Card basics
Star rating | |
FinanceBuzz value calculation1 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p> | Year 1: $756
Year 2: $411 |
Annual fee | $95 (waived first year) |
Early spend bonus | Earn a one-time $750 cash bonus once you spend $7,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening |
Rewards rate | Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions |
Recommended credit score | Excellent |
Foreign transaction fee | None |
Who should get the Capital One Spark Cash card?
The Capital One Spark Cash card is one of the best small business credit cards because it offers consistent cash back on all purchases rather than restricting it to specific spending categories. In particular, small business owners with erratic spending that wouldn’t benefit from the bonus rewards categories associated with other cards would benefit from the Capital One Spark Cash.
For example, a new business may not have established spending patterns, so going with a flat-rate card is a good way to maximize cash back.
Additionally, if you frequently travel or do business outside the U.S., the Capital One Spark Cash card is great because it doesn’t levy foreign transaction fees on your purchases.
Who should pass?
The Capital One Spark Cash credit card isn’t the best option for business owners who have less-than-stellar credit. You must have excellent credit to qualify for the card. And, if you aren’t good at paying your bills on time, you could be charged a late fee of up to $39 and see the APR increase to a penalty APR.
If you don’t travel much for your business and would rather earn more cash back on your everyday business expenses, you can probably find a better business credit card than the Capital One Spark Cash card.
For example, with the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, you can earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year.
Notable benefits and perks
- Unlimited cash back: While some cash back credit cards may limit rewards to purchases in select categories, with the Capital One Spark Cash card, you’ll earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions.
- Free cards for employees: If you have employees who also make purchases for your business, you can add them to your Capital One Spark Cash account at no additional cost (some cards charge for adding employees). And, you’ll earn cash back rewards on all their purchases. Capital One provides you with the tools to manage and track employee spending and remove them from the account if needed as well.
- No foreign transactions: Many credit cards charge a fee for purchases you make in countries outside the U.S., and this fee can be as high as 3%. However, the Capital One Spark Cash card (and all Capital One business cards) doesn’t charge this fee.
- Attainable bonus: You could earn a one-time $750 cash bonus once you spend $7,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, which is easily attainable. While this amount may be high for personal spending, it is achievable with business spending.
Drawbacks
- Annual fee: The Capital One Spark Cash(Rates and fees) annual fee is $95 (waived first year). This fee may be hard to justify, especially since Capital One offers a similar card with no annual fee. The Capital One Spark Cash Select gives you slightly less cash back per purchase, but the difference may be worth it to avoid annual fees.
- Penalty APR: If you fail to make your Capital One Spark Cash(Rates and fees) credit card payment on time, the consequences may be more than just a late payment fee. You may also be charged a Penalty APR.
Earning & redeeming cash back
Potential earnings in years one and two
Here's a look at how your cash back can add up with the Capital One Spark Cash.
Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.
Year one earnings: $756
Year two earnings: $411
These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, which takes a look at cash back earned via spending, the early spend bonus, and the annual fee.
Maximizing your redemptions
With the Capital One Spark Cash card, your cash back rewards never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. You can redeem your rewards for an account credit, a check, gift card, or even use them to cover recent purchases.
You can also use your rewards to purchase things on Amazon or cover your spending on Capital One Travel or Capital One Entertainment. I like to use the rewards I earn to cover my purchases on Amazon. It's like getting free stuff.
FAQ
What credit score do you need for Capital One Spark Cash?
To qualify for a Capital One Spark Cash business credit card, you’ll have to have excellent credit. Excellent credit typically means that your credit score is at least 800.
What is the credit limit for the Capital One Spark Cash?
The credit limit on the Capital One Spark Cash varies, depending on your creditworthiness. Factors such as your credit score, existing debt, and income all play a part in the credit limit that you are approved for.
The Capital One Spark Cash is different from the Capital One Spark Cash Plus card in that the Cash Plus card has no credit limit but must be paid in full every month.
Bottom line
The Capital One Spark Cash card is a strong contender for small business owners who want to earn consistent cash back rewards. The card’s standout features include unlimited cash back on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international business expenses.
However, the Capital One Spark Cash(Rates and fees) card does have some drawbacks, such as the annual fee and a high APR that can escalate to a penalty rate if payments are missed. It also requires excellent credit for approval, which may limit its accessibility for some business owners.