I don't really understand the american need for a credit card.
In germany, I pay almost everything either in cash or via bank transfer, usually pull. I got a prepaid card a while ago, mostly to pay for american services (seriously, I only ever pay to american corporations with it). My debit card (EC card) is almost universal and directly connected to the bank account, no credit needed.
CC is barely supported, EC is a lot better in terms of coverage. Even then I usually apologize when using the card for anything below 100€ or so at my local supermarket.
I don't see much reason to go CC or EC fully, I always keep some cash in my wallet, not too much but enough to hold me over for a week. If I need more I go to the Bank's ATM and get more. Easy.
Cash-free payment would also be fairly illegal, a business must accept cash payments (though a limit of 50 coins is there, notes are unrestricted) for any purchase in person (online businesses don't have to IIRC).
In germany, I pay almost everything either in cash or via bank transfer, usually pull. I got a prepaid card a while ago, mostly to pay for american services (seriously, I only ever pay to american corporations with it). My debit card (EC card) is almost universal and directly connected to the bank account, no credit needed.
CC is barely supported, EC is a lot better in terms of coverage. Even then I usually apologize when using the card for anything below 100€ or so at my local supermarket.
I don't see much reason to go CC or EC fully, I always keep some cash in my wallet, not too much but enough to hold me over for a week. If I need more I go to the Bank's ATM and get more. Easy.
Cash-free payment would also be fairly illegal, a business must accept cash payments (though a limit of 50 coins is there, notes are unrestricted) for any purchase in person (online businesses don't have to IIRC).