Samsung Partners with Barclays to Launch U.S. Credit Card

UPDATE: Samsung Electronics Co. is in advanced discussions with Barclays PLC to launch a co-branded credit card in the U.S., a move that could significantly escalate competition with Apple Inc.’s financial services. According to a Wall Street Journal report, this Visa-powered card is expected to integrate seamlessly with Samsung Wallet, offering enticing cashback rewards redeemable for Samsung products or at partner stores.

This development is pivotal as Samsung aims to broaden its ecosystem beyond hardware, mirroring Apple’s success with the Apple Card. Industry insiders suggest that the new credit card could debut alongside the highly anticipated Galaxy S26 series in February 2026, potentially enhancing sales of Samsung appliances through appealing tied incentives.

The partnership with Barclays, a prominent British bank with a robust U.S. presence, would mark Samsung’s inaugural major credit card offering in the American market. Reports indicate that negotiations have extended slightly longer than usual, but an official announcement may be on the horizon before the end of this year.

Samsung’s card is poised to operate on Visa Inc.’s extensive network, ensuring broad acceptance while providing seamless integration with Samsung’s digital wallet. In addition to the credit card, Samsung is exploring an array of financial products, including digital prepaid accounts, high-yield savings options, and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services. These initiatives aim to transform Samsung Wallet into a comprehensive financial hub, akin to Apple Wallet, as detailed by NotebookCheck.net.

Samsung’s rumored credit card could offer cashback rewards directly deposited into users’ Samsung accounts, making it an attractive choice for Galaxy loyalists eager for integrated rewards. However, the company faces significant competition in the crowded U.S. credit market, where Apple’s Card, launched in 2019, has set a high standard with features like daily cashback and no fees.

Social media buzz around the potential card is growing, with users on X (formerly Twitter) expressing excitement. One post from PCMag noted, “The Korean brand is rumored to be partnering with UK bank Barclays to create its own credit card running on Visa’s network.” This sentiment underscores rising anticipation among tech enthusiasts.

The implications of this move extend beyond mere competition; it aligns with Samsung’s broader strategy to deepen user engagement. Analysts suggest that connecting rewards to purchases could significantly drive sales of Samsung’s electronics and appliances. Samsung already offers credit cards in South Korea, providing a tested model that could be adapted for the U.S. market.

While Barclays’ experience with cards like the Apple Rewards card positions it well for this venture, Samsung must ensure data security and a smooth integration with its technology. The competitive landscape includes not only Apple but also players like Google Pay and various fintech companies that offer similar services. Yet, Samsung’s hardware dominance may provide a competitive edge, as cashback tied to ecosystem purchases could help retain users, according to insights from SamMobile.

Looking ahead, Samsung’s plans could include savings products that rival Apple’s high-yield offerings, further strengthening its U.S. presence in financial services. The Wall Street Journal highlights how these initiatives could reshape loyalty programs and consumer spending in tech ecosystems.

If finalized, the card could launch by February 2026, coinciding with Samsung’s flagship phone unveilings. Reports from TipRanks.com confirm that Samsung is indeed in advanced talks with Barclays to launch this U.S. consumer credit card. For industry insiders, this signals a significant shift toward the convergence of technology and finance, potentially transforming how consumers engage with their tech ecosystems.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.