Samsung launches first US credit card with Barclays, offering 5% cash back on Galaxy purchases

Reward structure

The Samsung Galaxy Card offers tiered cash back: 5% on purchases made directly from Samsung, including pre-orders of new Galaxy devices; 3% on transactions using Samsung Wallet; 2% on streaming subscriptions such as Netflix, Disney+ and Spotify; and 1% on all other spending. New cardholders who spend $2,000 within the first 90 days receive a $200 cash bonus, equivalent to an effective 10% return on that initial outlay. Cardmembers also get a 20% discount on Samsung's VIP Advantage membership, which bundles extended device protection, specialised support and exclusive deals. Cash rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit or transferred to a bank account. The card carries no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, though the APR varies by applicant.

Strategic ambitions

Samsung framed the card as the start of a broader financial services push. Sih Lee, executive vice president and head of North America Fintech Business at Samsung Electronics, noted that 70% of US households own a Samsung device and nearly 30% own three or more. He described the Barclays tie-up as a long-term relationship with room to grow.

The relationship that we're building with Barclays is a strategic and long-term relationship. So while we don't have everything all lined up today, we do have intention to collaborate and explore all avenues of different products and different capabilities that we can actually make available as it makes sense to our customers.

Doug Villone, head of cards and partnerships at Barclays US Consumer Bank, said the bank similarly views the partnership as one that can expand over time.

When we do sign relationships, we naturally look at ways we can expand those over time if it makes sense to consumers.

Apple Card rivalry

The launch positions Samsung directly against Apple's credit card, which debuted nearly seven years ago. The Apple Card, originally issued by Goldman Sachs and now transitioning to Chase, runs on the Mastercard network and offers 3% daily cash on Apple purchases. Samsung's 5% rate on its own store purchases is a deliberate step higher. Both cards are deeply integrated with their respective wallet apps, though Samsung Wallet is limited to Galaxy smartphones and watches. Brian Riley, director of Credit Advisory Services at Javelin Strategy & Research, described the rewards as targeted at Samsung's most loyal customers and points-maximisers.

Availability and device lock-in

Applications for the Galaxy Card open on 22 July, the same day as Samsung's second Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026, where new foldable phones and smartwatches are expected. The card can be applied for online or at Samsung retail stores. While the full digital experience requires a Samsung device, the physical card works anywhere Visa is accepted and can be managed through a BarclaysUS.com portal for those who switch away from Samsung. This mirrors Apple's approach: iPhone owners who move to Android can still use the titanium Apple Card but lose Wallet integration and the 3% perk.

Barclays' US expansion

For Barclays, the Samsung partnership is part of a deliberate effort to scale its US consumer card business. The London-based bank acquired the General Motors credit card portfolio in 2024, allowing customers to earn rewards on GM vehicles including electric models. Villone said the bank has been actively sourcing new partnerships, and the Samsung deal adds a major technology brand to its roster.