Here in Czechia, it's like you say, no history = perfect credit - but as I said, you'll get much better deals (after counting in bonuses) if you have proven your credibility - and the normal deal you get with only "perfect" credit is nearly a financial suicide. Building your credibility by having a credit card (and paying on time) is as good idea here as it is in the US because you don't pay interest until the next month so it's free.

The only difference is, in the US it's institutionalized (and thus transparent) whereas here I have to do under-the-table dealings with the bank's independent sales representative. Sucks, IMHO.