I also had heard all the bad things about Cap1, and just got the card as a backup for foreign purchases.

Originally, it wasn't anything too special. I had a low credit limit and never really used it. Then I started getting e-mails "Call us to upgrade your account". I finally called and I got what I guess is some sort of retention department. The rep asked me what they could do to get me to use the card more, to which I replied "higher credit limit" and "higher cash back". Immediately my credit limit was raised by $10k and I was given 2.5% cash back. The rep said she would be "personally handling" my account from now on.

It is still not my primary card, but I have been using it a decent amount now and never had any issues. I do call them before leaving the country though. I needed to do a charge back one time, and I was able to do it 100% online which was super convenient. I got a letter a week later confirming that they researched the issue and had removed the charge.

I guess my point is... definitely be careful, but its not a bad card.