Samsung Strengthens Payment Collaboration with JCB for Wallet Expansion

Samsung Electronics Japan recently announced a strategic collaboration with JCB to expand payment options within the Samsung Wallet starting August 1, 2025. This partnership will allow users to register JCB-issued cards and utilize mobile payment solutions, marking a significant enhancement in cashless transactions in Japan.

At the launch ceremony, attended by key figures such as JCB Executive Officer Masaaki Okazaki and Samsung Electronics MX Division’s Vice President Che Won-chul, the motivations and goals of the collaboration were clearly articulated.

Enhancing Payment Solutions in Japan

Che emphasized Japan’s sophisticated and unique cashless payment market. Samsung has long responded to the specific needs of this market through its Galaxy series. With JCB’s exceptional technology and adaptability, the integration of JCB cards into Samsung Wallet marks a significant development for both companies. "We are thrilled to boost Samsung Wallet's competitiveness and contribute to mobile payment expansion in Japan through our partnership with JCB," Che stated.

Masaaki Okazaki recognized the partnership's potential, noting JCB’s commitment to leading mobile payment standards as an international card brand. His vision for JCB is that mobile payments will become a mainstream method of transaction. "The commencement of JCB’s touch payment feature within Samsung Wallet is a significant advancement," he stated.

Plans for Global Expansion

The two leaders discussed the transformative possibility this collaboration could have, not just in Japan, but also on a global scale. "With JCB being one of the most crucial card companies for international brands, the anticipation of expanding Samsung Wallet users with JCB cards is substantial," Che remarked. He highlighted that Samsung’s global expansion strategy for Wallet focuses heavily on building strong collaborations.

Okazaki noted that JCB has observed an explosive growth in mobile payments over recent years. By integrating with Samsung Wallet, they expect to further enhance the value and usability of JCB's touch payment capabilities.

Market-ready Innovations

In light of the strategic shift in Samsung’s focus towards the Japanese market, discussions between JCB and Samsung intensified, leading to this partnership. The plan includes expanding partnerships with various JCB brand issuers and implementing joint marketing campaigns to enhance their presence in the mobile payment ecosystem.

Che further elaborated on future initiatives beyond Japanese borders. They plan to kick off momentum in countries with high JCB card penetration, including South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The companies will engage in discussions to ensure that Samsung Wallet reaches more users globally. Additional measures include utilizing Samsung’s platforms to enhance JCB card reach and syncing joint efforts in payment solutions.

Samsung Wallet Overview

Samsung Wallet is a unique digital wallet designed for Samsung Galaxy users, enabling quick access to credit cards, QR and barcode payments, and loyalty cards with a simple swipe. It is the first wallet service released by a smartphone manufacturer in Japan to support QR and barcode payments effectively, streamlining the payment process.

The app can be found on both the Galaxy Store and Google Play, and it is compatible with Samsung Galaxy smartphones released from 2021 onward with Android 14 or later. However, it should be noted that usage on Galaxy Watch series devices isn’t supported as of August 7, 2025.

To familiarize yourself with the app and its offerings, visit the official site for more details on how to install and the range of supported cards, including JCB's cards set to be integrated by August 2025.

Conclusion

The partnership between Samsung and JCB signifies a critical move towards enhancing mobile payment solutions in Japan while allowing for expansive global outreach. As both companies work together, they aim to create a unified platform that not only boosts user experience but also elevates the profitability and reach of cashless transactions across various geographies.