CSP or C1 Venture X? Card Rec for Temporarily Working Abroad

Hi everyone. I've been heavily debating between the CSP (Preferred) or Capital One Venture X and I wanted to get your thoughts.

*I will be travelling a lot by plane over the summer and in the next year (at least 4 domestic trips planned, 2-3 international trips to France/Germany, possibly 1-2 rental cars). Looking for a Visa or Mastercard that will be accepted in Europe, and a good SUB I can use for points.

* My situation is a bit unique: I'm based in the US but will be temporarily relocating to Germany for 12-24 months at the end of the year. I'm hoping to use the new card to accumulate points while abroad, especially for transatlantic flights to visit family and friends back in the US.

*Any advice is helpful. Thank you in advance!

CREDIT PROFILE

* Current credit cards you are the primary account holder of:

* 1. Wells Fargo Autograph Visa, $2k limit, opened 09/2025

* 2. Discover IT Student, $7.6k limit, opened 01/2020

* FICO scores: 775. Fluctuates between 760 and 810

* Oldest credit card account age: 6 years

* Average credit card account age: 3.5 years  

* Cards approved in the past 6 months: 0

* Cards approved in the past 12 months: 1

* Cards approved in the past 24 months: 1 (WF)

* Annual income $: $100,000

CATEGORIES

* Ok with category-specific cards?: Yes

* Ok with rotating category cards?: Yes

* Estimate average monthly spend in the categories below.

* Dining $: $300

* Groceries $: $300

* Gas $: $0

* Travel $: $500 monthly average

* Using abroad?: Yes. Will be working abroad in France/Germany for 12 to 24 months

* Other categories or stores: Amazon annual spend is $1000.

* Other spend: No

* Pay rent by card? No

MEMBERSHIPS & SUBSCRIPTIONS

* Amazon Prime member: Yes

* Costco or Sam's Club member: No

* Big bank customer: TD

PURPOSE

* Purpose of next card: Travel Rewards

* Travel rewards preferences: None

* Cards being considered: Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture X

ADDITIONAL INFO

I will be travelling a lot over the summer and in the next year (at least 4 domestic airfare trips planned, 2-3 international trips to France/Germany, possibly 1-2 rental cars). Looking for a Visa or Mastercard that will be accepted in Europe.

I'm based in the US but will be temporarily relocating to Germany for 12-24 months at the end of the year.

I'm hoping to use the new card to accumulate points while abroad, especially for economy transatlantic flights to visit family and friends back in the US. Most likely flying from Frankfurt to the Midwest with connections in New York, DC, Chicago hubs most likely. United or Star alliance.

For domestic flights, I go with whatever is cheapest, has the best times and fewest layovers (usually United, Delta, American).

I value travel delay protections, and normally book directly with the airline. I don't have experience with the portals. Not interested in the TSA precheck/Global entry credit.  Looking for a Visa or Mastercard that will be accepted in Europe, and a good SUB I can use for points.