I was shocked to learn what "Credit Card" means in the US.

Here (Israel) a Credit Card is always connected to a bank account and at the end of each month the accumulated debt is just recovered from the balance. It's done automatically and you would get a very stern phone call (from your bank) if you balance is not enough.

Of course, the CC companies and banks would be happy to give you a loan with outrageous interest rates, but that takes a phone call, or a form on their website.

From a human fallibility point of view, American CCs are evil.