Capital One Spark Cash Plus vs Amex Plum Card: 2026 Guide

If you're searching for a comparison of the Capital One Spark Cash Plus versus the American Express Plum Card, there's an important update: American Express discontinued the Plum Card in March 2026. It is no longer available to new applicants.

That changes the comparison significantly. This article covers what the Spark Cash Plus offers today, what made the Plum Card distinctive while it existed, and which alternatives fill the gap the Plum Card left behind.

What the Amex Plum Card Was

The Plum Card from American Express was a business charge card with a unique cash-flow angle. It charged $250 per year (waived the first year) and offered a 1.5% early-pay discount on charges paid within 10 days of the statement closing date. Alternatively, cardholders could take up to 60 days to pay the full balance without interest, as long as the minimum payment was made on time.

There was no traditional welcome bonus and no points program. The value was entirely in the early-pay discount or the extended payment terms. It required good credit, generally a FICO score of 690 or above, and was positioned for businesses with inconsistent cash flow.

American Express eliminated the Plum Card from its business lineup in March 2026. Existing cardholders have been notified of the discontinuation.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Full Details (As of June 2026)

Comparing Them Directly

The Spark Cash Plus: Who It Fits

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a strong card for high-volume business spenders who want simplicity. The unlimited 2% on all purchases is one of the best flat-rate cash-back rates available on a business card. There are no rotating categories to track and no caps.

The welcome bonus is among the largest in the business card category: $2,000 cash back after $30,000 in spending within the first three months. That's a high bar that suits businesses with consistent monthly expenses of $10,000 or more.

Because it's a charge card, you must pay the full balance each month. There is no revolving credit option. Businesses that need to carry a balance month-to-month need a standard credit card instead.

The $150 annual fee is effectively $0 if your business spends $150,000 or more per year, since Capital One refunds the fee at that threshold. For smaller spenders, $150 per year is reasonable for 2% unlimited cash back.

Best Alternatives for Former Plum Card Holders

If you held the Plum Card for its extended payment terms, those options are now limited among major card issuers. The closest structural alternatives:

American Express Business Gold Card -- Earns 4x Membership Rewards points on your top two eligible spending categories each month (up to $150,000 per year combined, then 1x). $375 annual fee. Different rewards structure but strong earning for businesses with concentrated spend.

Capital One Spark Cash Select -- No annual fee, 1.5% unlimited cash back. Lower rate than the Spark Cash Plus but no fee and no need to spend $150,000 to break even.

Chase Ink Business Cash -- No annual fee, 5% cash back on office supplies and internet/cable/phone services (up to $25,000 per year), 2% on gas and restaurants, 1% on everything else. Best for businesses with high telecom and supply costs. See the full Chase Ink Business Cash review for the complete breakdown.

For business owners who want a well-rounded overview of the landscape, the best business credit cards for small business guide covers the leading no-fee and low-fee options side by side. If you're specifically comparing Chase options, Chase vs Amex covers network-level differences that matter for business travelers.

Not a Business Cardholder?

If you're comparing these cards as a consumer interested in high cash back rates, most business cards are technically available to sole proprietors and freelancers, but the rewards and spend requirements assume significant monthly volume.

For personal use, the Aspire® Mastercard® offers a Mastercard option for people at various credit levels who want a straightforward everyday card.

If you want a credit card that works with your income rather than your credit score, the Perpay Credit Card links your spending power to payroll deductions, making on-time payment automatic. It's a different model than a business charge card, but useful for building or maintaining a personal credit profile.

For personal everyday cash back, Robinhood Gold offers a strong flat cash-back rate for subscribers. It's worth considering for personal spending if the high minimum spend requirements of the Spark Cash Plus don't match your monthly volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Amex Plum Card still available?

No. American Express discontinued the Plum Card in March 2026. It is no longer available to new applicants. Existing cardholders were notified by American Express directly about the discontinuation.

What is the best alternative to the Amex Plum Card?

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is the most comparable active option for businesses that want high flat-rate cash back. For extended payment terms similar to what the Plum Card offered, there isn't a direct replacement among major issuers currently. The Chase Ink Business Cash and American Express Business Gold are strong alternatives based on spending category.

Does the Capital One Spark Cash Plus charge an annual fee?

Yes, $150 per year. Capital One refunds the full $150 if your business spends $150,000 or more during that card year. For businesses spending less than that, the $150 fee still applies and should be weighed against the 2% cash back earned.

Does the Capital One Spark Cash Plus require paying in full monthly?

Yes. The Spark Cash Plus is a charge card, meaning the full balance is due each billing cycle. If you need to carry a balance, Capital One's Spark Cash Select (standard credit card, no annual fee, 1.5% cash back) or another revolving business credit card would be more appropriate. APRs vary by creditworthiness. Terms and conditions apply.