Samsung Wallet Adds Coinbase Crypto Purchases in US

Samsung’s expanded collaboration with Coinbase represents a strategic move to bridge traditional mobile technology with cryptocurrency markets. The integration allows Coinbase users to purchase cryptocurrency directly within the Samsung Wallet app using Samsung Pay, creating a seamless experience for managing investments on Samsung’s secure platform. This development builds on the initial announcement made in July and now delivers tangible benefits to millions of U.S. Galaxy device owners.

The partnership includes significant incentives for Samsung Wallet users, including a free 3-month Coinbase One subscription that offers zero trading fees on select assets, enhanced staking rewards, and partner offers. New traders receive an additional $25 credit after their first Coinbase transaction, creating an attractive entry point for cryptocurrency adoption. Drew Blackard, senior VP of mobile product management at Samsung, emphasized in a statement that “Coinbase is a leader in the industry, which made them the ideal partner to provide our users with seamless access to crypto.”

The announcement generated immediate positive market reaction, with Coinbase’s stock rising more than 1% to approximately $376 per share, contributing to a substantial 20% weekly surge. This performance aligns with broader crypto market gains, as Bitcoin topped $121,000 on Thursday for the first time since mid-August. The timing of Samsung’s expanded crypto integration coincides with renewed investor confidence in digital assets, creating synergistic momentum for both companies.

The collaboration demonstrates how traditional technology giants are increasingly embracing cryptocurrency infrastructure. Samsung’s massive user base of 75 million Galaxy device owners in the United States represents a significant potential market for Coinbase, while Samsung benefits from enhanced functionality within its ecosystem. The companies have indicated plans for further international expansion in the coming months, suggesting this partnership represents just the beginning of their collaborative efforts.

Samsung’s current partnership with Coinbase represents the latest evolution in a multi-year blockchain strategy that dates back to 2019. The company first integrated cryptocurrency support through its Knox secure enclave technology, later expanding asset support and enabling hardware wallet compatibility with its mobile devices. This consistent development demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to positioning itself at the intersection of mobile technology and digital assets.

Beyond consumer-facing applications, Samsung has made numerous investments in the cryptocurrency industry and previously operated an enterprise blockchain platform called Nexledger. The company has also experimented with NFTs as pre-order bonuses for Galaxy S22 phones, showing a comprehensive approach to blockchain technology across both consumer and enterprise segments. Samsung Wallet’s integration with Coinbase represents the natural progression of these efforts, bringing cryptocurrency directly into the mainstream mobile payment experience.

As Drew Blackard noted, “Samsung Wallet is a trusted tool to millions of Galaxy users, and we’re continually working to find creative ways to enhance the experience with added functionality.” This statement underscores Samsung’s view of cryptocurrency not as a peripheral feature but as core functionality within its mobile ecosystem, positioning the company to capitalize on the growing convergence between traditional finance and digital assets.