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Having NEXUS means you'll be pre-approved for an expedited screening process when entering the U.S. and Canada. If you frequently fly into Canada, this perk can be extremely helpful when moving through customs and immigration after you land. This also works if you're driving into Canada or the U.S. from the respective country. So say goodbye to long border waits if you're game for a cross-country road trip! All cards on this list come with a credit that will reimburse you for your application—meaning you could be a NEXUS holder...for free.
🏆 Best for travel credits
🏆 Best for travel credits
Annual Fee: $550
🏆 Best for High Business Spend
🏆 Best for High Business Spend
Annual Fee: $395
Best for 2X on Everyday Spending
Best for 2X on Everyday Spending
Annual Fee: $95
🏆 Best for United Loyalists
🏆 Best for United Loyalists
$695 Annual Fee
🏆 Best for Frequent United flyers
🏆 Best for Frequent United flyers
$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150
🏆 Best for IHG Loyalists
🏆 Best for IHG Loyalists
Annual Fee: $99
Annual Fee: $95
Annual Fee: $99
Annual Fee: $199
🏆 Best Mid-Tier United Card
🏆 Best Mid-Tier United Card
$350 Annual Fee
Having NEXUS means you'll be pre-approved for an expedited screening process when entering the U.S. and Canada. If you frequently fly into Canada, this perk can be extremely helpful when moving through customs and immigration after you land. This also works if you're driving into Canada or the U.S. from the respective country. So say goodbye to long border waits if you're game for a cross-country road trip! All cards on this list come with a credit that will reimburse you for your application—meaning you could be a NEXUS holder...for free.
🏆 Best for travel credits
🏆 Best for travel credits
Annual Fee: $550
🏆 Best for High Business Spend
🏆 Best for High Business Spend
Annual Fee: $395
Best for 2X on Everyday Spending
Best for 2X on Everyday Spending
Annual Fee: $95
🏆 Best for United Loyalists
🏆 Best for United Loyalists
$695 Annual Fee
🏆 Best for Frequent United flyers
🏆 Best for Frequent United flyers
$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150
🏆 Best for IHG Loyalists
🏆 Best for IHG Loyalists
Annual Fee: $99
Annual Fee: $95
Annual Fee: $99
Annual Fee: $199
🏆 Best Mid-Tier United Card
🏆 Best Mid-Tier United Card
$350 Annual Fee
NEXUS is ideal for frequent travelers between the U.S. and Canada. Some top-tier travel cards offer to cover the NEXUS application fee every five years, so if you often cross the border, this perk is worth considering. Choose a card with strong rewards on international travel, and maybe one that pairs well with Global Entry or TSA Precheck to cover all your security needs.
NEXUS-specific rewards might be rare, but cards offering this benefit usually come packed with travel rewards. Look for bonus points on flights and accommodations, as well as cards with flexible points transfer options to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
[.pro] Simplifies border crossings between the U.S. and Canada [.pro]
[.pro] Comes with TSA Precheck and Global Entry [.pro]
[.pro] Only a small application fee [.pro]
[.con] Can take longer to get approved [.con]
[.con] Mostly useful for travelers between the U.S. and Canada [.con]
At Daily Drop, our editorial team is made up of seasoned travel and credit card experts who have spent years mastering travel rewards and testing the best strategies firsthand. Founder Nate Buchanan, of Kara and Nate, has personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles over the past 10+ years, saving tens of thousands of dollars on travel. Our team shares similar hands-on experience, ensuring our recommendations are practical, tested, and built on real-world knowledge. After all, we wouldn’t be Daily Drop if we weren’t practicing what we preach.
Our independent reviews break down rewards, perks, fees, and overall value to help you make informed decisions. We also analyze audience data, considering reader engagement and trends, so our recommendations reflect what actually matters to you.
While we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are our own — based solely on expert analysis and firsthand experience, not influenced by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Our goal is simple: helping you maximize your rewards and travel smarter.
Read our full methodology for more information.
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