Chase Ink vs. Capital One Spark [2025]: Which Business Cards Are Best?

Chase and Capital One offer some of the most popular business credit cards on the market under their Ink and Spark product lines, respectively. These cards feature benefits like large welcome bonuses, cashback rewards, and travel perks.

We recommend Chase's Ink Business credit cards for most businesses because you could maximize your earning potential with bonus rewards on many different but common business expenses. We especially think the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card(Rates and fees) is a standout for frequent travelers and that the Ink Business Premier^® Credit Card(Rates and fees) is great for cashback.

On the other hand, we think certain Capital One Spark cards are excellent for those who prefer a simpler rewards structure or aren't able to take advantage of Chase's bonus categories. Capital One's cards make it easier to use one card for all your business expenses.

Chase Ink vs. Capital One Spark

Why choose a Chase business credit card

Chase's business credit cards may be the best option for you if:

• You already have a relationship with Chase
• You'd rather have different spending categories to maximize your earning potential
• You want to earn travel rewards and redeem them at a higher rate
• You don't mind using multiple cards to boost your earning potential
• You prefer Chase's transfer partners

To leverage an existing relationship with Chase

If you're already a Chase business banking customer, you may find it easier to stick with the Chase Ink business cards and keep all of your accounts in one place. Bookkeeping can be a lot simpler when you're only working with one bank.

More flexibility with spending categories

We like how the Chase Ink cards generally offer earning rates that make sense for business owners. You can choose a simpler approach to earning with the Ink Business Premier or Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card, or you can boost your earning potential on specific expenses with the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card and Ink Business Preferred.

And the rates can be quite generous on everyday business expenses. For example, the Ink Business Cash offers 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 and 2% back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.

Meanwhile, the Ink Business Preferred offers 3X points on first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year.

Better redemptions for travel

If you're a frequent traveler, you may like Chase because it allows you to earn a higher point redemption rate on travel. The Ink Business Preferred offers 25% more value for your points when you redeem them through Chase Travel.

Chase allows you to transfer points between cards, so if you have multiple Chase Ink cards, you could transfer all your points to the Ink Business Preferred for redemption. In fact, you can even transfer points between business and personal cards to help you maximize your point redemption even more.

You don't mind using multiple cards to boost your earning potential

Getting the most out of Chase's bonus categories may require you to have multiple credit cards. Each of Chase's cards offers elevated rewards in specific categories. If you want the highest rate available in all categories, you'll need multiple cards.

It's also worth noting that the cards that offer the highest rewards in certain categories tend to offer the lowest rate on other spending.

You may want to pair them with something like the Ink Business Unlimited to get a higher flat rewards rate. Just remain wary of the Chase 5/24 rule as you build your card roster.

You prefer Chase's transfer partners

Chase has a slightly smaller list of transfer partners than Capital One, but it's still an impressive lineup.

Though transfer partners may not be the deciding factor for everyone, it could be if you're loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain.

Hot Welcome Bonus

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Generous welcome offer
• High rewards rate on common business expenses
• Flexible Ultimate Rewards points
• No foreign transaction fees
• Cell phone, purchase, and travel protections

Drawbacks

• Annual fee of $95
• $150,000 annual cap on bonus category spending
• No intro APR offer

Card Details

• Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

Why choose a Capital One business credit card

A Capital One business card may be a better fit for you if:

• You prefer a simple rewards rate
• You would rather use one credit card for all your purchases
• You prefer Capital One's transfer partners

You value simplicity over tracking bonus categories

If you prefer a simple rewards rate, then Capital One Spark is likely the right card family for you. Capital One's business cards offer flat unlimited points or cash back ranging from 1% to 2%, depending on the card.

The Capital One Venture X Business(Rates and fees), Capital One Spark Cash Plus(Rates and fees) , and Capital One Spark Miles for Business(Rates and fees) offer the highest reward rate. Meanwhile, the Capital One Spark Classic for Business offers the lowest reward rate at just 1% on all purchases.

No, you won't get the higher cash back or points on certain business expenses that you would with some of Chase's business cards. But the generous flat rate some of Capital One's cards offer might actually make up for it.

In fact, some small businesses may not be able to take advantage of Chase's bonus categories at all. Take the Ink Business Cash, for example, which offers 5% 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.

For someone like me who runs a small online business with minimal office supplies — basically, just a computer — and communication services paid out of my personal budget, the Ink Business Cash's bonus categories would be a waste. Instead, the simple cash back on some of Capital One's cards sounds a lot more appealing.

You would rather use one credit card for all your purchases

Even if you could take advantage of Chase's bonus categories, you may decide it's not worth the hassle to use multiple credit cards. Instead, Capital One's higher flat rate means you can put all of your purchases on a single card and not feel like you're missing out on rewards.

This option may be especially appealing for small businesses, including sole entrepreneurs. When you're in the weeds of your business by yourself, you probably don't have the time to devote to maximizing credit card bonus categories on multiple cards.

You prefer Capital One transfer partners

Capital One has a larger list of transfer partners than Chase, which could be appealing to some cardholders. Unlike Chase, Capital One doesn't transfer points to any of the major U.S. airlines.

However, it has options you won't find with Chase:

Capital One Spark vs. Chase Ink: Comparing earnings and perks

To help you decide between these two card families, let's take a closer look at how you can get some of the most popular card perks, including cash back, travel rewards, and 0% intro APR offers.

Comparing travel rewards

	Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card 4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Capital One Spark Miles for Business(Rates and fees) 4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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 one earnings: $1,611 Year two earnings: $486	Year one earnings: $1,022 Year two earnings: $427
Earning rate	3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases	5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site, and 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Welcome bonus	Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening	Earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee	$95	$95 (waived first year)
Redemption methods	Travel Transfers to travel partners Transfers to other eligible Chase cards Statement credits Bank deposits Gift cards Online shopping (Pay with Points)	Travel Transfers to travel partners Cover past travel purchases Statement credits Mailed checks Gift cards
Foreign transaction fee	None	None
Credit needed	Excellent, Good	Excellent, Good
	Apply now	Learn more

The Ink Business Preferred and Capital One Spark Miles for Business(Rates and fees) have a few similarities, including their annual fees, redemption methods, and no foreign transaction fees.

The primary difference between the two cards is how you earn rewards. The Ink Business Preferred focuses on specific bonus categories that likely align with common business expenses. And the Capital One Spark Miles typically provides a simple earning rate that makes it easy to use one card for all your business purchases, although it may offer an elevated rate on certain expenses from time to time.

So, the better card for you depends on your preferences. Do you want loads of bonus categories or a simple earning rate?

Keep in mind that you could also increase your overall earning potential by using the Ink Business Preferred in tandem with the Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited. And points you move to the Ink Business Preferred in this manner are worth 25% more toward travel redemptions when booked through Chase Travel℠.

Winner: It depends. We recommend the Ink Business Preferred if your business expenses align with its bonus categories and you also combine points with the Ink Business Unlimited and Ink Business Cash. But for simple and straightforward earning potential, we recommend the Capital One Spark Miles for Business(Rates and fees).

For lower annual fees, consider these other travel credit cards from Chase and Capital One:

• Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card
• Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card
• Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

Comparing 0% intro APRs

	Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card 4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Ink Business Cash® Credit Card(Rates and fees) 4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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 one earnings: $1,130 Year two earnings: $380	Year one earnings: $1,223 Year two earnings: $473
Intro APR	0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 17.49% - 23.49% Variable)	0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 17.49% - 25.49% Variable)
Annual fee	$0	$0
Welcome bonus	Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening	Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
Earning rate	Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase	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; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases
Credit needed	Excellent, Good	Excellent, Good
	Apply now	Apply now

There aren't typically as many business credit cards with 0% introductory APR offers as personal cards, but with Chase you've got two options in the Ink Business Unlimited and the Ink Business Cash. Capital One currently doesn't offer a business card with a 0% intro APR period.

For many 0% intro APR cards, that interest-free period is the primary draw. But if you're also interested in earning cashback rewards, both the Ink Business Unlimited and Ink Business Cash typically have pretty strong welcome offers, though the Unlimited's is typically higher.

Winner: Chase wins by default here due to Capital One's lack of 0% intro APR business cards. The Ink Business Unlimited beats the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card on the welcome offer front and offers a higher base rate for cash back earnings, though the Ink Business Cash does feature some appealing elevated earn rates in certain common business spending categories.

Comparing cash back

	Ink Business Premier® Credit Card 5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Capital One Spark Cash Plus(Rates and fees) 4.4 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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 one earnings $1,311 Year two earnings $311	Year one earnings $356 Year two earnings $356
Earning rate	5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; unlimited 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more; unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases	Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, every day; plus unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site
Welcome bonus	Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening	Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
Annual fee	$195	$150
Redemption methods	Statement credits Bank deposits Travel Gift cards Online shopping (Pay with Points)	Statement credits Mailed checks Travel Cover past purchases Gift cards
Foreign transaction fee	None	None
Credit needed	Excellent, Good	Excellent
	Apply now	Learn more

The Chase Ink Business Premier and Capital One Spark Cash Plus(Rates and fees) have similar earning rates, annual fees, and redemption methods. They also don't have foreign transaction fees.

The Spark Cash Plus has the lower $150 annual fee compared with the $195 annual fee on the Ink Business Premier. But the Ink Business Premier offers more earning potential with its elevated earning rate.

Specifically, you earn 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more. That's not something you can find on the Spark Cash Plus. And if you frequently have those types of large business expenses, you should more than cover the difference in annual fees with the extra rewards you're earning.

When comparing cards, small differences in cash back percentages can really add up. Using a hypothetical example, here's how much cash back you would earn at a 2.5% versus 2% rate on purchases equalling $50,000:

• 2.5% rate: $50,000 x 0.025 = $1,250
• 2% rate: $50,000 x 0.02 = $1,000

Winner: We like the Ink Business Premier because it has more earning potential for high-spending businesses.

For lower annual fees, consider these other cash back cards from Chase and Capital One:

• Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card
• Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card
• Capital One Spark Cash Select(Rates and fees)

FAQs

Bottom line

We generally recommend Chase Ink over Capital One Spark business cards if you want to maximize your earning potential. This is especially true with the Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Preferred cards that offer high earning rates on specific business categories.

If you prefer simple earning rates, the Capital One Spark cards have more options to choose from. One specific highlight is the Capital One Spark Miles because you can earn at least 2X miles on every purchase, every day.

Check out our roundup of the best small business credit cards for more options.

Up to 5% Cash Back

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

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; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Solid rewards on office supply, telecom spending, gas, and dining
• Generous welcome offer
• Intro APR on purchases
• $0 annual fee
• Valuable purchase and travel protections

Drawbacks

• Bonus rewards capped after $25,000 annual spend in each category
• No bonus rewards for travel or advertising purchases
• Foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Card Details

• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• 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
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC