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 options 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 key 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 still want to earn cash rewards but prefer 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 spending.

Both Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash offer unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, with no restrictions. They also come with business-focused benefits and tools that can help support your business needs. But they differ in key ways, too, including annual fees, preset spending limits and APR.

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 with free employee cards—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.

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

• Virtual card numbers: With a Capital One Business card, you can create virtual cards that help protect your information in the event of fraud, assign them to specific vendors and lock or delete them as needed for added control over spending.

• Account managers: Designated account managers can manage authorized users on your Capital One Business card account, make card and vendor payments, review statements and more.

• Access to Capital One Business Travel: With Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash, you can earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel, access discounted hotel rates and receive 24/7 support from live agents.

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:

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? Spark Cash Plus is a charge card, meaning it is designed to be paid in full. However, you have the option to carry over a portion of your balance with interest if needed. 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.

If your business needs more flexible spending power as it grows, you may want to consider Spark Cash Plus. Its no preset spending limit can provide greater flexibility for larger purchases or fluctuating business expenses, whereas a traditional fixed credit line only allows you to spend up to a set amount. If your business has the track record of responsibly managing higher spending levels, Spark Cash Plus may be the right fit for you.

Instead, if you want to earn many of the same rewards with a lower annual fee, Spark Cash could be the right choice for your business. You still get the same cash back rewards rates as Spark Cash Plus, and the fixed credit limit can help you manage spending.

Here are some answers to more common questions about Spark Cash Plus versus Spark Cash cards:

Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash offer different benefits depending on your business’s needs and goals. Spark Cash Plus may be a better fit for businesses looking for more flexible spending power, while Spark Cash could be a good option for businesses that prefer a traditional credit card with a fixed credit limit and a lower annual fee.

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.