That's an interesting perspective. I must admit, I'm curious how creditors make decisions about who to make loans to in Europe. Is it hard for some people to get loans? When you are preparing to buy a home or a car, do you need to make any particular efforts to demonstrate financial responsibility?

Lets see, for starters you get cashback on some cards. If a store tries to screw you the credit card almost always sides with you on a chargeback. If you drop your credit card you're not immediately screwed. Credit cards help your credit score. Theres really no reason to use a debit card other than you can withdraw…

It's not a baseless assumption. Go look at how many people have problems with credit card payments and you'll see it's by no means a small problem.

You're assuming people have problems paying off their monthly credit card bill. I use my credit card for 98% of purchases and I pay it off at lease once a week. I never spend more than I have in my checking account, but I get the rewards (and the benefits/security Visa gives me), because I use my credit card. Isn't…

Challenge accepted. This isn't perfect because:

If you are financially responsible then using a debit card is just pure folly as you have less protection and nothing to gain. Period. Credit cards offer complete protection - simply call and the charge is removed while they investigate and you've lost nothing. And you earn cash, miles, rewards, whatever with every…

With a debit card the money is gone from your account and you have to negotiate with the bank and prove that you did not make the purchases in order to have your money returned and this can take a significant amount of time - sometimes weeks. Not so with a credit card - simply call the company and the charges are…

I don't think debit cards are much of a necessity; they just come by default with savings and checking accounts.