Samsung Brings Contactless Convenience to South African Shoppers

Samsung has launched a new “Scan to Pay” feature for its digital wallet in South Africa, offering Galaxy users a faster checkout alternative to physical cards. The company announced Friday (Aug. 28) that the QR-based payment system allows customers to simply scan codes at participating locations, authenticate with their device, and complete purchases seamlessly.

This expansion builds on Samsung’s growing suite of digital financial services, which already includes support for stablecoins and a new Galaxy Card credit product. The company aims to accelerate South Africa’s transition toward a cashless economy by providing more accessible payment options.

The Scan to Pay feature leverages technology from Scan to Pay (Pty) Ltd, a local alternative payments provider with an extensive network of over 600,000 acceptance points across the country. This integration gives Samsung users access to a wide range of merchants while maintaining security through device authentication.

Why This Matters for South Africa

The move aligns with broader trends in digital payments globally, where QR codes and mobile wallets are gaining traction as consumers seek faster, more convenient checkout experiences. According to PYMNTS Intelligence data, usage of mobile wallets in stores has doubled over the past two years, with over 30% of consumers now using them weekly.

Samsung’s expansion into QR payments positions it competitively in South Africa’s evolving fintech landscape and offers a compelling alternative for consumers who prefer contactless transactions. The company is betting that this added convenience will encourage greater adoption of digital wallets and further reduce reliance on physical cards.