Running a small business means juggling a hundred things at once and keeping costs in check is always near the top of the list. But here's some good news: Capital on Tap gives you a free-for-life Visa business credit card that earns Avios!
In this blog, we look at its features and benefits, flag what to watch out for, and discuss whether it’s a good Avios-earning opportunity.
What is Capital on Tap?
Capital on Tap is a UK-based business credit card provider built with small business owners in mind. Their Visa credit card makes day-to-day financial management easier for growing companies. Over 200,000 businesses across the UK and the US use it, and more than £20 billion has already been spent on their cards, which says a lot about their practicality.
Credit limits go up to £250,000, and you get real-time spend tracking, which helps keep tabs on everything. It also plugs in easily with tools like Xero, Sage, FreeAgent, and QuickBooks, so your accounting stays tidy without extra effort. You can convert points to Avios for free through the British Airways Club or Qatar Airways Privilege Club, ideal for those looking to book reward flights. Points can also be converted to Radisson Rewards points to be redeemed for hotel nights, dining, shopping and partner services.
Other perks worth mentioning: there are no foreign transaction or ATM fees, you can get as many employee cards as you need for free, and you’ll have up to 42 days interest-free on purchases. Altogether, it’s a solid choice if you want a no-fuss credit card that pulls its weight.
What to Watch Out For
While the Capital on Tap card comes with no annual fee, it’s still a credit product, and that means there are a few key things to consider, such as:
- Interest charges apply if you don’t pay off your balance in full. For the Capital on Tap Pro Credit Card, the Representative APR is 110.33% APR (13.86% APR Variable) with a purchase rate of 34.65%. For the Capital on Tap Business Credit Card, the Representative APR is 34.65% APR (13.86% APR Variable) with the same purchase rate of 34.65%.
- High credit limits (up to £250,000) may seem appealing, but borrowing beyond your means could lead to financial strain.
- Capital on Tap only offers credit card and savings account services, not full business banking, so you’ll need a separate business account elsewhere.
- However, their cards include a Preloading feature that lets you add your own funds to your account, so you can spend beyond your credit limit while still earning rewards.
- There is no promotional period with 0% interest on purchases or balance transfers, which some other cards offer.
- All spending earns the same flat rate; there are no higher-earning categories for specific types of business expenses.
- Applicants with weaker credit profiles may only qualify for higher APRs, making borrowing expensive.
- While Capital on Tap typically does not charge late payment fees, late or missed payments will accrue interest and can negatively affect your business credit score.
- Earn 1% cashback on all card spend and redeem points against your balance, for cash, or gift cards. Points can also be converted to Avios for free.
How the Capital on Tap Card Works Day-to-Day
Now that we’ve covered the key considerations, let’s look at what using the Capital on Tap Visa card actually looks like day to day and the features that could make it a helpful tool for your business.
- No annual fee: Once you’re approved, the card stays free for good. There’s nothing to renew and no surprise charges.
- Earning structure: unlimited 1% cashback on all card spend. You can then choose to redeem points as cashback or convert them to Avios for flights and upgrades through The British Airways Club or Qatar Airways Privilege Clubs. Conversion to Radisson Rewards points is also available if you’d prefer to book hotel stays or dining with your points.
- Fee-free overseas and ATM usage: There are no extra charges if you use the card abroad or withdraw cash in the UK. This can come in handy for business travel or when employees need quick access to cash.
- Large credit limits available: Limits go up to £250,000, so you’ve got plenty of room to manage supplier payments, travel costs, or unexpected expenses (but make sure to borrow responsibly; a high limit can lead to overspending if not carefully managed).
- Interest-free window: You get up to 42 days to pay off purchases before interest kicks in, as long as the balance is cleared in full.
- Free additional cards for employees: You can hand out cards to staff without any added cost, and you’ll be able to monitor their spending from one dashboard.
- Real-time tracking and spend controls: Using the Capital on Tap app or web dashboard, you can check transactions as they happen, set spend limits, and manage cards, which is especially useful if you’re growing fast or delegating spending.
- Built-in accounting integrations: If your business uses accounting software like Sage, Xero, FreeAgent, or QuickBooks, your card activity can sync automatically, making end-of-month bookkeeping much easier.
- Useful perks: You’ll get access to discounts at partner businesses like Slack and Superscript, which could shave a bit off your operating costs.
- Round-the-clock customer support: Their UK-based team is available 24/7, so you’re not left hanging if something comes up.
- Optional preloading: If you want to spend beyond your credit limit, you can preload your account with extra funds and still earn points on that spend. Pro users also get a cashback boost (1.25%) on purchases made using preloaded funds.
How to Convert Capital on Tap Points to Avios
Transferring points to either your British Airways Club or Qatar Privilege Club account is immediate. Simply log in to your Capital on Tap dashboard, select the number of points you'd like to convert to Avios, and they’ll appear in your chosen Avios account right away. There’s no waiting around like you might experience with other rewards platforms. This makes it one of the best Avios business credit card options if you regularly redeem Avios for flights or upgrades.
The same goes for converting points to Radisson Rewards points. This conversion happens at a rate of 1 point = 3 Radisson Rewards points, and can easily be done via your Capital on Tap app or web dashboard.
The fact the Capital on Tap Business Credit Card is a Visa card also means it’s accepted in more places than American Express, especially with suppliers or services that prefer debit or Visa payments. And because there are no foreign transaction fees, you're not penalised for overseas spend. This can be especially useful if your business involves international travel or suppliers.
How to Apply
The application process is quick and fully online. You'll need to provide:
- Your name, address, date of birth, and contact details
- Your business' registered name and number
- Average monthly turnover
- A business current account for repayments
Capital on Tap will assess your business profile to determine your credit limit and APR. This includes a hard credit check on your business and a soft check on your credit, which won't affect your credit score. If approved, your card will arrive within two business days.
Managing the Card
Once your card is approved and activated, you can begin using it immediately for in-store and online business purchases. Thanks to the Capital on Tap mobile app and desktop platform, managing your account is pretty intuitive. With just a few taps, you can:
- View real-time transactions and download statements
- Make payments toward your balance
- Monitor your rewards point balance and redeem them instantly
- Preload funds to spend above your credit limit
- Add or remove employee cards, each with custom spending limits
Smart features like instant notifications and spending controls give you full visibility over your business finances, while automatic syncing with your accounting software keeps your books accurate and current.
Who Can Apply?
Capital on Tap has made eligibility fairly straightforward. To apply for the card, your business must meet the following criteria:
- Be registered as a Limited Company (Ltd) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Have an annual turnover of at least £24,000
- Be led by a UK-based director or majority shareholder (holding at least 25% of the business)
- Applicants must have a UK business bank account and no outstanding County Court Judgements (CCJs).
Note that sole traders and partnerships without incorporated status currently aren't eligible.
Should You Consider the Capital on Tap Visa Card?
If you're a UK-based small business owner or director, there's really nothing to lose by giving Capital on Tap a try. It's a smart choice for any business that wants to earn points towards British Airways or Qatar Airways reward flights, or reduce costs without compromising on flexibility.
Verdict: If your business qualifies as an SME, the Capital on Tap Visa card is one of the most rewarding, flexible, and cost-effective Avios points credit card options today, especially for those who want to rack up BA or Qatar Airways reward flights without paying an annual fee.
Reward Flight Finder (RFF) is a credit broker and RFF is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
