Capital One Spark Cash Plus Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus Business card includes eye-catching language that might seem more valuable than it actually is. While it advertises a “$2,000 cash back sign-up bonus,” you must spend $30,000 in the first three months to earn it. You can also earn an additional $2,000 for each $500,000 spent in the first year, along with 2% back on all purchases. If your business has substantial monthly spending, you can maximize the rewards. However, there are other business cards with higher sign-up bonuses that require less spending. On the other hand, the simplicity of a flat 2% on everything may appeal to some.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
If your business has significant monthly expenses and you don’t want to juggle multiple spending categories, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus Business card might be a good option. It offers straightforward rewards, including:
- A $2,000 sign-up bonus after spending $30,000 in the first three months
- 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere, with no category restrictions
- An additional $2,000 for every $500,000 spent in the first year (in addition to the standard 2% back)
- No preset spending limit, which can be advantageous for large purchases
Because the balance must be paid in full each month, there is no APR. The card has a $150 annual fee, which is waived if you spend $150,000. If you regularly put substantial charges on your business card and prefer simplicity over complex point systems, this card could be a strong choice.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
You might not want this card if:
- Your business doesn’t spend enough to reach all the cash back bonus thresholds.
- You don’t mind tracking spending categories and prefer a different business card with more substantial benefits and perks.
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 Plus Credit Card Fits In The Capital One Miles Ecosystem
Among the six Spark Business cards Capital One offers, the Spark Cash Plus for Business stands out for its unique structure. In particular, you might compare it to the Capital One Venture X Business card:
- Higher sign-up bonus: Spark Cash Plus offers $2,000 cash back, compared to the Venture X’s 150,000 points (worth $1,500). However, both cards require $30,000 in spending to earn their sign-up bonuses.
- Ongoing rewards: With Spark Cash Plus, you can earn an additional $2,000 for every $500,000 spent in the first year, making it attractive for businesses with significant expenses.
- Annual fees: Spark Cash Plus charges a $150 annual fee (waived if you spend $150,000), whereas the Venture X has a $395 annual fee but comes with extras like lounge access and travel credits.
Ultimately, whether Spark Cash Plus or Venture X is best for you depends on your spending habits and how valuable you find lounge access and other travel benefits.
As for the other Spark cards, their differences lie in sign-up bonuses, spending multipliers, and whether rewards come as cash or miles/points. For example, the Spark 2% Cash card provides a higher welcome offer than the Spark 2X Miles card but requires a larger spend ($7,500 vs. $4,500). Both have a 95 annual fee, waived the first year. The Spark 1.5X Miles Select and 1.5% Cash Select each offer a 50,000-mile or $500 sign-up bonus, with 1.5X or 1.5% earnings — and neither has an annual fee. Finally, the Spark 1% Classic does not offer a sign-up bonus and has no annual fee, but it’s generally less appealing than the other options.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200,000 | $30,000 | 1.1 ¢ | $0 | $150 |
$2380
|
AWARD SYSTEM
CURRENT OFFER
$30,000 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
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
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
