US Samsung phone owners just got a neat new way to pay in stores

If you're an Android phone fan, chances are you're using a Samsung handset. While the market is big and diverse – and growing ever more so by the moment – the Korean brand remains one of the most used out there.

Now, users in the USA are getting a really nifty free upgrade, which should make it easier to manage your cashflow. As of today, those making use of Samsung Wallet will be able to select an option for installment payments.

To use it, simply go to pay as you normally would in store with Samsung Wallet. A new option will appear which says 'Pay in installments', and you'll need to tap that before paying.

Once you've completed the transaction, you'll be able to select between four different installment plans, to find something which suits your situation. You'll even be able to keep an eye on all of the installment payments from within the Samsung Wallet app.

From today, the feature is available in a selection of states, with the plan to offer it across the country before the end of 2025. States where it can be used from today include:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Wyoming
• District of Columbia

The financial aspect of the system is provided by Splitit, so there's no actual lending happening on the part of Samsung. You'll have the option of making six payments every two weeks, eight payments every two weeks, six monthly payments or nine monthly payments.

You'll have 24 hours within which to select a plan, otherwise the amount will be paid in full. There's also a $50 minimum spend to trigger the option, and for some reason it won't work with a Chase Bank credit card.

Still, it's a neat addition overall. In times of financial hardship across many countries, anything which can help to ease the burden is a plus.