Samsung Galaxy Card review: Samsung has officially entered the credit card market, and the timing isn’t an accident. The announcement lands the day before Galaxy Unpacked, just as Galaxy fans are getting ready to check out the company’s latest devices. Partnering with Barclays and Visa, the tech conglomerate’s first-ever credit card offers pretty nice cashback rewards—and they’re aimed squarely at Galaxy fans.
As a Samsung user myself, I’m intrigued enough to consider applying. So I thought I’d share my first impressions for anyone else wondering whether this card is worth it.
Here’s what stands out to me.
The rewards are surprisingly competitive
The rewards are simple: you get 5% back when you buy from Samsung, 3% when you use Samsung Wallet, 2% on streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, and 1% on everything else. You can also get a $200 bonus if you spend $2,000 in the first 90 days, and there’s no annual fee. As a consumer, that’s exactly what I’m looking for.
The rewards are good, especially if you already buy Galaxy devices every few years. Getting a new phone every two years, plus upgrading your Watch or Buds, could mean real cash back. So it’s basically a rewards system for Galaxy customers.
This feels like Samsung’s answer to Apple Card
Of course, Samsung isn’t trying to be a bank. It wants to make Samsung Wallet more useful. The metal card, Knox security, and Wallet features for IDs/digital keys all make Samsung’s ecosystem more appealing to its customers over Apple’s or Google’s.
As a comparison, Apple Card gives up to 3% back on Apple purchases and Apple Pay merchants, and 2% on general Apple Pay use (MacRumors). Samsung’s card is a better deal—especially with the 3% back on purchases made via Samsung Wallet.
My biggest question is whether the rewards justify another credit card
Here’s my hangup: do people really buy enough Samsung products to get the most out of that 5%? Most of us only upgrade our phones every two or three years (I’m going on four years with my Galaxy phone). Then, is 3% back through Samsung Wallet enough to make you change how you pay for groceries or gas, especially if you have other cards that give you similar or better rewards?
I’m not convinced. Personally, I’ll rely on the card that reduces my gas prices the most because, yeah, those are through the roof. But the 2% on Netflix and Spotify is a nice touch. So, maybe get the card for your Samsung and streaming services?
I guess it really just depends on where most of your expenses lie. If you buy a lot of Samsung tech—say you run a business and need updated tech for your employees or have a family—then this could really make sense. If that’s not you, then you’ll have to consider your specific spending habits.
My first impression
My first impression is positive. Samsung Galaxy Card offers competitive rewards for Galaxy users and strengthens Samsung Wallet in meaningful ways. I’m less convinced it’ll replace an existing everyday credit card for most people, but if you’re already buying Samsung products regularly, it’s worth considering.
The real test will come once people start using it beyond the launch excitement. Then, it’ll be just another card competing for a spot next to the one you already use.
Lauren has been writing and editing since 2008. She loves working with text and helping writers find their voice. When she’s not typing away at her computer, she cooks and travels with her husband and two kids.
