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November 1, 2022
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If you’re looking to maximize the cash back you earn and need flexibility in how much you can put on your card, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus is our top pick for the best Capital One business card. This charge card earns flat-rate cash back and has no preset spending limit.
Capital One offers small business owners straightforward value with its line of Spark business credit cards, all of which earn rewards at a flat rate. The best Capital One business card for you depends on whether you want to earn cash back or miles, how frequently you travel and how good your credit is.
We compiled a list of the best small business credit cards from the issuer, along with their pros and cons, to help you find the best fit.
Sign-up bonus: Earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening.
Earning rate: Earn 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Cash Plus has the highest cash back rate for everyday purchases out of the entire Spark line. Paired with its travel rewards, this card has generous cash back rewards overall. It’s also the only Spark card that offers an annual cash bonus if you meet a spending requirement.
What to look out for: This isn’t a typical credit card, it’s a charge card. Charge cards require you to pay off your balance in full every month, so you’ll receive a late fee if you carry a balance on the Capital One Spark Cash Plus.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No preset spending limit Unlimited cash back Intro and annual cash bonuses | $150 annual fee Late fee of 2.99% of the unpaid portion |
This card is best for small businesses who would rather earn more cash back than points or miles for their purchases. Since the Capital One Spark Cash Plus charges a $150 annual fee, it’s best for businesses that require a heavy spend each year.
It’s also best for small business owners who are prepared to pay their card off every month. The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is technically a charge card. Unlike a traditional credit card, it has no preset spending limit or APR. The catch is you’re required to pay it off every month, or you’ll be charged a late fee of 2.99% of the unpaid portion.
If you need to make a big purchase, this card’s no preset spending limit offers the flexibility to do so. However, the spending limit isn’t unlimited — it may change over time depending on how you use the card and several other factors.
Sign-up bonus: Earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening.
Earning rate: Earn 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Cash Plus has the highest cash back rate for everyday purchases out of the entire Spark line. Paired with its travel rewards, this card has generous cash back rewards overall. It’s also the only Spark card that offers an annual cash bonus if you meet a spending requirement.
What to look out for: This isn’t a typical credit card, it’s a charge card. Charge cards require you to pay off your balance in full every month, so you’ll receive a late fee if you carry a balance on the Capital One Spark Cash Plus.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No preset spending limit Unlimited cash back Intro and annual cash bonuses | $150 annual fee Late fee of 2.99% of the unpaid portion |
This card is best for small businesses who would rather earn more cash back than points or miles for their purchases. Since the Capital One Spark Cash Plus charges a $150 annual fee, it’s best for businesses that require a heavy spend each year.
It’s also best for small business owners who are prepared to pay their card off every month. The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is technically a charge card. Unlike a traditional credit card, it has no preset spending limit or APR. The catch is you’re required to pay it off every month, or you’ll be charged a late fee of 2.99% of the unpaid portion.
If you need to make a big purchase, this card’s no preset spending limit offers the flexibility to do so. However, the spending limit isn’t unlimited — it may change over time depending on how you use the card and several other factors.
Sign-up bonus: Earn $500 Cash Back once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Earning rate: Earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus offers a generous sign-up bonus and a $0 annual fee. If you have the excellent credit it takes to qualify for the card, then this card’s bonus could make it worth applying for.
What to look out for: The spend required to earn the sign-up bonus is high. Also, you likely won’t qualify for the card if you don’t have excellent credit. If you don’t quite meet that requirement, you may want to apply for the Capital One Spark Cash Select - 0% Intro APR for 12 Months instead.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Sign-up bonus $0 annual fee Unlimited cash back | Hard to qualify for No intro APR |
If you have excellent credit, you can apply for the Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus with confidence. It’s a great choice for a $0-annual-fee card with a solid sign-up bonus and a competitive flat-rate cashback program.
The other version of the card, the Capital One Spark Cash Select - 0% Intro APR for 12 Months, comes with the same cashback program and also charges a $0 annual fee, but doesn’t have a sign-up bonus and is aimed at applicants with good credit.
Sign-up bonus: Earn $500 Cash Back once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Earning rate: Earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus offers a generous sign-up bonus and a $0 annual fee. If you have the excellent credit it takes to qualify for the card, then this card’s bonus could make it worth applying for.
What to look out for: The spend required to earn the sign-up bonus is high. Also, you likely won’t qualify for the card if you don’t have excellent credit. If you don’t quite meet that requirement, you may want to apply for the Capital One Spark Cash Select - 0% Intro APR for 12 Months instead.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Sign-up bonus $0 annual fee Unlimited cash back | Hard to qualify for No intro APR |
If you have excellent credit, you can apply for the Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus with confidence. It’s a great choice for a $0-annual-fee card with a solid sign-up bonus and a competitive flat-rate cashback program.
The other version of the card, the Capital One Spark Cash Select - 0% Intro APR for 12 Months, comes with the same cashback program and also charges a $0 annual fee, but doesn’t have a sign-up bonus and is aimed at applicants with good credit.
Sign-up bonus: None
Earning rate: Earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Cash Select - 0% Intro APR for 12 Months can be a great option for small business owners looking for a card with no annual fee and an introductory APR since it doesn’t require excellent credit. Although it doesn’t have a sign-up bonus, it still offers the straightforward cash back rewards that other Spark cards do.
Things to look out for: Keep close track of when your introductory APR offer ends. If you carry a balance past then, keep in mind that a 18.99% - 26.99% (Variable) APR can be applied.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Offers intro APR Excellent credit isn't necessary to qualify Unlimited cash back | No sign-up bonus |
This card is best for small business owners that have good credit, but not excellent credit yet. You may not get a sign-up bonus, but you can still enjoy a $0 annual fee and an intro APR of 0% on purchases for 12 months. After the introductory period expires, a 18.99% - 26.99% (Variable) APR applies.
Because of the intro APR offer, this card could help you make a big purchase and give you time to pay it off without incurring interest charges.
Sign-up bonus: None
Earning rate: Earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Cash Select - 0% Intro APR for 12 Months can be a great option for small business owners looking for a card with no annual fee and an introductory APR since it doesn’t require excellent credit. Although it doesn’t have a sign-up bonus, it still offers the straightforward cash back rewards that other Spark cards do.
Things to look out for: Keep close track of when your introductory APR offer ends. If you carry a balance past then, keep in mind that a 18.99% - 26.99% (Variable) APR can be applied.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Offers intro APR Excellent credit isn't necessary to qualify Unlimited cash back | No sign-up bonus |
This card is best for small business owners that have good credit, but not excellent credit yet. You may not get a sign-up bonus, but you can still enjoy a $0 annual fee and an intro APR of 0% on purchases for 12 months. After the introductory period expires, a 18.99% - 26.99% (Variable) APR applies.
Because of the intro APR offer, this card could help you make a big purchase and give you time to pay it off without incurring interest charges.
Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Earning rate: 2 Miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere
Why we picked this card: Capital One’s Spark line offers two travel cards — and this card offers a larger sign-up bonus and the better earning rate of the two.
What to look out for: The card offers an annual fee of $0 intro for first year; $95 after that. Stay on top of when your first year is coming to an end so you’re not surprised by an annual fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Unlimited miles Large sign-up bonus Up to $100 travel credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck | Annual fee: $0 intro for first year; $95 after that No intro APR |
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is best for business owners who travel frequently and are willing to pay an annual fee.
The card charges an annual fee of $0 intro for first year; $95 after that. Valuing each mile as worth 1 cent, spending $4,750 per year can let you recoup the amount of the annual fee in rewards (after year one).
Where this card stands out is flexibility for frequent travelers. You have the option to transfer miles to 15+ different airline and hotel partners — at a rate of 1:1, 2:1.5, or 2:1 depending on the specific partner. If you like the ability to move your credit card miles over to programs such as Accor Live Limitless and British Airways Avios, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business could be the right Capital One business card for you.
Plus, the card also offers a credit of up to $100 when you use it to pay the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Earning rate: 2 Miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere
Why we picked this card: Capital One’s Spark line offers two travel cards — and this card offers a larger sign-up bonus and the better earning rate of the two.
What to look out for: The card offers an annual fee of $0 intro for first year; $95 after that. Stay on top of when your first year is coming to an end so you’re not surprised by an annual fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Unlimited miles Large sign-up bonus Up to $100 travel credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck | Annual fee: $0 intro for first year; $95 after that No intro APR |
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is best for business owners who travel frequently and are willing to pay an annual fee.
The card charges an annual fee of $0 intro for first year; $95 after that. Valuing each mile as worth 1 cent, spending $4,750 per year can let you recoup the amount of the annual fee in rewards (after year one).
Where this card stands out is flexibility for frequent travelers. You have the option to transfer miles to 15+ different airline and hotel partners — at a rate of 1:1, 2:1.5, or 2:1 depending on the specific partner. If you like the ability to move your credit card miles over to programs such as Accor Live Limitless and British Airways Avios, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business could be the right Capital One business card for you.
Plus, the card also offers a credit of up to $100 when you use it to pay the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Sign-up bonus: One-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earning rate: Earn 1.5 Miles per $1 on every purchase.
Why we picked this card: This is Capital One’s Spark line’s only travel card with a $0 annual fee — but it still has solid benefits. The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business offers generous rewards, an intro APR period and a sign-up bonus.
What to look out for: The period for the introductory APR is on the short side: There is a 0% introductory APR for the first 9 months that your account is open. After that, a 15.49%, 21.49% or 25.49% (Variable) APR kicks in.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Unlimited miles Fairly large sign-up bonus Intro APR on purchases | Excellent credit score needed to qualify Lower earning rate and sign-up bonus miles than the Capital One Spark Miles for Business |
The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business card is best for business owners that travel semi-regularly for business, but not enough that it makes financial sense to pay an annual fee for the Capital One Spark Miles for Business, the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business might be a better choice for your wallet. It earns miles at a competitive flat rate, charges a $0 annual fee, and lets you transfer miles to the same travel partners as its big sibling.
There’s also a 0% introductory APR for the first 9 months that your account is open. After, a 15.49%, 21.49% or 25.49% (variable) APR applies. This card is a solid choice if you’ve got a big purchase coming up and think you’ll need several months to pay it off, but don’t want to incur interest charges.
Sign-up bonus: One-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earning rate: Earn 1.5 Miles per $1 on every purchase.
Why we picked this card: This is Capital One’s Spark line’s only travel card with a $0 annual fee — but it still has solid benefits. The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business offers generous rewards, an intro APR period and a sign-up bonus.
What to look out for: The period for the introductory APR is on the short side: There is a 0% introductory APR for the first 9 months that your account is open. After that, a 15.49%, 21.49% or 25.49% (Variable) APR kicks in.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Unlimited miles Fairly large sign-up bonus Intro APR on purchases | Excellent credit score needed to qualify Lower earning rate and sign-up bonus miles than the Capital One Spark Miles for Business |
The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business card is best for business owners that travel semi-regularly for business, but not enough that it makes financial sense to pay an annual fee for the Capital One Spark Miles for Business, the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business might be a better choice for your wallet. It earns miles at a competitive flat rate, charges a $0 annual fee, and lets you transfer miles to the same travel partners as its big sibling.
There’s also a 0% introductory APR for the first 9 months that your account is open. After, a 15.49%, 21.49% or 25.49% (variable) APR applies. This card is a solid choice if you’ve got a big purchase coming up and think you’ll need several months to pay it off, but don’t want to incur interest charges.
Sign-up bonus: N/A
Earning rate: Earn Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is the easiest card of the Spark line to qualify for. It can help you build credit while earning cash back on every purchase — all with a $0 annual fee.
What to look out for: The card has a 28.49% (Variable) APR, which is higher than most other Capital One Spark APRs. It doesn’t have an introductory APR offer, so that’s your APR from day one. Be aware of that if you carry a balance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Unlimited cash back Lower credit score necessary to qualify | A high 28.49% (Variable) APR No sign-up bonus |
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is best for business owners that have fair credit, since most business credit cards require applicants to have good or excellent credit. It’s a good choice if you’re building credit — and earns cash back at a decent flat rate and charges a $0 annual fee.
Sign-up bonus: N/A
Earning rate: Earn Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is the easiest card of the Spark line to qualify for. It can help you build credit while earning cash back on every purchase — all with a $0 annual fee.
What to look out for: The card has a 28.49% (Variable) APR, which is higher than most other Capital One Spark APRs. It doesn’t have an introductory APR offer, so that’s your APR from day one. Be aware of that if you carry a balance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Unlimited cash back Lower credit score necessary to qualify | A high 28.49% (Variable) APR No sign-up bonus |
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is best for business owners that have fair credit, since most business credit cards require applicants to have good or excellent credit. It’s a good choice if you’re building credit — and earns cash back at a decent flat rate and charges a $0 annual fee.
| Credit Card | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | Intro Balance Transfer Rate | Regular Balance Transfer Rate | Balance Transfer Fee | Foreign Exchange Fee | Recommended Credit | Card Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
|
Earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening | 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | $150 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Excellent | Capital One Spark Cash Plus Review |
|
Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus
|
$500 Cash Back once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | $0 | N/A | 16.24% - 22.24% (Variable) | N/A | 16.24% - 22.24% (Variable) | $0 at this Transfer APR | N/A | Excellent | Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus Review |
|
Capital One Spark Cash Select - 0% Intro APR for 12 Months
|
N/A | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | $0 | 0% on purchases for 12 months | 18.99% - 26.99% (Variable) | N/A | 18.99% - 26.99% (Variable) | $0 at this Transfer APR | N/A | Good | Review Coming Soon |
|
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
|
Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. | 2 Miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere | $0 intro for first year; $95 after that | N/A | 23.99% (Variable) | N/A | 23.99% (Variable) | $0 at this Transfer APR | N/A | Excellent/Good | Capital One Spark Miles for Business Review |
|
Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business
|
One-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 1.5 Miles per $1 on every purchase | $0 | 0% introductory APR for the first 9 months that your account is open. | 15.49%, 21.49% or 25.49% (Variable) | N/A | 15.49%, 21.49% or 25.49% (Variable) | N/A | N/A | Excellent/Good | Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business Review |
|
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
|
N/A | Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | $0 | N/A | 28.49% (Variable) | N/A | 28.49% (Variable) | N/A | N/A | Fair | Capital One Spark Classic for Business Review |
We picked the Capital One Spark Cash Plus as the best card in the Spark line because it makes earning rewards simple at a flat cash back rate and has no preset spending limit, giving small business owners more flexibility.
But the best business card for you may be different depending on several factors, including:
Yes, Capital One checks your personal credit when you apply for a business card. This may appear on your personal credit report or slightly ding your score.
Most business cards, including Spark cards, also require a personal guarantee. That means, if your business is ever unable to pay back your credit card debt, you’re personally responsible for paying it back. Also, delinquent payments on your account will negatively impact your personal credit score.
Capital One’s Spark cards can be great for small business owners looking for simple rewards structures. But if you’re looking for rewards structures that are a bit more complex, or prefer using another credit card company, one of these alternatives might be for you.
| Credit card | Welcome offer | Rewards rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | LIMITED TIME OFFER: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening | Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn. | $0 |
| American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card | $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months | Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% | No annual fee |
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. | 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com. Get 50% more Membership Rewards® points. That's an extra half point per dollar, on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more. | $695 |
Anyone who is self-employed can apply for a Spark business card — including both independent contractors and small business owners with or without a limited liability company (LLC) or other formal structure.
You generally need good credit to qualify for a Capital One business credit card. However there are some cards, like the Capital One Spark Classic for Business, that accept applicants with fair credit. Find out if you’re preapproved for a Capital One credit card to make the application process smoother.
The application will ask you for the names, addresses and Social Security numbers (SSNs) of all business owners. Plus, you’ll need a business tax ID number (TIN), which may either be your personal SSN or your business’ employer identification number (EIN)
The best Capital One business card depends on your needs and spending habits. For example, someone who travels frequently might consider the Capital One Spark Miles for Business worth paying an annual fee for, but someone who wants to earn cash back without paying an annual fee might prefer the Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus.
The following Spark cards earn cash back: Capital One Spark Cash Plus, Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus, Capital One Spark Cash Select - 0% Intro APR for 12 Months, and Capital One Spark Classic for Business.
Capital One issues two Spark cards that earn miles, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business and the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business.
Yes, the Spark business cards allow cardholders to earn unlimited rewards that don’t expire.
Most of the Spark business cards do report to your personal credit. The exception is the Capital One Spark Cash Plus — as long as your account is in good standing, that card does not report to your personal credit.
To determine the best Capital One business cards for various categories, we evaluated the business credit and charge cards issued by Capital One on a variety of factors. Rewards, sign-up bonuses, intro APRs and annual fees were some of the primary factors considered.
Some of these cards charge an annual fee, but offer enough value in certain situations to make the fee worthwhile. Others charge no annual fee and thus may be better for smaller businesses.
Finally, none of the cards here charge a foreign transaction fee, meaning they’re all fine choices for when business takes you abroad.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
