Capital One Spark Cash Select review: Business cash back with no annual fee
Editor's Note
Capital One Spark Cash Select overview
The Capital One Spark Cash Select is a no-annual-fee business card that's a good option for small-business owners who want to earn cash back at a flat rate on all their purchases. A sibling to the Capital One Spark Cash Plus card, the Spark Cash Select earns an unlimited 1.5% back on all purchases. Still, some business owners will be disappointed by the limited benefits the Spark Cash Select offers. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
When it comes to flexible credit card rewards, cash back is king. You can use your rewards to fund travel, upgrade your office furniture or order lunch to celebrate completing a big project.
If you want to earn your cash back without paying an annual fee, the Spark Cash Select could be the perfect card for your business. TPG recommends applicants have a credit score of 740 or higher to increase their chances of approval.
Let's dive into what this card can offer you and your business.
Spark Cash Select pros and cons
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|---|---|
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Spark Cash Select welcome offer
Currently, new cardholders earn a one-time $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 within the first three months of opening an account with this card.
This $750 bonus is impressive, especially considering that cash-back cards generally have lower welcome offers. Since you don't have to pay an annual fee, this bonus is money that goes right back into your pocket — or business.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history
Spark Cash Select benefits
A standout benefit of the Spark Cash Select is that it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, so it's a good card to have in your wallet if your business travels take you abroad.
You'll also get some basic perks like year-end spending summaries to make tax season easier, extended warranty on eligible items and roadside assistance should you need it. Still, the Spark Cash Select's perks are considerably light compared to what some of our other favorite business credit cards have to offer.
Related: How to pick a strategy for your small-business credit cards
Earning cash back on the Spark Cash Select
One of the best things about the Spark Cash Select is its simple earning structure. Cardholders earn 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site and an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
If you spend a large portion of your budget on purchases that don't earn any bonus points with most business cards, this flat earning rate is a great way to fill in the gaps in your business spending reward strategy.
Related: Why you should get a fixed-rate rewards credit card
Redeeming cash back on the Spark Cash Select
Just like earning rewards, redeeming your Spark Cash Select rewards is simple and straightforward. You can redeem your cash back rewards for any amount, and the rewards won't expire as long as your account is open.
A drawback to this card is that you won't have the option to get a higher value from your rewards by transferring them to a valuable travel partner. But if you don't want to spend time and energy learning how to maximize your rewards and planning your redemptions, the simplicity of your cash back is attractive.
Related: How to redeem cash-back rewards from your credit card
Which cards compete with the Spark Cash Select?
If you want to earn a higher return on your business expenses or have more options for redeeming your rewards, one of the following cards will likely be a better fit.
- If you spend enough to justify paying an annual fee: The Capital One Spark Cash Plus earns a higher 2% back on all purchases but has a $150 annual fee. You'll get your annual fee refunded after you spend $150,000 each year, so this is a better option if you spend enough to reap this card's additional benefits. For more details, check out our full review of the Spark Cash Plus.
- If you want more reward redemption options: The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business earns rewards as miles, allowing you to transfer your rewards to any of Capital One's 15-plus airline and hotel partners. For more details, check out our full review of the Spark Miles Select.
- If you want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards: The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees) also earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. But if you also have a card that allows you to transfer your rewards to travel partners, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can transfer the rewards you earn with the Ink Business Unlimited as well. For more details, check out our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.
For additional options, see our full list of the best no-annual-fee business cards and the best business cash-back cards.
The information for the Spark Miles Select for Business and 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: Capital One Spark Cash Plus vs. Spark Miles for Business: Which is better for your business?
Is the Spark Cash Select worth it?
The Spark Cash Select allows you to get the full value of your welcome bonus and cash-back rewards without having to worry about justifying an annual fee. However, if you spend enough to justify an annual fee or can maximize the bonus categories on other credit cards, this card isn't likely to spark joy.
Related: How to apply for a Capital One business credit card
Bottom line
If you want a business card that earns cash-back rewards at a flat rate and doesn't have an annual fee, the Spark Cash Select is a great option. But if you have significant business expenses, you'll want to opt for a card with higher earning potential and more substantial benefits.
Learn more: Capital One Spark Cash Select
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. (Partner offer)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. (Partner offer)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.