cars and where it was going.

G.M., he said, gets data from all of its internet-connected cars. Some of that data collection benefits drivers, such as monitoring of vehicle health. For example, if a particular model has a transmission issue, he said, G.M. can see from vehicle data which specific cars are experiencing the problem and send their owners a targeted recall.

In recent years, he said, G.M. began analyzing other driving behavior besides speeding, braking and acceleration. An internal G.M. document from 2021, which was reviewed by The New York Times and which said more than eight million vehicles were “opted in” to Smart Driver at that time, described a new version of the program called “Smart Driver 2.0.” This version tracked hard cornering, forward collision alerts, lane-departure warnings and seatbelt reminders; these metrics were being used to price policies for drivers using G.M.’s own insurance plan, then called OnStar Insurance, but don’t seem to have been shared with LexisNexis and Verisk.

Still, these in-vehicle alerts, intended to help people drive more safely, became a measuring stick for how risky they were as drivers.

A new car, like mine, has hundreds of sensors, the former employee said, so even just a 15-minute trip creates millions of data points, including GPS location — all of which is broadcast in near real time to G.M. He expressed concerns about the insurance industry’s use of this data because it lacked context about the situation that might have led a driver to slam on the brakes or swerve out of a lane.

Turning It Off

Asked how consumers can turn off G.M.’s digital access to their cars, a spokeswoman said customers could “disable all data collection” by contacting an OnStar adviser through the blue button in their vehicle or by calling the OnStar customer service line .

Some drivers have said on online forums that they don’t trust G.M. to stop remotely tracking their cars, and instead offer D.I.Y. advice for opening up the car’s electrical guts to remove the OnStar module.

Andrea Amico , founder of Privacy4Cars, a company that makes a tool to erase personal data from vehicle infotainment systems, said a line needed to be drawn between technical data from a vehicle — like that used to trigger recall notices — and personal data about drivers, such as how and where they drive, which should belong to them, not the automaker.

Beyond privacy issues, Mr. Amico pointed out that the driver behavior reports that LexisNexis and Verisk were creating were inaccurate — tracking my driving, for example, on my husband’s report.

“The fact that they cannot reconcile who gave consent and whose data it is,” he said, “is very problematic .”

Read by Kashmir Hill

Audio produced by Jack D’Isidoro .

Kitty Bennett and Jack Begg contributed research.

Kashmir Hill writes about technology and how it is changing people’s everyday lives with a particular focus on privacy. She has been covering technology for more than a decade. More about Kashmir Hill

• TOUR HISTORY

Home  »  TOUR

2019 Tour Dates:

Sun June 9 @ Anaireseis Festival  – Athens, Greece

Tues June 11 @ UT Connewitz  – Leipzig, Germany

Wed June 12 @ Rockhouse – Salzburg, Austria

Thur June 13 @ A38 – Budapest, Hungary *with Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats

Fri June 14 @ PPC – Graz, Austria

Sat June 15 @ Cronache Marziane Festival – Milano, Italy

Sun June 16 @ Blah Blah – Torino, Italy

Tues June 18 @ Duna Jam – Sardinia, Italy

Wed June 19 @ L’Usine – Geneva, Switzerland *with Monkey3

Fri June 21 @ Hellfest  – Clisson, France

Sat June 22 @ Schmittner Open Air – Schmitten, Switzerland

Sun June 23 @ Black Deer Festival – Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Tues June 25 @ De Zwerver – Leffinge, Belgium

Wed June 26 @ Helios 37  – Cologne, Germany

Thur June 27 @ Vera – Groningen, Netherlands

Fri June 28 @ Keller Club  – Stuttgart, Germany

Sat June 29 @ Raut Oak Festival – Riegsee, Germany

Sun June 30 @ PMK – Innsbruck, Austria

Mon July 01 @ Arena – Vienna, Austria

Wed July 03 @ Lido – Berlin, Germany

Thurs July 04 @ Schlachthof – Wiesbaden, Germany

Fri July 05 @ Resurrection Festival – Viveiro, Spain

FULL TOUR HISTORY

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• Trusted Traveler Programs
• NEXUS Enrollment On Arrival

NEXUS Enrollment on Arrival

Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) affords conditionally approved Global Entry and NEXUS applicants the opportunity to complete their membership eligibility determination interview upon arrival into the United States via air, including from designated U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance locations.

Since NEXUS is a jointly administered Trusted Traveler Program, applicants must complete an interview with both CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) prior to approval.

In an effort to increase interview availability, CBP and CBSA have begun offering conditionally approved NEXUS applicants the ability to complete their “joint” interview via a two-step process; CBSA personnel at eight Canadian airport enrollment centers complete the Canadian portion of the NEXUS interview and CBP completes the U.S. portion of the interview at designated EoA locations.

Previously only NEXUS applicants who had completed their CBSA interview were eligible to complete their CBP interview via EoA at Canadian Preclearance airports.  However, now all conditionally approved NEXUS applicants are eligible to complete their CBP interview via EoA at any participating U.S. airport or Preclearance location, regardless of whether they have completed the CBSA portion of the interview or not.

For pre-clearance locations, EoA interviews are completed on a first come, first served basis, so travelers should plan to arrive earlier than normal to ensure successful completion of their NEXUS interview.  Additionally, CBP recommends that applicants arrive in the CBP inspectional area during the published EoA hours of operation for each location. Arrival outside of these recommended hours could result in significantly prolonged wait times due to operational constraints.

Are you ready to enroll in NEXUS using Enrollment on Arrival? Follow these steps:

• Conditionally approved NEXUS applicants may schedule the Canadian portion of their interview at a participating Canadian airport from their  Trusted Traveler Programs  dashboard. The Canadian portion of the interview can be completed either before or after completing the CBP interview.
• Similarly, conditionally approved NEXUS applicants may complete their CBP interview via EoA regardless of whether they have completed the CBSA portion of the interview.
• A valid passport. If you travel using more than one passport, please bring them all to the interview so that the information can be added to your file. This provides you with the ability to use multiple passports.
• Documents providing evidence of residency. Examples are driver's license (if the address is current), mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc. This is not required for minors.
• A permanent resident card (if applicable).
• Any additional information you wish to present in support of your application.
• Follow   the EoA signage directing you to CBP officers who will complete the interview during your admissibility inspection.

If you require assistance to complete your NEXUS interview for any reason, immediately inform the interviewing officer of your need for a reasonable accommodation, auxiliary aid or service to participate in the interview.  For planning purposes, please understand that if an effective modification, aid, or service is not readily available at that time, the interview may be scheduled at an enrollment center at a later date.

NEXUS Canadian Airport Enrollment on Arrival Centers