I don't particularly recall it being a thing in France and Italy either, both countries I have strong connections to, although admittedly I have never lived the

I don't particularly recall it being a thing in France and Italy either, both countries I have strong connections to, although admittedly I have never lived there as an adult, so I may have missed that aspect entirely. It would maybe help if you could elaborate in what European countries you say credit cards are usually used for every day payments?