Capital One Spark Cash review: Simple cash back for businesses but lacking benefits
Editor's Note
Capital One Spark Cash overview
The Capital One Spark Cash card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases with no spending caps. Aside from the simplistic cash-back earning structure, the card lacks standout benefits and carries a $95 annual fee after the introductory $0 annual fee in the first year. Card rating*: ⭐⭐½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Cash-back credit cards give businesses the ultimate flexibility. The cash back can be used to book travel, pay expenses or buy anything useful to the business.
The Spark Cash is a revamped version of the discontinued Spark Cash for Business. It gives businesses an unlimited 2% cash-back credit card option with a fixed credit line, unlike the similar Capital One Spark Cash Plus card, which has no preset credit limit and must be paid in full every month.
The TPG recommended credit score for this card is 740 or higher. However, it may be possible to get approved with a lower score.
Let's dive into whether the Spark Cash should be in your business's wallet.
The information for the Spark Cash for Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Capital One Spark Cash pros and cons
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Capital One Spark Cash welcome offer
New Spark Cash cardholders can earn $1,000 after spending $10,000 in the first three months from account opening.
This is one of the better welcome offers we typically see on a cash-back business card. That said, smaller businesses will want a solid strategy to meet the spending requirement.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history
Capital One Spark Cash benefits
Despite having an annual fee after the first year, the Spark Cash severely lacks standout benefits and leaves much to be desired.
The Spark Cash includes benefits like employee cards at no additional cost and itemized year-end summaries to help you manage your business.
While those benefits aren't eye-popping and are standard on most business cards, they could be useful for lots of small businesses. Beyond that, however, this card doesn't offer much to justify having a $95 annual fee after the first cardholder year.
Related: How to apply for a Capital One business credit card
Earning cash back on the Capital One Spark Cash
Simplicity is the name of the game with earning cash back on the Spark Cash. You'll earn unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases.
Plus, cardholders will earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One travel's booking site.
This is a decent card to consider for business owners who want to keep their earnings simple. Getting at least 2% back on all purchases is a decent return on your spending.
Related: Capital One miles: How to earn, redeem and transfer rewards
Redeeming cash back on the Capital One Spark Cash
Redeeming cash back on the Spark Cash is simple. Capital One allows you to redeem your rewards for any amount so you can tailor your redemptions to meet your business's needs.
While cash back isn't as lucrative as earning points and miles, many people favor it for its simplicity and straightforwardness. Even if you're a points and miles fan, having a cash back card on hand is useful for times when you don't have a lot of travel planned.
Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card
Which cards compete with the Capital One Spark Cash?
If you want to earn transferable rewards or better benefits and perks, or if you don't want an annual fee beyond the first cardmember year, there are other cards that compete with or even outclass the Spark Cash that you may want to consider.
- If you prefer no annual fee: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and earns 2% cash back on all purchases (on up to $50,000 per year, then 1% thereafter). Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement. To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Business Cash card.
- If you prefer earning transferable points: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has a $95 annual fee and earns 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each year on travel; shipping purchases; internet, cable and phone services; and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases). These Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for outsize value by utilizing Chase's excellent roster of transfer partners. To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred card.
- If you want lounge access: The Capital One Venture X Business carries a $395 annual fee and earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, which can redeemed with Capital One's extensive network of 15-plus transfer partners. Cardholders receive great lounge access, a $300 statement credit when booked through Capital One Business Travel, 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, and solid travel protections and perks. To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X Business.
For additional options, check out our full list of the best business cards.
The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Is the Venture X Business worth it?
Is the Capital One Spark Cash worth it?
The Spark Cash is a decent business offering that earns an unlimited 2% cash back. However, with lackluster benefits and an annual fee after the first year, businesses might be better suited with another card, especially considering there are other cards that offer 2% cash back with better benefits without an annual fee.
Bottom line
If you want a business card that offers an easy-to-remember unlimited 2% cash back, the Spark Cash is a solid option. Despite its simplicity, it is limited by its mediocre benefits and an annual fee after the first year.
If you want to earn transferable rewards or higher cash-back rates in broad categories, you might want to consider another business card.
Learn more: Capital One Spark Cash
Related: Reasons to get a business credit card
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.