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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express vs Capital One Spark Cash Plus
This comparison is designed to help you decide between the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Capital One Spark Cash Plus. Both cards offer distinct features that cater to different spending habits and financial goals, making it essential to analyze their benefits and drawbacks thoroughly.
Card Overviews
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is designed for consumers who frequently shop at supermarkets and use streaming services. With a robust cash back structure, it rewards everyday purchases, making it ideal for families and those with regular grocery needs.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is targeted towards business owners seeking a straightforward cash back solution. This card offers unlimited cash back on all purchases, making it a great choice for those who want flexibility without worrying about category restrictions.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Capital One Spark Cash Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 | $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in first 6 months | $2,000 cash bonus after spending $30,000 in first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets, 6% on select streaming, 3% on transit and gas, 1% on other purchases | Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | $0 intro plan fees for Plan It® for 12 months | No APR, balance due in full each month |
| Additional Benefits | $84 Disney Bundle Credit, cash back can be redeemed as statement credit or at Amazon.com | No preset spending limit, free employee cards |
Rewards Highlights
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
- $2,000 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year.
- 2% cash back on every purchase.
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site.
Pros and Cons
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Pros: Strong cash back on groceries and streaming services, attractive welcome bonus, no foreign transaction fee.
- Cons: Annual fee after the first year, limited rewards on non-category spending.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
- Pros: Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, substantial welcome bonus, no preset spending limit.
- Cons: High annual fee, requires significant spending to maximize rewards.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
- The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is ideal for families and individuals who spend heavily on groceries and streaming services.
- The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is suitable for business owners or individuals who desire a straightforward cash back card with no category restrictions.
Conclusion
Both the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Capital One Spark Cash Plus offer unique advantages that cater to different spending patterns. Consider your individual needs and financial goals when selecting the card that aligns best with your lifestyle.