Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business Review: Fee-Free Flexible Miles

Card basics

It’s not easy to find a business rewards credit card without paying a hefty annual fee, but the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business is a rare exception. While the $0 annual fee is an amazing perk, I also love that you can earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel, and an unlimited 1.5X miles on all other purchases made with all cards associated with the account. Not having to track categories is a major plus in my book.

Who should get this card?

Because the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business has a $0 annual fee, business owners can’t go wrong with it. If you don’t like tracking categories, this card offers a slightly elevated reward on almost anything. In my book, it’s a great trade-off for not having to track categories.

Although, if you frequently travel for business, you are an even better fit for this card because it pays 5X miles per dollar spent on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel. In addition, if you travel frequently, you can redeem rewards for flights, hotels, and vacation packages or transfer points to one of their 15 travel partners, including:

Top features

• Solid early spend bonus: You can earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months.
• Simple rewards rate and miles that don’t expire: You don’t have to do math to maximize your rewards with this card since there's a simple rewards program for earning and redeeming. Earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel, and an unlimited 1.5X miles on all other purchases made with all cards associated with the account. Plus, your miles don’t expire, so they’re ready whenever you are.
• Flexible reward redemptions: Since your miles aren’t tied to one airline or hotel brand, you have the option to redeem your miles for most travel purchases, including with travel partners.
• Free employee cards: You don’t need to pay more for employees to get business cards, and you get to reap their rewards as you rack up miles for their spending.
• Rental collision coverage: If you pay for a rental car with your Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business, you get coverage for any damage or theft that occurs to the rental car.
• Roadside assistance: You’re eligible for immediate help with roadside emergencies, such as needing a tow, tire change, or jump-start.
• Extended warranty: Receive an extended warranty beyond the manufacturer’s warranty on any products purchased with your Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business card.

Earning & redeeming

Potential earnings in years one and two

Here's a look at how your earnings can add up with the Capital One Spark Miles Select. To calculate these values, we used estimated spending by businesses in a variety of categories.

Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.

Year one earnings: $880

Year two earnings: $380

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, which takes a look at points earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee.

Best ways to earn

I highly recommend that you take advantage of the welcome offer from Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business. Earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months. For most businesses, it’s not a stretch to spend enough to qualify for the welcome offer.

After the welcome bonus, you’ll maximize your earnings by using it for hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel where you earn 5X miles per dollar spent.

In addition, paying for all other purchases with your Capital One card earns 1.5X miles per dollar spent. As long as you don’t carry a balance, it’s the best way to get valuable rewards just for spending what you’d normally spend on your business.

Maximize your redemptions

The best way to maximize your redemptions is to redeem your miles for travel. Here are a few great ways.

You can redeem your miles to cover past travel purchases (posted in the last 90 days to your account) at a rate of one cent per mile. Simply book travel as usual and use your card to pay, then log into your Capital One account to redeem your miles for the cost. You’ll receive a statement credit to cover your travel expenses.

You can also book travel directly through the Capital One site at a rate of one cent per mile. Booking options include flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Additionally, you can transfer your Capital One miles directly to more than a dozen airline partners. However, miles transfer at a 2:1.5 ratio for most airlines, so you may lose some value with this option. That said, if you can find a killer deal on a flight, this could be a useful redemption method.

FAQ

Other business cards to consider

If the Capital One Spark Miles Select doesn’t feel like a good fit, there are other options including The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express card and the Capital One Spark Miles for Business.

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

This card also comes with a $0 annual fee (terms apply). It also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then 17.99% - 25.99% Variable.

This card offers 2X Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases up to $50,000 each year, and 1X points on eligible purchases after that, which is higher than the basic rewards rate on the Capital One Spark Miles Select card.

Learn more in our Blue Business Plus Credit Card review.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business card offers 5X miles on rental cars, vacation rentals and hotels booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on every purchase, every day. However, you’ll pay for that added earning potential with an annual fee of $95 (waived first year).

The early spend bonus is just as good as Capital One Spark Miles Select, with the chance to earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months. If you’re looking for higher rewards than the Capital One Spark Miles Select offers, this could be a good option.

Learn more in our Capital One Spark Miles for Business review.

Earn unlimited miles

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

4.4

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

4.4

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Why We Like It

Earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months

See how these cards compare:

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

• Elevated rewards on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 a year
• $0 annual fee
• Intro APR offer on purchases
• Flexible point redemption options
• Expanded buying power feature
• See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

• Simple, competitive travel rewards program
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits
• Complimentary employee cards