In Europe I don't think this holds true. In several countries there are many shops which will not take credit cards, but only bank cards which have a lower cost to them. The whole Dutch rail system for example excludes the purchase of tickets with credit cards.
But more importantly may be that this 1-3% that you "gain" is all lost by getting used to the idea of credit and spending too much and getting in to very costly debt.
In the US the average is US$ 7,194.[1]
Significantly higher than in the UK, US5,082 (£3,175). [2]
Which is higher than the average for the EU US$ 2,495 (£1,558) (somewhat old EU/UK data, but the general point I think holds.)
But more importantly may be that this 1-3% that you "gain" is all lost by getting used to the idea of credit and spending too much and getting in to very costly debt.
In the US the average is US$ 7,194.[1] Significantly higher than in the UK, US5,082 (£3,175). [2] Which is higher than the average for the EU US$ 2,495 (£1,558) (somewhat old EU/UK data, but the general point I think holds.)
[1] http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/credit-card-data/average-cred... [2] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5380718.stm