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Side-by-side

Capital One Spark Cash Select vs Chase Freedom Flex

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Capital One Spark Cash Select comes from Capital One at $95/yr; the Chase Freedom Flex from Chase at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureCapital One Spark Cash SelectChase Freedom Flex
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus$1,000 cash bonus$200 cash back
Bonus value (est.)-$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$10,000 in 3 mo$500 in 3 mo
IssuerCapital OneChase
Card categorybusinesscashback
Best earning category (Hotels_capital_one)5x1x
Transfer partnersNonechase-ur
Headline benefits
    • 5% rotating categories
    • 3% dining + drugstores
    • No annual fee
    • Cell phone protection
    Read the full review
    Capital One Spark Cash Select
    $95/yr · $1,000 cash bonus
    Read the full review
    Chase Freedom Flex
    $0/yr · $200 cash back

    Editorial take: Capital One Spark Cash Select

    Editorial take: Chase Freedom Flex

    Worth it only if you'll actually activate the rotating 5% categories every quarter. If you won't, the Freedom Unlimited earns more on everyday spend with zero effort.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Capital One Spark Cash Select or Chase Freedom Flex?
    The Chase Freedom Flex has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), while the Capital One Spark Cash Select doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Capital One Spark Cash Select's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Freedom Flex?
    At $95/yr, the Capital One Spark Cash Select is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Chase Freedom Flex's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Capital One Spark Cash Select and Chase Freedom Flex?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Capital One and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Capital One Spark Cash Select or the Chase Freedom Flex first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Capital One Spark Cash Select: $10,000 spend in 3 months. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.