Samsung has officially launched its first-ever credit card in the United States, called the Galaxy Card. The product follows the blueprint of Apple Card but aims to outshine it with a more generous cashback structure.
The Galaxy Card is a metal card with no annual fee issued by Barclays
Like its rival, Samsung opted for a sleek metal physical card with no annual fee and a virtual version for secure online purchases. Issued by Barclays on the Visa network, the Galaxy Card is designed to incentivize loyalty to the Samsung ecosystem. Unlike Apple Card, which integrates a high-yield savings account, Samsung offers a separate account through Samsung Money without direct integration with the card.
Galaxy Card cashback beats Apple Card on Samsung purchases and Samsung Wallet
The main selling point is cashback. Galaxy Card offers 5% on direct Samsung purchases, compared to Apple Card's 3% on Apple and select partners. It also provides 3% on purchases through Samsung Wallet, while Apple gives 2% via Apple Pay. Both cards offer 1% on all other spending. For those who regularly buy Samsung phones, tablets, or accessories, the difference is significant.
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Applications opened on July 22, 2026 alongside Unpacked London event
Samsung opened applications for the Galaxy Card on July 22, the same day it unveiled new Galaxy devices at the Unpacked event in London. Approved customers can stack the 5% cashback with existing preorder promotions. There is also a welcome bonus of $200 after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days. This provides some relief given the price increases on new Samsung devices.
Apple still leads with integrated savings account but Samsung wins on rewards
Apple Card remains more mature as a financial ecosystem, with a linked high-yield savings account. Samsung has not yet disclosed the APR range for the Galaxy Card, a detail Apple lists transparently. However, for users prioritizing cashback, the Galaxy Card is clearly the better deal. Like Apple Card, it is aimed at those already invested in the ecosystem. If you do not shop at Samsung or use Samsung Wallet regularly, the standard 1% cashback is not competitive. Samsung should have launched this years ago, but better late than never. For related content, check out the Black Friday in July deals for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Pixel 10 Pro on Meteora Web. Also, our analysis of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 thinner design reveals trade-offs in durability and reliability.
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Source: https://www.sammobile.com/opinion/samsung-apple-card-rival-beats-apple-in-one-area
