Samsung launches Galaxy Card with 5% cash back to rival Apple Card

Explore with AI:

Samsung has launched its first credit card in the U.S., giving Galaxy users an Apple Card-style option built around Samsung Wallet. The new Samsung Galaxy Card is issued by Barclays on the Visa network and has no annual fee.

The card is available virtually through Samsung Wallet and as a black metal physical card. General applications open in the U.S. on July 22, while eligible early-access customers can already apply.

Galaxy Card rewards favor Samsung Wallet users

Samsung’s reward structure is more generous when cardholders stay inside its ecosystem:

• 5% cash rewards on eligible purchases made directly through Samsung
• 3% on purchases made with Samsung Wallet
• 2% on eligible streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify
• 1% on other purchases

The 5% tier covers channels such as Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, the Shop Samsung app, Galaxy Store, Care+, Samsung Secure Wi-Fi, Samsung Smart TV Store, and SmartThings Videos.

New qualifying cardholders can also earn $200 after spending $2,000 within the first 90 days. Samsung is offering 20% off a Samsung VIP Advantage purchase or renewal, along with 5% cash rewards on that transaction. Terms apply to these offers.

The 3% Samsung Wallet rate requires a compatible phone running Android 9.0 or later and a Samsung account. That makes the card’s best everyday reward most useful to people who already pay with a Galaxy device.

Galaxy Card offers more cash back than Apple Card in key areas

The Apple Card pays 3% Daily Cash at Apple and select merchants when using Apple Pay, 2% on other Apple Pay purchases, and 1% with the physical titanium card. Galaxy Card raises those comparable rates to 5% on eligible direct Samsung purchases and 3% through Samsung Wallet.

Apple’s card still has broader built-in financial features, including Apple Card Family, interest-free monthly installments on eligible Apple products, and an optional Apple Card Savings account. Apple has also said those benefits will remain during the planned transition from Goldman Sachs to Chase.

Galaxy Card’s strongest pitch is straightforward: people who regularly buy Samsung products or use Samsung Wallet can earn more cash back. Outside that ecosystem, its 1% base rate is much less compelling.

Explore with AI: