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Capital One Spark Cash Plus vs The New United℠ Explorer Card
This comparison aims to help users decide between the Capital One Spark Cash Plus and The New United℠ Explorer Card. Both cards cater to different needs and spending habits, making it essential to understand their features and benefits.
Card Overviews
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is designed for businesses that need high spending capacity and want to maximize cash back on every purchase. With no preset spending limit and unlimited 2% cash back, this card is ideal for business owners seeking straightforward rewards without category restrictions.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The The New United℠ Explorer Card is tailored for frequent travelers, especially those who fly with United Airlines. This card offers travel perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and valuable mileage rewards, making it perfect for individuals who prioritize travel benefits and airline loyalty.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Capital One Spark Cash Plus | The New United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 | $0 Intro Annual Fee for the First Year, then $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | $2,000 cash bonus after spending $30,000 in the first 3 months | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 2% cash back on every purchase, 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site | 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays booked with the hotel |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | None | None |
| Additional Benefits | No preset spending limit, free employee cards, syncs with accounting software | Free first checked bag, priority boarding, and $120 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck |
Rewards Highlights
Capital One Spark Cash Plus Rewards:
- Earn $2,000 cash bonus 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.
- Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase.
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site.
The New United℠ Explorer Card Rewards:
- Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
Pros and Cons
Capital One Spark Cash Plus Pros:
- High cash back rate with no limits.
- No preset spending limit allows for flexible use.
- Additional cash bonuses for high spenders.
- Free employee cards available.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus Cons:
- High spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus.
- Annual fee of $150.
The New United℠ Explorer Card Pros:
- Generous travel perks for United Airlines customers.
- Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year.
- Free first checked bag can save significant travel costs.
- Access to United Club with anniversary passes.
The New United℠ Explorer Card Cons:
- Annual fee of $150 after the first year.
- Rewards mainly beneficial for United Airlines and travel-related spending.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is ideal for business owners or individuals who consistently spend large amounts on various purchases and want to earn straightforward cash back. It is particularly suited for those who can meet the high spending requirement for the welcome bonus.
The The New United℠ Explorer Card is best for frequent travelers, especially those who prefer flying with United Airlines. If you value travel perks and rewards related to airline spending, this card can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Conclusion
Both the Capital One Spark Cash Plus and The New United℠ Explorer Card offer distinct benefits tailored to different consumer needs. Consider your spending habits and financial goals to choose the card that best aligns with your lifestyle and rewards preferences.