Average American cannot live without Credit Cards. 67% of American GDP is Public Debt. All is not rosy as it seems. The days are very near when the Dollar will fall and then people will Cry out loud, why no one informed them. So, please don't give examples of American Using 7 Credit cards. If you understand Hindi, then read this 'Pair (legs) utna hi failana chahiye jitni chaadar ho'. This does not means that you don't take loans. But you need to be diligent while take any money on Credit. Every one is here to make money. If you don't watch your back, then these credit Card companies will steal everything from you. You say about America. Read the business tactic of Capital one and how they make money. It is just one example how a consumer is screwed.