<prompt> Human: Hi! Ive been wondering about this for some time. How did America reach this point where you need to have debt in order to build credit, in order to later be able to have more debt etc.? Ive seen a lot of advice on this sub stating that even if one has enough money to pay for everything every month, they should actually have a credit card and sort of acquire debt and pay it off before interest kicks in. I kind of can see that in todays world, with students loans and after the 2008 crisis I guess its now more difficult to buy a house with mortgage, it will be beneficial to be trustworthy according to banks.However, it makes me wonder why the US is so crazy about credit? I live in Europe, admittedly Im quite young but I know people of various ages and Ive never heard about anyone owning a credit card. When I wanted to buy something that required a credit card as a kid, my parents were adamant that they would never get one. But in America getting a credit card seems like a rite of passage. So how have you got to this point and how is it different to other countries, where it is seemingly perfectly possible to live your life without ever hearing of a credit score?  <response>: I have over 10 credits cards with the combine total of over 30k limit. However i only use the cards that give the most reward points. I use credit card for everything. but I pay it off as soon as i used it. So i never got charge with any interest. On top of that the reward points add up. I normally make 150-200 a year from reward points. its not much but hey free money and Im building my credit score which is the most important thing. 