Key Points

• Samsung launched its first-ever credit card in the US, issued by Barclays on the Visa network, directly challenging the Apple Card.
• The Galaxy Card offers up to 5 percent cashback with no annual fee, but it's a cash rewards card, not a points or miles earner.
• Cardholders chasing travel value should compare it against dedicated cash back cards before applying, since Samsung's card has no travel-specific perks.

Introduction

Samsung just entered the credit card business. The company launched its first Galaxy-branded credit card in the US this week, and it's designed to go head to head with the Apple Card. If you're a Samsung Galaxy phone owner or you're just curious whether this card belongs in your wallet, here's what actually matters: what it offers, how it stacks up, and whether it's worth your attention if travel rewards are your priority.

What Happened

Samsung Electronics America announced the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Card, with online applications opening to the general public shortly after early access rolled out to select customers, according to Open Magazine. The card is issued by Barclays on the Visa payment network, putting a major bank and a major network behind Samsung's first real push into consumer finance.

The timing isn't an accident. Apple's own card partnership is in flux: Goldman Sachs is exiting retail consumer banking and agreed in January to transfer the Apple Card portfolio to JPMorgan Chase, a transition expected to take roughly two years. That gap gives Samsung an opening to grab share while Apple's card is mid-transition.

The card comes in two forms: a digital version available instantly through Samsung Wallet, and a premium physical metal card featuring Samsung's black logo.

Why This Matters

Here's the earning structure, and it's worth paying attention to because it's not a flat-rate card. Cardholders earn 5 percent cash rewards on eligible purchases made directly through Samsung and 3 percent cashback on purchases completed using Samsung Wallet. Streaming subscriptions like Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify earn 2 percent, and everything else earns 1 percent. New cardholders can also pick up an extra $200 in cash rewards after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days.

There's no annual fee, which is the same pitch Apple made in 2019. The tiered structure actually looks a lot like the Amazon Prime Visa, which earns 5 percent at Amazon and Whole Foods, 2 percent at gas stations and restaurants, and 1 percent everywhere else. The difference is that Amazon's card has years of proven redemption flexibility behind it, while Samsung's is brand new and untested.

There's no points currency here, no transfer partners, and nothing that converts into airline miles or hotel points. If your strategy leans on maximizing travel redemptions, this card doesn't play in that arena at all. The Samsung Wallet integration is the real hook: the card sits alongside other payment cards, digital IDs, boarding passes, and digital keys, all protected by Samsung's Knox security platform. If you're already deep in the Samsung ecosystem, that convenience is real. If you're not, it's a lot less compelling than a standalone cashback card that doesn't ask you to route everything through one company's wallet app.

What You Should Do

If cashback on everyday spending is what you're after, the Galaxy Card's tiered rates are solid but not category leading. The Blue Cash Preferred from American Express earns 6 percent on US supermarkets and select streaming services, well ahead of Samsung's 2 percent streaming rate, though it does carry an annual fee after the first year. For a fee-free alternative with broader everyday value, the Bilt Mastercard earns 3x on dining and 2x on travel with no annual fee, and it converts to actual points instead of flat cash.

For travelers specifically, this card isn't a fit at all since it has no mention of foreign transaction fee waivers, no travel protections, and no bonus categories tied to flights or hotels. If you want a no-annual-fee card that still moves the needle on travel, it's worth reviewing our roundup of the best no annual fee credit cards. If you're comparing this against the broader cash back field, check out our guide to the best cash back credit cards, or see the best overall credit cards of 2025 if you want the full picture beyond flat cashback.

Samsung Galaxy phone owners who spend heavily through Samsung's own storefront, or who already live inside Samsung Wallet, are the clearest use case. For everyone else, this is one to watch rather than one to apply for today.

FAQ

Does the Samsung Galaxy Card earn travel points or miles?

No. It's a straight cashback card. Rewards come back as cash, not as points or miles you can transfer to airline or hotel programs.

Is there an annual fee?

No, Samsung's Galaxy Card has no annual fee, matching Apple Card's structure.

Do I need a Samsung phone to apply?

The card is aimed at Samsung's ecosystem through Samsung Wallet integration, but the announcement doesn't indicate device ownership is a strict eligibility requirement. Check Samsung's official application terms for confirmation before applying.

How does this compare to the Apple Card?

Both are no-annual-fee cashback cards tied to a phone maker's digital wallet. The Galaxy Card's top tier requires spending directly through Samsung to hit 5 percent, while Apple Card's Daily Cash structure works differently. Neither is built for travel rewards seekers.

Conclusion

Samsung's Galaxy Card is a notable move into consumer finance and a real shot across Apple's bow, but it's not a card built with travel rewards in mind. If you're deep in the Samsung ecosystem and want simple cashback, it's worth a look. If you're optimizing for travel value, your money is better spent elsewhere. This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue sharing points and miles strategies with the community.