I always assumed credit scores were an integral and historic part of the American financial system.
They were not, they are very recent，most of your parents didn’t have credit scores growing up, and as you can probably tell or at least intuit, it’s mostly just a b******* scheme for those with capital to accrue more capital by invading your privacy.
Germany has SCHUFA. Fairly similar to credit reports. Pretty much necessary to successfully rent an apartment (in Berlin at least).
Though, there isn’t the expectation that you have accrued debt in order to have a good score, like in the US.
Seconded. If you dont have your SCHUFA, proof of employment, and original Mona Lisa, you’ll never get an apartment in Berlin