This is where American and European mindsets differ vastly.

We spend what we have. Our spending is directly reflected in one’s balance. We’re insensitive to rewards for spending money.

This is spot on. I consider myself an outlier, but only since not long ago. I’ve been using a credit card for everything but only because it gets me points I can exchange for miles on some airlines or exchange for gift cards.

I wish the “old school” banks here were more competitive in this regard.