What you need to know
Samsung Wallet is currently in the testing phase for two innovative features: ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ (BNPL) and ‘Tap to Transfer.’ These functionalities are gearing up for a potential launch in the U.S. market.
- The ‘Instant Installment’ feature allows users to split their payments for purchases, while ‘Tap to Transfer’ offers a peer-to-peer money transfer option akin to Apple’s Tap to Cash, but with enhanced flexibility for various digital wallets.
- The BNPL feature, powered by Splitit, enables transactions using Visa or Mastercard without requiring a credit check. However, activation may necessitate approval and could incur additional fees.
A recent beta build has unveiled a glimpse into Samsung Wallet’s upcoming capabilities, hinting at an imminent rollout. When the Galaxy S25 series was introduced in January, Samsung discreetly included software updates that introduced these noteworthy features, including the ability to break up payments and a peer-to-peer transfer option dubbed ‘Tap to Transfer.’ This functionality promises a level of flexibility that Apple’s offering does not provide.
Buy now, stress later
Leaked screenshots shared by @theordysm on X reveal the workings of the ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ feature, which is set to be powered by Splitit. This feature appears to facilitate transactions with Visa and Mastercard, eliminating the need for a credit check. Nevertheless, users should be aware that activation may require approval, and there could be additional fees involved.
Both features remain in the testing phase, undergoing internal evaluations and limited beta trials. Industry whispers suggest that Samsung may prioritize a U.S. launch once these features are fully polished.
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<figcaption class="caption-creditfigcaption”><span class="caption-creditcredit” itemprop=”copyrightHolder”>(Image credit: @theordysm / X)
From the screenshots, it appears that the Installment Payments feature will enable users to divide their purchases into manageable weekly payments, applicable to nearly any transaction conducted through Samsung Wallet.
Slice your bills
Samsung’s installment payments are designed not as a means of extending credit or loans, but rather as a way to transform regular purchases into a convenient pay-over-time plan, whether shopping online or in-store.
Additionally, the funds transfer feature allows users to send money via a digital network or by tapping an NFC-compatible device or payment card. The recipient’s bank account, linked to their debit card, will receive the funds immediately. While the exact speed of these transfers remains to be clarified, the ability to send money simply by tapping a debit card is poised to be a significant advancement in the digital payment landscape.
