Samsung’s Next Big Move Could Be an Apple Card Rival, and it’s making waves across the tech world. This upcoming financial product could redefine how Galaxy users manage money, putting Samsung in direct competition with Apple’s financial ecosystem.
Samsung’s Next Big Move Could Be an Apple Card Rival
Samsung’s strategy of mirroring Apple’s most successful innovations may soon extend into the world of finance. After unveiling the Galaxy S25 Edge to challenge the iPhone Air and introducing the Galaxy XR headset as its answer to the Vision Pro, Samsung’s next target appears to be Apple Card — a financial product that redefined how users interact with credit and digital wallets.
Samsung’s Banking Ambitions Take Shape
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Samsung is currently in discussions with Barclays, a leading UK-based bank, to launch a Visa-powered credit card in the United States. Much like Apple Card, this new “Samsung Card” would offer cashback rewards deposited directly into users’ Samsung accounts.
Here’s the interesting twist: the cashback wouldn’t just sit idle. Instead, customers could spend their earned rewards on new Samsung products or through select retail partners — effectively creating a closed ecosystem where every purchase feeds back into Samsung’s own marketplace.
Imagine upgrading your Galaxy phone using cashback earned from your everyday grocery shopping or streaming subscriptions — that’s the seamless financial loop Samsung seems to be building.
Negotiations Still Underway
While the vision is clear, the plan isn’t finalized yet. Talks between Samsung and Barclays have reportedly dragged on longer than expected, with both sides working through complex financial and regulatory details. However, if all goes smoothly, the partnership could be officially announced before the end of 2025.
Industry insiders speculate that Samsung might use the Galaxy S26 series launch — expected in early February — as a platform to unveil the Samsung Card, aligning its debut with one of the company’s biggest product events of the year.
Expanding Beyond Credit: Prepaid and Savings Options
Samsung’s financial aspirations don’t stop at credit cards. The company reportedly plans to roll out digital prepaid accounts and high-yield savings accounts, mirroring Apple’s own offerings within Apple Wallet. These services would allow users to save, spend, and earn all within the Samsung ecosystem — a move designed to strengthen the appeal of Samsung Wallet, especially in the US market where adoption has lagged behind competitors.
Based on leaked internal documents, Samsung envisions a system where purchases made with the Samsung Card generate Samsung Cash, which would automatically be stored within the user’s Samsung Wallet. From there, customers could easily use these funds to shop for Galaxy devices, smart home appliances, or partner brand products — turning digital payments into a self-sustaining rewards loop.
Samsung Wallet’s Global Challenge
While Samsung Wallet enjoys strong popularity in South Korea, its international performance has been more modest. By introducing a branded credit card and integrated financial services, Samsung hopes to replicate Apple’s success and revitalize Wallet adoption in Western markets.
The company also aims to expand its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) program — offering greater flexibility for consumers purchasing high-end devices like smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Together, these services could transform Samsung Wallet from a simple mobile payment tool into a comprehensive digital finance ecosystem.
Chasing Apple’s Financial Success
Apple Card, launched in 2019, remains a US-exclusive product but has achieved remarkable growth thanks to its transparent cashback model, low fees, and integrated savings account. Even after six years, it continues to attract new users by blending financial convenience with Apple’s trademark design and privacy focus.
Samsung’s decision to enter this space is more than imitation — it’s a strategic evolution. The company recognizes that in a world where smartphones double as wallets, control over financial infrastructure is as critical as hardware innovation. A Samsung-branded credit card, paired with an expanding digital wallet, could be the key to deeper brand loyalty and recurring customer engagement.
A Glimpse of What’s Next
If Samsung succeeds, users could soon manage everything — from phone purchases and subscriptions to savings and rewards — all within the Samsung ecosystem. This convergence of technology and finance marks a new frontier in the competition between the world’s two biggest tech giants.
As Apple continues refining its financial ecosystem, Samsung’s forthcoming card might not just compete — it could redefine how Android users experience mobile banking, blending convenience, incentives, and brand integration in ways that make every transaction a little more rewarding.
