Samsung Galaxy Card Arrives With Cashback Rewards to Challenge Apple Card

 

Samsung / Wired.

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Card, a cashback credit card issued by Barclays on the Visa network in the United States. The company said applications for the card will open on July 22, 2026.

According to Samsung, the Galaxy Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The card is available as a virtual card for Samsung Wallet and as a physical card made from recycled steel.

Availability

Samsung said U.S. customers can apply for the Galaxy Card beginning July 22, 2026. The company has not announced plans to launch the card in other markets.

Cashback Rewards

According to Samsung, Galaxy Card holders can earn cashback in the following categories:

• 5% cashback on eligible purchases made directly from Samsung in the United States.
• 3% cashback on eligible purchases made with the Galaxy Card through Samsung Wallet.
• 2% cashback on eligible streaming service subscriptions.
• 1% cashback on all other eligible purchases.

Samsung said cashback can be redeemed as a statement credit or transferred to a checking or savings account.

Welcome Offer

Samsung said eligible new cardholders can receive $200 in cashback after spending $2,000 within the first 90 days, subject to the offer's terms and conditions.

The company also said Galaxy Card holders receive a 20% discount on its VIP Advantage membership, which includes extended device protection, dedicated customer support and access to exclusive offers.

Samsung Wallet Support

Samsung said the Galaxy Card can be added to Samsung Wallet on compatible Galaxy smartphones and smartwatches.

According to the company, customers who later switch to a non-Samsung smartphone can continue using the physical Galaxy Card wherever Visa is accepted. Samsung Wallet features, however, will no longer be available. Barclays' online account portal will remain available for account management.

Background

The announcement follows Apple's launch of the Apple Card in 2019. While Apple's card operates on the Mastercard network, Samsung said the Galaxy Card is issued by Barclays and operates on the Visa network.

Analyst Comments

Brian Riley, director of Credit Advisory Services at Javelin Strategy & Research, told Wired that rewards programs and customer experience have become key factors that differentiate credit cards.

Sara Rathner, a credit card expert at NerdWallet, told Wired that the Galaxy Card's 3% cashback on Samsung Wallet purchases could appeal to consumers who regularly use mobile payments for everyday transactions.

Sources: Samsung announcement; Wired.

https://www.wired.com/story/galaxy-card-is-samsung-answer-to-the-apple-card/