And if getting a mortgage or a similarly big decision was the only time you needed a credit score, that would be one thing. Problem is in the US, a stupid numbe

And if getting a mortgage or a similarly big decision was the only time you needed a credit score, that would be one thing. Problem is in the US, a stupid number of things requires a credit score, including some mobile phone contracts (!). Having grown up in a credit-averse and cash-focused society, I don't think they're that necessary. What people do instead in build a relationship with your local bank. Of course, once you're used to a credit-driven society it's hard/impossible to go back. People apparently hate being told "No you can't afford that new car".