Is the Capital One Spark Miles Worth the $95 Annual Fee?
Breaks even at about $1,955/month of typical-mix spending versus the no-fee Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi. On a $2,400/month profile it clears the fee by $21.
Rates verified 2026-05-12.
Method: we compare what the Capital One Spark Miles earns against the best no-annual-fee card in the same category — the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi — because the alternative to paying a fee is not earning nothing, it is a good free card. Full methodology.
Three spending levels
| Profile | Capital One Spark Miles | Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi | After the $95 fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light spender ($1,200/mo) | $288/yr | $230/yr | −$37 behind |
| Typical spender ($2,400/mo) | $576/yr | $460/yr | $21 ahead |
| Heavy spender ($4,500/mo) | $1,080/yr | $864/yr | $121 ahead |
The breakeven curve
| Monthly spend | Margin vs. Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi (after fee) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | −$71 | keep the free card |
| $1,000 | −$46 | keep the free card |
| $1,500 | −$22 | keep the free card |
| $2,400 | $21 | fee pays for itself |
| $3,500 | $75 | fee pays for itself |
| $5,000 | $147 | fee pays for itself |
| $7,500 | $269 | fee pays for itself |
Caveats that can move this math: 5X miles on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel. Statement credits and perks are not counted unless you would have spent that money anyway.