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Choosing a business credit card shouldn't require a spreadsheet. Here's a simple rule based on your business spending that will tell you exactly which Spark Cash card returns the most dollars to your wallet in the first year.
Capital One offers three versions of their Spark Cash card, each designed for different types of businesses. While they might look similar at first glance, two key spending thresholds determine which card will put the most money back in your pocket in the first year: $7,500 and $30,000.
Understanding the three Capital One Spark cards
Each Spark Cash card offers unlimited cash back on all purchases, but they differ in three key areas: the welcome offer for new cardholders, annual fees, and cashback rates.
- The Capital One Spark Cash Select offers 1.5% cash back with no annual fee.
- The Capital One Spark Cash offers 2% cash back with an annual fee of $0 intro for first year; $95 after that.
- The Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers 2% cash back with an annual fee of $150.
How the $7,500 breakpoint rule works
- $500 Cash Back once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- 1.5% cashback on every purchase
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- $0 annual fee
- 1.5% cashback on every purchase
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
If you'll spend less than $7,500 over the next 3 months: If you have few business expenses to charge to a card, the Spark Cash Select is your best option. With no annual fee and a $500 welcome bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, you'll maximize your returns without worrying about offsetting a card fee.
This card ideally suits someone with a big upcoming expense (to lock in the signup bonus) but who isn't likely to spend much on their card during the rest of the year.
- 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere
- No foreign transaction fees
- $0 intro for first year; $95 after that
- 2% Cash Back on every purchase. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site.
Spend between $7,500 and $30,000 in the next 3 months: At $7,500 in spending, you can earn the signup bonus on the Spark Cash, putting it firmly in the top spot. You'll earn a bigger $750 welcome bonus once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months from account opening, plus an ongoing 2% cashback rate that easily offsets the annual fee.
This card hits the sweet spot for many small businesses. The spending requirement is reasonable, and you won't need to track bonus categories or plan your purchases to maximize rewards.
- Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year. You can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of year 1!
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere-with no limits or category restrictions
- 2% Cash Back on every purchase. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site.
Spend over $30,000 in the next 3 months: Step up to the Spark Cash Plus. At $30K, high-spending businesses come out ahead with a massive $2,000 welcome bonus (once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months) and the same 2% cash back rate. The $150 annual fee is higher, but Capital One waives it entirely if you spend $150,000 in a calendar year – perfect for established businesses with significant expenses.
Quick note: These spending thresholds are based on first-year value and include welcome bonuses. The math looks different for ongoing years when comparing annual fees and cashback earning rates without the welcome offer.
Why Earn Cash Back with Spark Cards?
Unlike cards with complex bonus categories and caps, the Spark Cash cards keep it simple with unlimited cash back on every purchase. There's no need to remember which card to use where – just swipe your card and earn your rewards. Plus, you can redeem your cash back with no minimum redemption requirement.
A hidden perk: if you also have a Capital One Venture branded card, you can convert your Spark Cash rewards to Venture Miles 1:1. This effectively turns your business spending into flexible travel rewards, allowing you to choose between cash back or travel redemptions based on your needs.
Final thoughts
Choosing between the three Spark Cash cards comes down to which bonus you can earn with your upcoming business expenses. The no-annual-fee Spark Cash Select is best for spending under $7,500, the regular Spark Cash wins between $7,500 and $30,000, and the Spark Cash Plus takes the lead above $30,000. No spreadsheet needed—just pick the card that matches your expected business spending and start earning rewards.
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