Samsung rolls out a Galaxy credit card for Unpacked week
The new Visa card offers Samsung-heavy rewards and a $200 bonus for qualifying U.S. shoppers who spend $2,000 in 90 days.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Samsung has added a credit card to its Galaxy lineup just as its next device showcase arrives in London.
The company announced the Galaxy Card in a press release, describing it as a new Visa credit card aimed at shoppers who buy from Samsung and use Samsung Wallet. Applications open Wednesday, the same day Samsung is holding its Galaxy Unpacked event.
According to Samsung, people in the U.S. can apply either online or at a Samsung retail location. New cardholders can receive $200 in cash rewards after spending $2,000 during the first 90 days after opening the account, the company said.
What the Galaxy Card offers
Samsung said the card is built around cash rewards on everyday spending, with higher reward rates for purchases made directly from Samsung, including new devices.
The rewards listed by Samsung are:
- 20 percent off Samsung VIP Advantage
- 5 percent cash rewards on direct Samsung purchases
- 3 percent rewards on Samsung Wallet purchases
- 2 percent rewards on streaming services
- 1 percent reward on all other purchases
Samsung’s promotional image shows the Galaxy Card next to Galaxy phones, including a flip-style device. The company did not identify that phone in the announcement.
Unpacked timing puts the card in the spotlight
The launch lands on a busy week for Samsung. The Galaxy Unpacked event in London is expected to focus on new Galaxy hardware, with Mashable reporting that Samsung is expected to announce at least three foldable devices and two smartwatches.
That timing could make the card relevant for customers planning to buy new Samsung gear as soon as it is announced. Samsung said purchases made from the company qualify for the card’s elevated rewards, and the $200 introductory offer requires $2,000 in spending within 90 days.
The announcement also comes as Samsung fans watch for launch offers around new phones. Mashable noted that Samsung has previously been known for preorder deals on mobile devices, including cash back and storage upgrades at launch, before the global memory crisis affected pricing.
Samsung did not use the card announcement to name any new Unpacked products. The company’s pitch was narrower: a Visa card for U.S. shoppers who want Samsung-linked rewards, with the strongest rates tied to direct Samsung purchases and Samsung Wallet spending.
This story draws on original reporting from Mashable.