The Capital One Spark Business App is a game-changer for small business owners who need to manage their finances on the go. It's a user-friendly app that allows you to track your business expenses, receive real-time updates, and make payments all from your mobile device.
With the Spark Business App, you can link your business credit card to the app and easily track your expenses, categorize them, and even set budgets.
You can also use the app to receive notifications when a payment is due, and even make payments directly from the app. This feature helps you stay on top of your finances and avoid late fees.
The app is free to download and use, and you can access it from your mobile device or computer.
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What We Think
We think the Capital One Spark business card is worth considering, especially with its $750 signup bonus and lower spend threshold of $7,500.
This card gets reported to the personal credit bureaus, which is a significant difference from its previous version that didn't get reported. Capital One pulls all three bureaus on applications.
If you're already holding the Spark Cash Plus version, it's worth noting that you might not be able to hold more than one business card from Capital One.
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Our Verdict
Capital One's Spark Cash business card has made a comeback with a $750 signup bonus, but it's worth noting that this card was previously discontinued in favor of the Spark Cash Plus version.
The Plus version currently offers a $2,000 signup bonus with a $30,000 spend requirement, which is significantly higher than the $7,500 spend threshold for the non-Plus version.
It's unclear if Capital One allows holding more than one business card, which could impact whether or not to sign up for this offer.
The Spark Cash business card is reported to be sent to the personal credit bureaus, unlike its predecessor, and Capital One will pull all three bureaus on applications.
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What Is
Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that influence our perceptions and judgments.
They can be incredibly powerful, shaping how we think and behave in subtle yet profound ways.
The availability heuristic is a cognitive bias that leads us to overestimate the importance or likelihood of information that readily comes to mind.
This can be particularly problematic when it comes to decision-making.
Our brains are wired to recognize patterns, which can sometimes lead to the confirmation bias, where we give more weight to information that confirms our existing beliefs.
This can cause us to overlook alternative perspectives and miss out on valuable insights.
The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias that causes us to overestimate our own knowledge and abilities, while underestimating those of others.
This can lead to some pretty amusing situations, but also to some serious mistakes.
Our thoughts and opinions are often influenced by the people around us, a phenomenon known as social proof.
This can be a powerful motivator, but also a source of conformity and groupthink.
Card Details
The Capital One Spark Business app offers a range of rewards and benefits to help your business thrive. Earn a one-time $750 cash bonus once you spend $7,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
You'll also get 2% cash back on all business-related purchases without limits or category restrictions, making it easy to earn rewards on your everyday expenses.
If you book hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel, you'll get unlimited 5% cash back on those purchases too.
Here are the key benefits at a glance:
- Earn a one-time $750 cash bonus after spending $7,500 within the first 3 months
- Get 2% cash back on all business-related purchases
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Keep in mind that this card comes with an annual fee and requires excellent credit to qualify.
Card Name
The card name is a crucial part of a credit card, and it's often overlooked. The name on the card is usually the cardholder's name, and it's used to verify their identity.
A card name can be changed, but it requires a request to the issuer and may involve additional documentation. This is typically done to reflect a name change due to marriage or divorce.
The card name is also used to generate the card's account number and expiration date. This information is used for transactions and billing purposes.
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Card Name Rewards
Earning rewards with the Card Name is straightforward. You'll get 2% cash back on all business-related purchases without limits or category restrictions. This means you can earn cash back on every purchase you make with the card, without worrying about hitting a certain spending threshold.
To put this into perspective, if you spend $1,000 on business expenses in a month, you'll earn $20 in cash back. This can add up quickly, especially if you're a business owner with regular expenses.
The Card Name also offers unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This is a great perk for businesses that frequently book travel for employees. You can earn 5% cash back on these purchases, which can be a significant savings.
Here's a breakdown of the Card Name's rewards structure:
- 2% cash back on all business-related purchases
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Keep in mind that the Card Name requires excellent credit to qualify, and comes with an annual fee. However, the rewards and benefits offered can make it a worthwhile investment for businesses that can take advantage of them.
Card Name Fees
The fees associated with credit cards can be a real headache. The Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus card is no exception, but it does have some perks.
You'll need to pay an annual fee of $150 per year. This is a standard fee for many credit cards, but it's still something to consider.
The card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, which is great for business travelers who spend a lot of time abroad. This means you can spend freely without incurring extra charges.
Here's a breakdown of the fees associated with the Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus card:
It's worth noting that the card doesn't allow balance transfers or cash advances, which means you won't be charged for these types of transactions. However, late payments will incur a 2.99% fee.
Return on Investment
The Capital One Spark Business app offers a Return on Investment (ROI) calculator that helps small business owners make informed decisions about their finances. This calculator takes into account various business expenses, including credit card payments.
With the Spark Business app, business owners can also track their credit card spending and categorize expenses by type, making it easier to identify areas where they can cut back and save money.
The app's expense tracking feature allows business owners to set budgeting goals and receive alerts when they're getting close to exceeding those limits, helping them stay on top of their finances.
Business owners can also use the Spark Business app to apply for credit line increases or new credit cards, which can help them access more capital and grow their business.
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Pros and Cons
The Capital One Spark Business App has its advantages and disadvantages.
One major pro is that it offers a 2% cash back reward on all purchases, making it a great choice for businesses with high expenses.
Another benefit is the app's user-friendly interface, which allows business owners to easily track their spending and stay on top of their finances.
However, one potential con is that it requires a good credit score to qualify for the card, which may not be feasible for all business owners.
Additionally, some users may find the app's customer support to be lacking, which can be frustrating when issues arise.
Pros
The Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus card has some amazing perks that make it a great choice for business owners.
You'll get 2% cash back on all purchases, which is a straightforward and unlimited reward structure. This means you don't have to worry about category restrictions or spending limits.
One of the standout features of this card is the generous welcome bonus. If you spend $30,000 on purchases within the first three months, you'll get a tidy sum of $1,200.
The card also offers an annual cash bonus of $150 if you spend $150,000 or more on purchases annually.
In addition to these rewards, the Spark 2% Cash Plus card has a range of benefits, including free employee cards, custom spending limits, and employee spend controls.
Here are some of the key benefits of the Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus card:
- 2% cash back on all purchases
- Early spend welcome bonus worth $1,200
- $150 annual cash bonus
- Free employee cards
- Custom spending limits
- Employee spend controls
- $0 fraud liability coverage
- 24/7 emergency card replacement
- Rental collision coverage
- Travel assistance
- Roadside assistance
These benefits make the Spark 2% Cash Plus card a great choice for business owners who want a simple and rewarding credit card experience.
Fees
The fees associated with the Spark Cash Plus card are relatively straightforward. The annual fee is $150 per year, which is a flat rate that you'll pay regardless of your usage.
One of the benefits of this card is that it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, which is a big plus for business travelers who frequently venture overseas. This means you can make purchases outside the US without incurring an extra fee.
The card also doesn't charge ATM fees, Global ACH fees, or wire transfer fees, which is a nice perk. However, be aware that late payments will incur a 2.99% fee.
Here's a breakdown of the fees you can expect:
Overall, the fees associated with the Spark Cash Plus card are relatively low and manageable, especially considering the benefits you'll receive.
Eligibility and Suitability
To qualify for the Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus, you'll need excellent credit, which typically means a score above 740. This card is more difficult to qualify for, so it gets a lower rating for this section.
You'll also need to meet specific requirements, such as never having declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan, and not having been more than 60 days late on any credit card, medical bill, or loan in the past year.
Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- Never declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan
- Not have been more than 60 days late on any credit card, medical bill, or loan in the past year
- Maintained a loan or credit card for three+ years with a credit limit above $5,000
If you make purchases in a wide array of categories and can take advantage of the card's perks, such as free employee cards and no foreign transaction fee, the Spark 2% Cash Plus might be a good fit for you. However, if you have specific spending categories that match better with a card that offers higher reward rates, or if you won't qualify for the card due to poor credit, you might want to look elsewhere.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Capital One Spark Cash Plus card, you'll need to have excellent credit. This means you've never declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan.
The card issuer considers a few key factors, including your payment history and credit utilization. You shouldn't have been more than 60 days late on any credit card, medical bill, or loan in the past year.
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To give you a better idea of what excellent credit looks like, consider this: if you have a credit score above 740, you're generally considered to have excellent credit. However, Capital One doesn't specify a minimum credit score for this card.
Here are the specific requirements to qualify for the Spark Cash Plus card:
- Never declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan
- Not have been more than 60 days late on any credit card, medical bill, or loan in the past year
- Maintained a loan or credit card for three+ years with a credit limit above $5,000
Is it Right for You?
If you're considering applying for the Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus, there are a few things to think about. You might want to apply for this card if you make purchases in a wide array of categories, so it's worth considering your spending habits.
To qualify for the bonus offer, you'll need to spend enough to meet the requirements. This can be a bit of a challenge, so it's essential to make sure you're able to meet the spending threshold.
The card also offers some great perks, including free employee cards, no foreign transaction fee, and extended warranty. These benefits can be incredibly useful, especially if you travel or purchase a lot of items that need warranty coverage.
However, it's worth considering whether you'll spend enough to offset the $150 annual fee. This can be a significant expense, so make sure you're able to justify the cost.
You might want to look for a different card if you have one or two specific spending categories that match better with a card that offers higher reward rates. For example, if you primarily spend in a single category, a card that offers a higher reward rate in that category might be a better fit.
If you're unsure about your eligibility or suitability for the Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus, you might want to check out alternative options. Consider looking at our best credit cards for bad credit or best business rewards credit cards for more options for your small business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access my Spark business account?
To access your Spark business account, log in on the Capital One website or mobile app with your username and password. Click "Sign In" to access your online account.
How do I add a Capital One business card to my app?
To add a Capital One business card to your app, log in and navigate to "Account & Feature Settings" > "Credit / Debit Card Settings" > "Link a Card" > "Link a New Credit Card". From there, follow the prompts to securely link your business card.
Sources
- Capital One Spark Cash Plus review (cardratings.com)
- Direct Link to offer (capitalone.com)
- Capital One Spark Cash Plus Review (fitsmallbusiness.com)
- Capital One Spark Cash Plus Business Card (mymoneyblog.com)
- Capital One's Spark 2% Cash Plus Review (merchantmaverick.com)
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