NEXUS: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Get It for Less

NEXUS is a joint program run by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to expedite border crossings between the countries. If you’ve travelled across the border in the past 20 years, you've probably noticed designated NEXUS lanes.

A 5-year NEXUS membership has a fee of $120 USD, but several of the top travel credit cards offer significant rebates to help offset this expense. We'll share the best ways to save on a NEXUS membership, show you how to use it, and help you decide if you even need it in the first place.

What is the NEXUS program?

NEXUS is a joint program run by both the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP). The intent is to speed up border crossings between Canada and the United States for low-risk, pre-approved travellers.

Benefits include:

• Dedicated customs lanes at major land crossings and kiosks in major airports
• "Verified Traveller" expedited security screening
• Faster processing at marine crossings

You won't use your passport when crossing the border as a NEXUS member. Instead, you'll present your NEXUS card to get through customs.

NEXUS isn't available at all crossings, but you can use it at most of the major ones.

Take note: The first time you use a NEXUS kiosk or eGate, you'll be required to upload a photo of your passport page. If you don't have your passport, a security officer will need to verify your identity.

How much does NEXUS cost in Canada?

Currently, travellers pay a $120 USD application fee for a 5-year NEXUS membership. With today's exchange rate of 1 USD = 1.3717 CAD, the NEXUS cost in Canada is about $164.60 CAD.

How to get NEXUS for less

There's a relatively new credit card perk that can rebate some of the fee you pay for a NEXUS application. Simply charge your NEXUS application fee to your credit card, and shortly after, you'll get a rebate on the charge.

This perk is typically available every 48 months. The amount rebated is in Canadian Dollars, which means it may or may not cover the full cost.

Here are some credit cards that offer the NEXUS rebate.

Credit card	Welcome bonus	NEXUS rebate amount	Annual fee, income requirements	Learn more
The Platinum Card	$150 GeniusCash + Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms)	$100 CAD	* $799 * None	Learn more
American Express Gold Rewards Card	Up to 60,000 bonus points (terms)	$50 CAD	* $250 * None	Learn more
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card	Up to 45,000 bonus points, first year annual fee waived† (terms)	Up to $200 CAD	* $139 * $60K personal or $100K household	Learn more
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card	Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms)	$100 CAD	* $599 * $150,000 personal or $200,000 household	Learn more
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card	Up to 45,000 bonus points (terms)	$100 CAD	* $139 * $60,000 personal or $100,000 household	Learn more

1. The Platinum Card

Among the many perks offered by the The Platinum Card is a $100 NEXUS fee rebate every 48 months you have the card. It also offers unlimited global airport lounge access, automatic Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors gold status, a $200 annual travel credit, and more.

2. American Express Gold Rewards Card

The American Express Gold Rewards Card offers a pared-back rebate of $50 for a NEXUS application fee. It won't be enough to cover the entire fee, but it's enough to reimburse you for a substantial portion of it.

For a lower annual fee of $250, it also offers 4 free airport lounge passes to Plaza Premium lounges in Canada and includes a Priority Pass membership (but no free passes).

3. CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card

CIBC offers a NEXUS rebate with a few of their cards – we'll focus on the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card. You'll get the full amount of the NEXUS application fee rebated (up to $200 CAD) every 4 years, along with standard CIBC Rewards. It also includes 4 free airport lounge passes with the Visa Airport Companion program.

4. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card

TD offers a single card with a NEXUS fee rebate: the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card. It offers a $100 NEXUS rebate every 48 months. As a top-tier Aeroplan credit card, you'll get an extensive set of benefits when flying with Air Canada, including preferred pricing, free checked bags, priority check-in, and annual companion vouchers – plus lots of Aeroplan points.

5. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is the little brother to the VIP, with a lower annual fee and lower income requirements. You'll still enjoy up to $100 CAD towards your NEXUS fee every 48 months, plus consistent Aeroplan earning and travel perks like a free checked bag for you and up to 8 travelling companions on the same reservation.

How to use a NEXUS card

How you use NEXUS depends on how you're travelling.

In the airport

If you're flying, you'll get access to Global Entry kiosks to speed up your customs experience. They're available at:

• 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)

You'll also enjoy expedited security screening as a "Verified Traveller." This allows you to:

• Join a dedicated line for Verified Travellers
• Leave your shoes, belt, and jacket on
• Leave small items in your pockets
• Be accompanied by co-travellers 17 years or younger and 75 years or older
• Leave electronics and permitted liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on bag

Keep in mind: NEXUS benefits are only for the cardholder. If you have a card but your travelling companions don't, you'll need to make a choice: use the dedicated lines and leave them behind or go through with them in the normal lines.

At land crossings

When you're crossing into the U.S., you'll find dedicated NEXUS lanes at 17 major land border crossings. You can view the full list at the official U.S. Customs website.

When you're returning to Canada, you can access NEXUS lanes at 19 border crossings. See the full list on the CBSA website.

To use a NEXUS lane, every person in your car must hold a valid NEXUS card. If even one traveller doesn't have a card, you'll need to use a regular customs lane.

Take note: Only NEXUS members can use the Niagara Falls Whirlpool Rapids Bridge. If you don't have a NEXUS card, you cannot cross here.

At marine reporting centres

If a boat is your preferred method of transportation, there are plenty of locations where you'll be able to use your NEXUS card when you report to customs officials.

All southbound marine crossings have NEXUS service available. You can find the full list for northbound crossing by visiting the main CBSA directory page, clicking the "Service" tab, and filtering by the word "NEXUS," and clicking the "NEXUS/Marine" link in the first table column.

NEXUS application process

The NEXUS application process involves a form, a fee, and an interview. Here's how it breaks down.

1. Confirm eligibility

To be eligible for the NEXUS program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of the U.S. or Canada
• Be a permanent resident of either country with legal residency for at least 3 years
• Be a Mexican national and member of the Viajero Confiable program

In all cases, you must not have been convicted of a criminal offence in any country for which you have not received a pardon.

2. Complete the online application

To start your NEXUS application, head to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) login/registration page. Sign in or create an account, and then follow the prompts to provide your name, address, and citizenship information.

You'll have to show proof of citizenship throughout the application process. Here are the accepted documents:

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate and photo ID
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card
• Certificate of Indian Status (Canada)
• U.S. citizenship certificate
• Certificate of naturalization (U.S.)
• Border crossing card (U.S.)
• Record of landing (permanent residency in Canada)
• Valid permanent resident card

The program is also open to Mexican nationals who are Viajero Confiable members, though a passport is the only accepted document in this instance.

You'll also need to prove you're a resident of either country with a:

• Valid driver's license
• Provincial identification card
• Federal identification card
• Document with a current address, such as a utility bill or bank statement

You'll need to pay the fee online before submitting your application. Remember: The fee is $120 USD.

Pro tip: Plan on submitting your NEXUS application as soon as possible. According to the U.S. CBP, processing time is currently around 12 to 24 months.

3. Schedule and complete an interview

Once the U.S. CBP has processed your initial application, you'll receive an interview invitation. Depending on the location, it may be a combined interview with officers from both programs present or separate interviews.

To schedule your interview, you have 3 options:

• Joint interview at a land enrolment centre in the U.S.
• Split interview at Canadian and U.S. land enrolment centres
• 2-step interview at participating Canadian and U.S. airports

At land enrolment centres in the U.S., you'll be interviewed simultaneously by 2 officers. At some land crossings, you'll have to do separate interviews – one in Canada with a CBSA officer and another in the U.S. with a U.S. CBP officer.

At participating airports, you can complete the first part of your interview with a Canadian official and finish the second part of the interview with a U.S. official – but it must be done on same-day travel. You don't have to book an appointment, but make sure to leave yourself with plenty of time for your flight to complete this interview.

Your NEXUS interview(s) will cover 4 basic points:

• Review the information on your application to make sure it's still valid
• Verify your identity
• Review the originals of your supporting documents (citizenship and residency)
• Ensure you meet all criteria for a NEXUS membership

Once that's done and everything checks out, the customs officers will do the following:

• Explain the terms and conditions of the NEXUS program
• Take your fingerprints
• Take your picture (for your membership card)
• Explain how to use your NEXUS card
• Advise that you are still subject to inspection anytime you cross the border

Once your interview is complete, you can check the status of your application through the Trusted Traveller Programs System.

The CBSA notes that your card should arrive in the mail 4 to 6 weeks after your interview. It will remain valid for 5 years.

4. Renew as needed

Before your NEXUS membership expires, make a point of renewing it. This way, you can keep your NEXUS privileges. Fortunately, it's easy to renew your membership online through the Trusted Traveller Programs System.

Just complete the renewal and pay the $120 USD fee. Since you're simply renewing, you aren't required to do another interview.

Reasons for NEXUS ineligibility

We already listed eligibility requirements for NEXUS, but it's worth pointing out that these instances can make you ineligible:

• If you give inaccurate or incomplete information
• If you’ve been convicted of a crime, are being charged with a crime, or you have an outstanding warrant
• If you’ve violated any regulations or laws in any country
• If you’re being investigated by any state, federal, or local law enforcement
• If you’re not allowed to legally enter the U.S. because of immigration regulations
• If CBP or the Canada Border Services Agency doesn’t believe you’re low risk

Who should get a NEXUS card?

A NEXUS card might sound like a big time saver, but it doesn't make sense for everyone.

NEXUS is worth it if…

• You frequently travel across the border.
• You hate waiting in long lines.
• You want priority service when travelling.
• You typically travel alone or with companions also in the NEXUS program.

You can skip NEXUS if…

• You don't travel between Canada and the U.S. very often.
• You typically travel with companions who do not hold NEXUS cards.
• You typically cross the border where you can't use NEXUS. (There are many locations, such as the Rainbow Bridge, without a NEXUS lane.)
• The $120 USD fee seems too high.

FAQ

How much does a NEXUS card cost in Canada?

Currently, a NEXUS card costs $120 USD (about $165 CAD at the time of writing). However, many credit cards include a NEXUS rebate as a credit card perk. Read your card's terms and conditions to see if it's offered.

Is NEXUS worth it in Canada?

If you frequently travel across the border, you might benefit from the streamlined process. You'll also get priority customer service, so travel is faster in general. Many NEXUS users also appreciate the fact that membership lasts for 5 years.

What disqualifies you from getting a NEXUS card?

If you're not an eligible Canadian, U.S. citizen, or Mexican national, you don't qualify for NEXUS. You might also be disqualified if you give false information on your application or you've been convicted of a criminal offence in any country and have not received a pardon.

Why is it so hard to get a NEXUS card?

The Canadian and U.S. Border Security programs take border security very seriously. The NEXUS application takes time so that agents can verify the identities of people receiving trusted traveller status to move more easily between the U.S. and Canada.

What are the downsides of NEXUS?

The application process takes time and costs money. You'll also have to schedule an interview and await your results. On the other hand, NEXUS can save you a lot of time if you frequently travel between Canada and the U.S.