Capital One Spark Cash Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Capital One Spark Cash Business card offers the highest sign-up bonus of the six Spark business cards. This spending requirement is relatively high compared to many other welcome offers. Generally, we don't recommend cash-back cards, as the true value in earning rewards comes from transferring your points or miles to airline and hotel partners. Although this card offers only cash back rewards, you can convert the cash back into miles if you also have an eligible miles-earning Capital One card. Examples of eligible cards include the Spark Business Miles cards, Venture X personal or business cards, or Venture Rewards personal card. If you don't already have one of these cards, we recommend skipping the this card. Without the ability to convert cash back to miles for travel redemptions, the reward value isn't worth the high spending requirement.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
You earn 2% cash back on all purchases, everywhere, with no spending limits or category restrictions. This straightforward earning structure complements the welcome offer of $750 cash back after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months. This card suits businesses looking for simplicity in earning rewards, without the hassle of tracking bonus categories. However, you'll maximize your rewards only if you have an eligible Capital One miles-earning card to convert cash back into transferable miles.
The card has a $95 annual fee, but it is waived for the first year, adding extra value during that initial period. Additionally, since this is a business card, it does not count against Chase's 5/24 rule, which is another advantage. Outside of the initial sign-up bonus and waived first-year annual fee, there are no significant additional benefits. If you choose this card primarily for the welcome offer, you may want to cancel before paying the annual fee in the second year.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card might not be good for you:
- If your priority is maximizing business spending with another business card offering better bonuses, benefits, or perks.
- If you prefer earning points over cash back and don't have an eligible Capital One miles-earning card to convert cash back into transferable miles.
What to Know About Capital One Miles
Capital One is a flexible point system we use for travel items that other systems don't cover
- Car Rentals, cruises, and vacation home rentals top our list of uses for Capital One Miles
- Partner transfers are niche airlines and hotel brands, making the points less attractive
- Point redemptions are so similar to cash that they can be less satisfying for the hobbyist
- Capital One is particularly attractive to businesses with large spends
How The Capital One Spark Cash Credit Card Fits In The Capital One Miles Ecosystem
With six Capital One Spark business cards available, comparing them can be confusing. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
The Spark 2% Cash card offers a $750 welcome bonus, whereas the Spark 2X Miles card offers 50,000 points. That’s a difference of 25,000 points (equivalent to $250). The spending requirement also differs significantly. To earn the Spark 2% Cash card’s bonus, you must spend $7,500 in 3 months, while the Spark 2X Miles card requires only $4,500 spent in the same timeframe. The extra $3,000 spending difference could potentially earn you another card’s welcome bonus, so factor this into your decision. Both cards have a $95 annual fee that is waived during the first year.
The Spark 1.5X Miles Select and Spark 1.5% Cash Select cards offer identical welcome bonuses: 50,000 miles or $500 cash back. Both cards have a spending multiplier of 1.5% and no annual fee.
The Spark 1% Classic card offers no welcome bonus, earns just 1% cash back on all spending, and has no annual fee. This card is generally not recommended due to its low earning rate and lack of bonus.
Two outliers exist among Capital One business cards: the Spark 2% Cash Plus card and the Venture X Business card.
- The Spark 2% Cash Plus card offers a substantial $2,000 cash back bonus after spending $30,000 within the first year. Additionally, it provides another $2,000 cash back for every additional $500,000 spent within that first year.
- The Capital One Venture X Business card offers a high-value bonus of 150,000 points but has the same $30,000 spending requirement. The Venture X Business card also includes added perks like airport lounge access and travel credits.
If you want a higher-end business card beyond the standard Spark offerings, compare the Venture X Business card and the Spark Cash Plus card to determine which aligns best with your business needs.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee | 1st Year Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75,000 | $7,500 | 1.1 ¢ | $0 | $0 | $908 |
Award System
Current Offer
$7,500 spend.
Spend Categories
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
5X points
5.5¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
You can double the warranty up to 1 additional year on eligible purchases with warranties of 3 years or less.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes
Transfer To Friends Yes
Travel Partner Transfers
Capital One Miles Outside Point System
Transfers Out To
1:1 127% value retained
1:1 127% value retained
1:1 91% value retained
1:1 91% value retained
2:1.5 82% value retained
1:1 109% value retained
1:1 109% value retained
1:1 109% value retained
1:1 118% value retained
1:1 109% value retained
1:1 127% value retained
1:1 91% value retained
