Capital One Spark Cash review: Simple cash back for businesses but lacking benefits

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 (see rates and fees). 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 Spark Cash has an introductory $0 annual fee in the first year and a $95 annual fee thereafter.

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.

Capital One Spark Cash pros and cons

Capital One Spark Cash welcome offer

New Spark Cash cardholders can earn $750 cash back after spending $7,500 within the first three months from account opening.

This is one of 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.

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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 free employee cards 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 most businesses. Beyond that, this card doesn't offer much to justify having a $95 annual fee after the first cardmember 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.

For business owners who want to keep their earnings simple, this is a decent card to consider. Getting at least 2% back on all of your purchases is a solid 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 to have 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 unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (on up to $50,000 per year, then 1% thereafter). 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 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 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 Capital One Travel portal statement credit, 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?

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 (see rates and fees), 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.

Apply here: Capital One Spark Cash for Business

Related: Reasons to get a business credit card

For rates and fees of the Blue Business Cash, click here.

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.