Capital One Spark Cash review: Is the annual fee worth it?
Editor's Note
As a small-business owner whose days are already filled with juggling deadlines, invoices and about a dozen browser tabs, the last thing I need is my credit card adding more to think about. That's why I appreciate the Capital One Spark Cash. It earns an unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, making it one of the simplest business credit cards on the market.
The tradeoff? It doesn't offer many standout perks.
Card rating*: ⭐⭐½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Capital One Spark Cash: The basics
I spend a lot of time writing about travel points and miles, but I'll be the first to admit they aren't always the right answer. In fact, I think cash-back credit cards are often overlooked. Sometimes having flexible rewards that you can use however your business needs is the better play.
The Capital One Spark Cash earns an unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel. It has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees).
The card also doesn't charge foreign transaction fees(see rates and fees), and you can add employee cards at no additional cost. (see rates and fees)
What really sets the Spark Cash apart from many cash-back business cards is that your rewards don't have to stay cash back. If you also have an eligible Capital One miles-earning card, you can convert your rewards into transferable Capital One miles whenever it makes sense. That means you get the flexibility of cash back when your business needs it, without giving up the ability to book high-value award travel.
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.
Related: Reasons to get a business credit card
Capital One Spark Cash pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Capital One Spark Cash benefits
The Spark Cash won't wow you with a long list of premium perks, but the benefits it does offer are practical for everyday business spending.
Business-friendly features
- $0 introductory annual fee: The Spark Cash lets you give it a "test drive" before committing to an annual fee. It has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $95 annual fee , giving you plenty of time to decide whether it's a good fit for your business. However, the card becomes a tougher sell once the annual fee kicks in. Outside of its straightforward rewards structure, there aren't many premium benefits to help justify paying $95 year after year. (see rates and fees)
- Free employee cards: If you have employees making purchases on behalf of your business, employee cards are an easy way to earn more rewards while keeping all of your spending in one place. Employee cards can be added at no additional cost, and every eligible purchase earns the same unlimited 2% cash back.(see rates and fees)
- No foreign transaction fees: If your business takes you overseas or you regularly make purchases from international vendors, not paying foreign transaction fees can save you a surprising amount over time. It's one of those benefits you probably don't think about until you actually need it. I know I'm always happy to have it when traveling internationally or making purchases in another currency. While it isn't a standout perk, it's an important one that helps make the Spark Cash a convenient card to keep in your wallet. (see rates and fees)
Related: How to apply for a Capital One business credit card
How to earn and use your rewards
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 and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel. If your business spending is spread across a lot of different categories, this earning structure is hard to beat.
You never have to worry about activating bonus categories or remembering which purchases earn more rewards. Instead, you can use the card for nearly every business purchase and know you're earning a solid return.
Your rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
Related: Capital One miles: How to earn, redeem and transfer rewards
Redeeming rewards
You can redeem your rewards as a statement credit, check, gift cards or for eligible purchases — no strategy necessary. For many business owners, that's part of the appeal.
Cash back may not offer the same upside as a great award redemption, but it's hard to beat for flexibility. Whether you're offsetting business expenses or simply putting money back into your business, you can redeem your rewards anytime you want.
Additionally, there's another layer of flexibility if you also have an eligible Capital One miles-earning card, such as the Capital One Venture X Business. You can combine your rewards and transfer them to Capital One's airline and hotel partners. Based on TPG's July 2026 valuations, Capital One miles are worth 1.85 cents apiece.
I've done this myself by combining rewards from my Spark Cash and Venture X Business, then transferring them to Avianca Lifemiles. That let me book a nearly five-hour nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) for just over 10,000 Lifemiles.
Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card
Potential drawbacks to the Capital One Spark Cash
As appealing as the Spark Cash's streamlined cash back is, it isn't the right fit for every business. Its straightforward approach comes with a few compromises.
If you're looking for premium travel perks, valuable statement credits or extensive purchase protections, you'll find more value elsewhere. Likewise, if your goal is to build a robust points-and-miles strategy, there are stronger options that earn transferable rewards directly and offer more value beyond everyday spending.
Capital One Spark Cash vs. Capital One Spark Cash Plus
If you're deciding between the Spark Cash and the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, start by asking yourself how much simplicity matters and how much you're willing to pay for it.
The Spark Cash is the better fit for businesses that want a traditional credit card with a relatively low annual fee and uncomplicated rewards. If your spending varies from month to month, it's the more practical option.
I'd lean toward the Spark Cash Plus if your business consistently spends enough to get the refund on the $150 annual fee. The annual fee refund can make the higher fee of the Spark Cash Plus much easier to justify, but you'll need to spend $150,000 in a year to earn it. (see rates and fees)
Neither card is packed with premium perks, so the decision really comes down to your business's spending habits. If you're looking for a simple cash-back card, the Spark Cash is likely enough. But if your business has significant expenses and you can take advantage of the Spark Cash Plus's additional value, I'd strongly consider spending the extra money on the upgraded card.
Is the Capital One Spark Cash worth it?
The Spark Cash delivers on its promise of providing a simple way to earn a solid return on everyday business spending. If that's what you're looking for, it's an easy card to recommend.
But if you're hoping for rich perks, robust travel benefits or a card that plays a larger role in a long-term points-and-miles strategy, I'd look elsewhere.
When to apply for the Capital One Spark Cash
New Spark Cash cardholders can earn a $1,000 cash bonus and a one-time $250 Capital One Business Travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
The offer is generous, but only if your business can naturally meet the spending requirement. A $10,000 minimum spend in three months is a high bar for many small businesses. If you find yourself spending money you wouldn't have otherwise just to earn the bonus, the value of the offer starts to disappear.
Factoring in the limited-time travel credit, this offer is stronger than the Spark Cash's typical welcome offer. If you've already been considering the card and can comfortably meet the spending requirement, now is a great time to apply.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history
Other cards to consider if you don't want 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 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 (see rates and fees) 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 (see rates and fees) 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 annual 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.
Related: Is the Venture X Business worth it?
Bottom line
The Capital One Spark Cash proves that a simple business credit card doesn't have to be limiting. Its unlimited 2% cash back makes it an excellent everyday card, while the ability to convert rewards into transferable Capital One miles gives it more flexibility than most cash-back business cards.
If premium perks or bonus categories are your priority, you'll likely find a better fit elsewhere. But if you value straightforward rewards with the option to unlock even more value for travel, the Spark Cash is an easy card to recommend.
Learn more: Capital One Spark Cash
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.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Cash, click here.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.