Samsung has partnered with Coinbase in a deal that could bring cryptocurrency access to more than one billion Galaxy smartphone users worldwide. The rollout begins in the United States, where about 75 million Galaxy users will gain access to Coinbase One, the exchange’s subscription service that offers zero trading fees, higher staking rewards and account protection for unauthorized losses, Coinbase said Friday.
“Together with Samsung, we’re pairing their global scale with Coinbase’s trusted platform to deliver the best value for people to access crypto — starting with more than 75 million Galaxy users across the U.S., and soon around the world,” said Shan Aggarwal, chief business officer at Coinbase.
The two companies said they plan to expand access globally, potentially adding millions of new retail users to the crypto market. Samsung accounts for about 13 % of the world’s 7.4 billion smartphone users, according to BankMyCell.
Investor Takeaway
Integration Through Samsung Wallet
As part of the partnership, Galaxy users in the U.S. will be able to buy crypto via Samsung Pay and access Coinbase One at no cost. Coinbase One normally costs $4.99 per month for the basic plan and $29.99 for the premium version. Coinbase co‑founder and CEO Brian Armstrong said in a post on X that the partnership will “make crypto even more accessible.”
The tie‑up builds on Samsung Wallet, the company’s mobile application launched in 2022 as a rebrand of Samsung Pay. The app integrates payment, digital identity, and crypto wallet functions. It was first rolled out as a payment and deposit option for Coinbase in July, giving users the ability to execute crypto transactions directly from their phones.
“Our partnership with Coinbase reflects our priority to give Galaxy users trusted and convenient ways to explore and engage with digital assets,” said Drew Blackard, senior vice president of mobile product management at Samsung Electronics America.
Global Expansion Potential
Samsung has more than one billion active Galaxy devices worldwide, making the partnership one of the most extensive distribution deals for a crypto platform. Analysts say the collaboration could serve as a gateway for mainstream adoption if the integration expands beyond the United States. The deal comes as crypto platforms look for new growth channels following regulatory challenges in the U.S. and slowing volumes on exchanges.
For Samsung, the partnership adds another layer of utility to its flagship devices and strengthens Samsung Wallet as a multipurpose app. For Coinbase, it provides a direct channel to consumers outside of traditional exchange signups, embedding its services into everyday financial tools.
Investor Takeaway
What’s Next
The first phase of the rollout is limited to the U.S., but both companies said they are working toward global expansion. With more than a billion active Galaxy users, the partnership has the potential to become one of the largest entry points for retail crypto adoption. Market observers will be watching to see how regulators respond as embedded crypto services expand into mobile ecosystems.
For now, Samsung Galaxy owners in the U.S. will be able to trade, stake, and store crypto directly from their devices through Coinbase’s subscription service, a sign of the growing convergence between consumer technology and digital assets.