Increasing one’s credit [score] is helpful for when citizens want to make large purchases/transactions, such as getting a homeowner’s loan and car, in the US. Having lower credit is an indicator to banks that one is not “trustworthy” with their (bank’s) money. And with property prices soaring and most salaries stuck in the 60s (I may be exaggerating a little, haven’t checked exact numbers lately), it’s hard not to NEED a loan for those. Direct debit is nice to have, but there are advantages to credit cards if the user is wise with their money/credit knowledgeable. It’s systemic.
Why even have it then, and not just direct debit? Or is that something American banks don’t offer?
Increasing one’s credit [score] is helpful for when citizens want to make large purchases/transactions, such as getting a homeowner’s loan and car, in the US. Having lower credit is an indicator to banks that one is not “trustworthy” with their (bank’s) money. And with property prices soaring and most salaries stuck in the 60s (I may be exaggerating a little, haven’t checked exact numbers lately), it’s hard not to NEED a loan for those. Direct debit is nice to have, but there are advantages to credit cards if the user is wise with their money/credit knowledgeable. It’s systemic.
I am not in the US. But the purpose is gaining credit score and rewards, at no cost.