Making the Most of the Capital One Spark Cash for Business
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In the world of business rewards credit cards, it doesn't get much simpler than the flat 2% cash-back rate on the Capital One Spark Cash for Business. All purchases, all year long, earn an unlimited 2% cash back.
If you run a business, you know that every dollar counts. Having a card that earns high cash back across the board — and knowing how to use it — means you'll have more dollars to put back into your business. Here’s how to make the most of the Capital One Spark Cash for Business.
How to maximize rewards with the Capital One Spark Cash for Business
With a rewards structure this simple and straightforward, maximizing earnings mostly has to do with knowing when to use this card and knowing when to use another.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
If you can get more than 2% back on a purchase, use another card
The Capital One Spark Cash for Business has one of the highest flat cash-back rates around with its unlimited 2% on everything. But there are other credit cards that earn higher percentages on specific categories.
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, for example, earns 5% cash back up to the first $25,000 in combined spending per year on office supplies and phone, internet and cable services.
With the American Express® Business Gold Card, cardholders can earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent in the top two eligible bonus categories (out of six) where they spend the most each month (up to the first $150,000 in combined purchases per year; then 1 point back):
Airfare purchased directly from airlines.
U.S. purchases at restaurants.
U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio).
U.S. purchases at gas stations.
U.S. purchases made directly from select technology providers of computer hardware, software and cloud solutions.
U.S. purchases for shipping.
Other spending earns 1 point per dollar spent. Terms apply (see rates and fees).
The point is, if your businesses has broad expenses, you can earn more than the flat 2% offered with the Capital One Spark Cash for Business if you're a bit more strategic with the cards you use.
Know whether you should get the Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit instead
The Capital One Spark Cash for Business has an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95. There's also a version with a $0 annual fee: the Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit. (See rates and fees.) That card, however, offers a lower cash-back rate — 1.5%. You can also earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
How to choose: The line is drawn at $19,000 in annual spending. If you spend more than that, you'll end up earning more net cash back with the Capital One Spark Cash for Business. If you spend less, the Capital One Spark Cash for Business's annual fee cancels out the higher cash-back rate.
Spend enough to get the sign-up bonus
The Capital One Spark Cash for Business comes with a great sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $500 cash bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. Many credit card bonuses come as points or miles, which have to be converted and may limit your redemption value, but the Capital One Spark Cash for Business's bonus is cool cash. You can spend that anywhere.
How to redeem rewards on the Capital One Spark Cash for Business
Because the Capital One Spark Cash for Business earns straight cash back, redeeming essentially just involves picking where you'd like the cash sent. Here's how it's done.
Log in to your account.
Below the image of your credit card, you'll see "Rewards" next to a dollar amount that represents your current rewards balance. Click on the dollar amount.
Choose how you'd like to redeem your rewards.
Cash-back redemption options include account credit, check by mail and redeeming for existing purchases on your statement. So whatever's easiest for you, just click and redeem.
Compare Cards
Annual fee$0 | Annual fee$150 | Annual fee$0 |
Regular APR18.49%-24.49% Variable APR | ||
Intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening | Intro APRN/A | Intro APR0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months |
Recommended Credit Score690-850 (Good - Excellent) | Recommended Credit Score720-850 (Excellent) | Recommended Credit Score690-850 (Good - Excellent) |
on Chase's website
1.5%
Cashback$750
1x-2x
Points15,000
Points
on Chase's website
1%-5%
Cashback$350
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