Capital One Spark Cash Plus vs. Spark Cash: Compared

If you’re shopping for a credit card for your business, you might be exploring the many business rewards cards that Capital One offers. Two specific cards from Capital One to consider are the Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash cards.

Both the Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash cards can help you take your business to the next level with unlimited 2% cash back and business benefits—but there are some differences to keep in mind. The Spark Cash Plus card is designed for business owners who need flexible spending power and are looking to earn more cash rewards. The Spark Cash card is a great option for business owners who want to still earn cash rewards but with a fixed credit line.

Keep reading to learn more about how these two cards compare so you can determine which one best meets your needs.

What you'll learn:

• Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash are different types of cards, but both provide best-in-class business benefits.

• Spark Cash Plus is a charge card that offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases with no preset spending limit.

• Spark Cash also offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, but has a set line of credit.

• Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash both charge annual fees, but Spark Cash Plus has a higher $150 fee that’s refundable for businesses that spend $150,000 or more each year—making it better suited for businesses with high annual expenses.

Both Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash offer unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, with no restrictions. If you travel frequently, you can get 5% cash back on rental cars and hotels you book through Capital One Business Travel with either card. 

While the two cards share several benefits, there are also key differences to consider. Whether one card is a better fit for you than the other will depend on the needs of your business. Here’s a snapshot of the main differences between Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash:

Beyond their differences, both Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash offer benefits that help you run your business more efficiently and securely.

Check out some top-tier business benefits you can expect from both Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash—and other Capital One business cards too.

• No foreign transaction fees: When you travel internationally, you won’t have to pay foreign transaction fees when making purchases abroad.

• Free employee cards: You can manage employee spending from anywhere—while earning rewards on every purchase.

• Fraud alerts: Capital One keeps your account secure with fraud and security alerts. If a mistake or unexpected transaction is detected, you’ll receive a text message or email to ensure your account is secure.

• Accounts Payable: By connecting your Capital One Business account to the Accounts Payable tool, you can view, schedule and manage payments while accessing an array of benefits to improve efficiency.

One key difference between Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash is how they work: Spark Cash Plus is a charge card, while Spark Cash is a traditional credit card.

What does this mean, exactly? With a charge card like Spark Cash Plus, you’ll pay the balance in full every month,¹ so there’s no annual percentage rate (APR). There’s also no preset spending limit (NPSL), and your spending power adapts to your business’s needs based on your payment history, credit profile and spending patterns.

Spark Cash, on the other hand, is a traditional credit card. It offers a revolving line of credit that allows you to borrow up to a set limit. You’ll owe a minimum payment every month, and if you don’t pay the balance in full, the remaining amount will carry over to the next month, accruing interest based on your account’s variable APR.

Both Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash come with annual fees—the main difference is the amount. Spark Cash Plus has an annual fee of $150, which gets refunded if you spend $150,000 or more annually. Spark Cash has no annual fee for the first year, then it’s $95 every year after that.

Typically, the annual fee can be offset by the premium rewards and benefits that come with the card. You might see higher welcome bonuses, enhanced travel rewards and opportunities to earn more cash back on purchases.

With its $150 refundable annual fee, Spark Cash Plus can be beneficial for high-spending companies looking for a card that grows with their business. Meanwhile, Spark Cash’s lower annual fee could pay for itself as you earn unlimited 2% cash back on all your business purchases.

Picking a credit card to apply for is a personal choice, and the best option for your business can depend on your goals and spending habits. 

But if you’re deciding between Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash, you might choose Spark Cash Plus if you’re looking to earn bigger bonuses and need more flexible spending power. If you want to earn great rewards with a low annual fee, Spark Cash could be the right choice for your business.

With both Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash, business owners have a range of options. The decision often comes down to what your business needs and goals are. As you make your decision, a good first step could be comparing business cards from Capital One and seeing which offers you’re pre-approved for. It’s quick and easy and won’t impact your personal credit score.