The Spark 2% Cash Plus earns 2.0X on all_purchases, 5.0X on travel with a $150 annual fee.
Our Verdict
The Spark 2% Cash Plus is a cashback rewards card from Capital One that carries a $150/yr on the visa network. At its core it earns 1.0X cash back on everyday purchases, making it straightforward for cardholders who want predictable, consistent returns.
Cash-back seekers will appreciate the simplicity — every dollar spent converts directly to statement credits or deposits with no points math required. The Spark 2% Cash Plus is best suited for cardholders who prioritize easy redemptions over maximum aspirational value.
The $150/yr fee is the key variable — run the numbers against your actual spending. If the rewards and benefits offset the fee, this card earns its place in your wallet. If not, consider a comparable no-fee alternative.
Apply for the Spark 2% Cash Plus →Rewards Structure
Fee Analysis
The Spark 2% Cash Plus charges $150 per year. To justify this fee, you need to earn at least $150 in rewards and benefits annually.
At the base 1X earn rate (valued at ~1 cent per dollar), you would need to spend approximately $15,000/year on the card to break even on the annual fee through rewards alone — not counting perks and benefits.
Where This Card Earns Bonus Rewards
| Category | MCC Code | Bonus Rate | Example Merchants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | 4112 Passenger Railways | 5x | Amtrak, Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Loco2 |
| Travel | 4121 Taxicabs and Limousines | 5x | Alto, Arro, Bolt, Cabify |
| Travel | 4131 Bus Lines, Including Charters, Tour Buses | 5x | Barriere Bus Lines, BoltBus, Coach USA, FlixBus |
| Travel | 4511 Airlines, Air Carriers ( not listed elsewhere) | 5x | Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Air Arabia |
| Travel | 4722 Travel Agencies and Tour Operations | 5x | AAA, AAA Travel, Agoda, Airbnb |
| Travel | 7011 Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services (not elsewhere classified) | 5x | 21c Museum Hotels, 25hours Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Alila |
Click any MCC code or merchant name to see all cards that earn bonus rewards there.
Benefits
Effective Annual Fee
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- 5X top earn rate on bonus categories
- No foreign transaction fees
Weaknesses
- $150 annual fee
- 1X base rate on non-bonus spending
How to Apply
You can apply for the Spark 2% Cash Plus directly through Capital One's website. The application takes about 5 minutes and requires your Social Security number, annual income, and housing payment information. Most applicants receive an instant decision. Note that the $150 annual fee is typically not charged until your first statement closes.
Before applying, check if you are pre-approved on Capital One's website — a pre-approval uses a soft pull and does not affect your credit score.