Samsung Reportedly Plans US Credit Card with Barclays and Visa, Boosting Samsung Wallet

Samsung Plans US Credit Card Launch with Barclays and Visa

A recent report indicates Samsung is actively developing its own credit card for the United States market, teaming up with British bank Barclays and leveraging Visa's extensive payment network. This strategic initiative aims to significantly expand Samsung Wallet's role as a comprehensive digital lifestyle platform, with a targeted rollout in Q1 2026.This development follows ongoing partnership discussions between Samsung and Barclays regarding a potential US credit card launch, signaling forward progress.

Driving Samsung Wallet Growth and Digital Ecosystem Integration

Samsung is clearly positioning this credit card as a crucial extension of its broader digital ecosystem. Beta testing for the new card reportedly commenced in select US markets in late October 2025, involving an initial 5,000 participants. With Samsung Wallet already serving 100 million global users, analysts project the new card could boost its US transaction volume by 20-30% within the first year. The company aims to attract 1 million cardholders in 2026, seeking to capture a portion of the substantial US credit card market, which reported $4.5 trillion in outstanding balances as of Q3 2025.

Barclays, a UK-based bank recognized for its robust US presence—having issued over 10 million US cards as of 2024—is expected to provide established credit infrastructure to the partnership. The card's operation on Visa's vast payment network will ensure widespread acceptance, with projections indicating it could handle 500,000 US transactions monthly at its launch.

Distinctive Features and Market Context

The forthcoming Samsung credit card is anticipated to offer several differentiating features designed for deep integration within the Samsung ecosystem. These features reportedly include seamless contactless payments via Samsung Wallet, AI-driven spending insights powered by Galaxy AI for budgeting, and instant virtual card issuance for online purchases. A unique selling point is the proposed rewards structure, which would allow redemptions directly for Samsung devices, such as 5% cashback on Galaxy phones. While details remain fluid, the card is rumored to offer no annual fees, lower foreign transaction fees (reportedly 1% compared to an industry average of 3%), and advanced biometric security tied to Galaxy devices. Additionally, the card aligns with Samsung's sustainability goals by incorporating eco-friendly perks like carbon offset rewards.

This move echoes Samsung's earlier ventures into financial services, notably the 2015 launch of Samsung Pay. It also places Samsung in direct competition with offerings like Apple Card. However, Samsung appears to be adopting a different strategy by leveraging Barclays' established credit infrastructure, potentially aiming to circumvent the profitability issues reportedly faced by Apple Card, which saw annual losses of $1 billion by 2024. Experts, including fintech analyst Julie Muhn, emphasize that Samsung must differentiate beyond just rewards and prioritize data security, particularly in light of recent breaches.

Industry Reception and Regulatory Landscape

The prospective launch has elicited a range of reactions. Tech forums indicate excitement among Samsung loyalists for potential device-related rewards, though privacy concerns regarding data sharing with Barclays have also been voiced. A recent Android Central poll showed 65% interest in applying among 2,500 respondents. Industry analysts at IDC perceive this as a "smart move to compete with Apple Pay," predicting it could "disrupt the co-branded card space." However, consumer advocacy groups, such as Consumer Reports, have cautioned about potentially high APRs, estimated between 18-25% based on Barclays' existing card products.

As of November 9, 2025, no joint official announcement has been issued by Samsung, Barclays, or Visa. Sources attribute this absence to ongoing regulatory reviews, including the aforementioned filings with the US CFPB. The US market, characterized by 50% digital wallet adoption and a significant Android user base—with 75% of those users owning Samsung devices—presents a substantial opportunity. Nevertheless, potential launch delays could arise from ongoing US antitrust scrutiny, with the Department of Justice actively investigating various tech-finance tie-ups. Samsung has also hinted at potential expansions into South Korea and Europe by late 2026, underscoring a broader global ambition for its financial innovations.

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Samsung Reportedly Plans US Credit Card with Barclays and Visa, Boosting Samsung Wallet

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Samsung Plans US Credit Card Launch with Barclays and Visa

Driving Samsung Wallet Growth and Digital Ecosystem Integration

Distinctive Features and Market Context

Industry Reception and Regulatory Landscape

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Key Takeaways

Samsung Plans US Credit Card Launch with Barclays and Visa

Driving Samsung Wallet Growth and Digital Ecosystem Integration

Distinctive Features and Market Context

Industry Reception and Regulatory Landscape

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Similar Posts