The credit score system is really about incentivizing you to get, use, and keep credit cards, including retail credit cards, and loans, i.e. take on debt.

The fact that so many things require a high credit score is a forcing function for you to take on these debt instruments, and the credit score is a way for the system to optimize that it get its money.

The entire system is gamed against the consumers unwittingly or unwillingly forced to participate.

Your credit score is higher if you pay off your credit card in full every month. Although, yes, it does reward having multiple cards with a high limit.

It’s almost like they’re testing your ability to manage a fund.

I believe the system was intentionally designed that way by lenders to make borrowing a universal habit.