Samsung Integrates Rakuten Rewards into Digital Wallet to Boost Cash-Back Ecosystem

Samsung Electronics and Rakuten Rewards have rolled out an integrated rewards and payment feature aimed at expanding the functionality of Samsung Wallet for U.S. consumers.

Under the newly announced "Samsung Wallet Perks, powered by Rakuten," eligible U.S. Galaxy users can earn cash-back rewards across digital and physical storefronts and deposit those earnings directly onto a Samsung Cash Card. The feature connects users to Rakuten’s network of more than 3,500 retail brands and over 25,000 in-store and dining partners, featuring merchants such as Sephora, Expedia, PetSmart, Gap, Lands' End, and LEGO.

The update is designed to transform Samsung Wallet into a unified commerce and benefits platform. Beyond standard online affiliate promotions, the integration introduces algorithmic offer personalization and a location-based "Nearby" tool that flags cash-back opportunities at participating brick-and-mortar merchants when users pay with a linked card.

Once credited to the Samsung Cash Card, accumulated cash back is converted into spendable capital for online and point-of-sale checkout. The card setup also supports peer-to-peer money transfers across the U.S., including contact-based transfers initiated by tapping an eligible Galaxy handset against another compatible device or an NFC-enabled debit card.

Executives framed the initiative as a strategy to capture higher transaction volumes by embedding loyalty programs directly into point-of-sale moments. Woncheol Chai, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Wallet Team at Samsung Electronics’ Mobile eXperience Business, characterized the rollout as an effort to merge everyday payments and rewards into a single native interface. Wendy Bergh, Chief Marketing Officer of Rakuten Rewards, noted that the placement provides retail partners direct exposure at the moment of purchase.

To accelerate adoption ahead of the peak holiday retail corridor, the companies are offering new Rakuten members an additional 10% in cash back (capped at $50) on qualifying transactions, alongside elevated promotional rates planned for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Certain card features and fund disbursements will require user account registration and identity verification.

Rakuten Obtains Patent for Simplifying P2P E-Money Transfers

Rakuten Group has obtained a patent for a system and method for simplifying person-to-person (P2P) e-money transfers, particularly when the recipient is not yet a registered user of the e-money service. 1. Core Problem to be Solved Traditionally, to send e-money to someone, the sender

Japan FinTech ObserverNorbert Gehrke