No downside at all, with the following caveats:

- some people might be able to get GE but not NEXUS. I expect very few people would have this problem, however.
- if you can't easily get to an interview centre for NEXUS, then GE will be far more convenient.

NEXUS is a superset of GE so you get all the good of GE plus all the good of NEXUS (i.e. entry into Canada).

How long ago did you apply?

I applied on either April 4th or 5th. Took about two weeks. I've visited about 15 different countries in the past couple years and moved about 10 times due to college and new jobs. That may have increased the time until approval.

After your interview, keep a close eye on the final approval e-mail. If you get nothing in 24 hours, I would call. My wife didn't get her final approval right away, and I needed to call back before she got approved. Her last name may have caused some issues, since my father-in-law has had secondaries (was told their last name sounded Somali :rolleyes:)

Thanks for the info! BTW, did you use the Amex Plat to pay (and get reimbursed)?

Nope, just a normal credit card. I'm planning on doing a lot of international travel and thought it would be worth the $100.

Definitely, and thanks for the info!

What is the timing from the interview (assuming we are approved) to when you can actually use the benefit. Thank you,

As I recall it was immediate; same day.

30 minutes is a typical waiting period. Remember that you don't need the GE card to use the kiosk.

That makes sense. Thanks for the replies.

Yeah, they said to wait for the email and that it might be a few hours, as of when I signed up a few years ago. Email reached me on the drive home.

Another data point. Applied early April, conditionally approved last Fri.
So roughly 2 weeks.

Thx for that info - still waiting on news as of this morning.

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but the super-awesome exclusive exit for GE members with only carry-on luggage at Houston IAH is randomly closed until 8am. So early arrivals from South America have to walk all the way to the checked luggage escalator then all the way back through the checked luggage hall to the exit.

Not sure why...seems stupid.