Samsung has officially introduced the Galaxy Card, its first branded credit card, nearly seven years after Apple launched the Apple Card. The new card is designed to strengthen customer loyalty by offering cashback rewards and exclusive benefits, especially for Samsung users. The announcement was made just before Samsung’s second Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026, where the company is expected to unveil new foldable smartphones and smartwatches.
The Galaxy Card is issued by Barclays and operates on the Visa payment network. Unlike the Apple Card, which uses Mastercard, Samsung’s physical card is made from recycled steel instead of titanium. Customers also receive a virtual version of the card that is automatically added to their Samsung Wallet, making it easy to use for mobile payments.
Samsung has made the Galaxy Card attractive by eliminating annual fees while offering several cashback rewards. Cardholders can earn 5% cashback on purchases made directly from Samsung in the United States, 3% cashback on purchases completed through Samsung Wallet using the Galaxy Card, 2% cashback on streaming service subscriptions, and 1% cashback on all other purchases made with the physical card. The earned cashback can be redeemed as a statement credit or transferred directly to a checking or savings account.
The card also includes additional benefits that increase its value. There are no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international purchases. Customers receive a 20% discount on Samsung’s VIP Advantage membership, which provides extended device protection, dedicated customer support, and exclusive offers. New cardholders can also earn a $200 cashback bonus after spending $2,000 within the first 90 days of opening the account. Applications for the Galaxy Card begin on July 22.
Although Samsung Wallet is available only on Samsung smartphones and smartwatches, the Galaxy Card itself is not limited to Samsung device owners. Customers who switch to another smartphone brand can continue using the physical card and manage their account through the Barclays online portal. However, they lose Samsung Wallet features and some of the exclusive rewards available only through Samsung’s ecosystem. This approach is similar to the Apple Card, which also continues working after users switch devices but loses Apple Wallet-specific benefits.
Industry experts believe the Galaxy Card is less about introducing revolutionary credit card features and more about strengthening Samsung’s ecosystem. Financial analyst Brian Riley explains that most credit cards offer similar services, so companies compete by providing unique rewards that encourage customers to remain loyal to their brands. He also warns that rewards lose their value if users carry unpaid balances and accumulate high interest charges.
Credit card expert Sara Rathner agrees that the Galaxy Card is primarily a cashback card rather than a major industry innovation. However, she believes the 3% cashback for Samsung Wallet purchases is highly competitive and could be particularly attractive for people who regularly use contactless payments for everyday expenses such as transportation, shopping, and dining. She also praises Apple for introducing user-friendly features such as showing estimated interest rates before a credit check and providing daily cashback rewards, suggesting that Samsung and other companies may continue improving their own credit card experiences to remain competitive.
