Capital OneSpark 1.5% Cash Select
$0Lower-spend businesses wanting simplicity
Lower return than 2% options
Check current offer This link goes to Capital One’s site. Dean earns nothing if you apply.Capital One Spark 1.5% Cash Select
Annual fee $0. Unlimited 1.5% cash back.
See if it fits my walletDean’s short answer
Best fit: Lower-spend businesses wanting simplicity.
Business cash back
This card and its closest alternatives
The 3 reviewed business cards that share the most card types and features with the Spark 1.5% Cash Select.
When a link pays Dean a commission, the card says so right there. Paid or not, the ranking never changes, and no issuer sponsors or endorses Dean. Approval, rates, and terms are controlled by the card issuer.
American ExpressBlue Business Cash
$0American Express Blue Business Cash
Same annual fee: $0. Best fit: Small businesses wanting automatic cash back. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Business cash back.
Read Dean’s reviewChaseInk Business Unlimited
$0Chase Ink Business Unlimited
Same annual fee: $0. Best fit: Businesses wanting simple no-fee earning. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Business cash back, Transferable-points companion.
Read Dean’s reviewCapital OneSpark 2% Cash
$0 first year, then $95Capital One Spark 2% Cash
Annual fee: $0 first year, then $95, against $0 for the Spark 1.5% Cash Select. Best fit: Businesses wanting simple 2% cash back. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Business cash back.
Read Dean’s review| Card | Annual fee | Rewards and benefit summary | Best fit | Main drawback | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark 1.5% Cash SelectCapital One | $0 | Unlimited 1.5% cash backEmployee cards; no annual fee | Lower-spend businesses wanting simplicity | Lower return than 2% options | Capital One Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Blue Business CashAmerican Express | $0 | 2% cash back on eligible purchases up to annual cap, then 1%Automatic statement credits; employee cards; expense tools | Small businesses wanting automatic cash back | 2% cap and foreign transaction fee | American Express Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Ink Business UnlimitedChase | $0 | 1.5X on eligible business purchasesEmployee cards; purchase and extended-warranty protection under guide | Businesses wanting simple no-fee earning | Foreign transaction fee and lower flat rate than some paid cards | Chase Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Spark 2% CashCapital One | $0 first year, then $95 | Unlimited 2% cash backEmployee cards and business tools | Businesses wanting simple 2% cash back | Annual fee after first year | Capital One Checked 2026-07-22 |
What it earns
Unlimited 1.5% cash back.
What comes with it
Employee cards; no annual fee.
Dean treats these as the reasons to hold the Spark 1.5% Cash Select. If you would not use them, the card is worth less to you than its marketing says.
- Employee cards
- no annual fee
Who can get it
Dean lists the Spark 1.5% Cash Select for good, excellent credit. It is a business card. Availability: public national.
A listed credit range is a starting point, not an approval promise. Capital One decides approval, your credit limit, and your rate when you apply.
The catch
Lower return than 2% options.
Annual fee: $0. Dean checked the fee and terms against Capital One on July 22, 2026. Terms can change after that date, so read the live offer before you apply.
How a business cash back card works
Rewards common business expenses and supports employee cards. Cash rewards, expense separation, employee controls, accounting exports.
Best for: Sole proprietors and small businesses wanting simple rewards. Watch for: Consumer protections can be weaker and issuer eligibility rules differ.
How a business travel card works
Business card with points, airline, hotel, or premium travel benefits. Employee cards, travel protections, lounges, category rewards, large-spend bonuses.
Best for: Businesses with recurring travel or advertising, shipping, and software spend. Watch for: High fees and portal requirements must match real company spend.
Flat rewards: how to value it
Same rate on most eligible purchases.
Conditions to check: Excluded cash-like transactions and redemption value. Best for simplicity and uncategorized spend.
Travel portal multiplier: how to value it
Higher rewards or credits for issuer-portal bookings.
Conditions to check: Portal price, cancellation rules, elite credit, and direct-booking benefits. Compare the total trip terms, not only the multiplier.
Annual travel credit: how to value it
Statement credit or instant discount for eligible travel.
Conditions to check: Calendar versus cardmember year, portal or merchant restrictions, exclusions. Value it at face value only if you would use it naturally.
Sources and scope
Check the evidence, then check the live offer.
Dean links directly to the issuer. Card terms and eligibility can change after the review date.