Your credit score has become a stand-in for a whole bunch of non-credit related things. You get lower insurance rates with a higher credit score and vis-versa. Every landlord nowadays requires a minimum credit score and employers will check your credit report as well. For the last item not having credit won't be a problem, however, they are just looking for negative items. Utility companies (cell phones, internet, electricity) usually require a down payment for those without a credit history (or those not wishing to authorize a credit check). Your credit is pulled when you get a bank account (don't know the consequences of not having a credit report for that one though - if you don't show up they may make you prove your identity more?)
Not accurate, though it may be true for a typical apartment complex.
Not to mention, when I signed up for a Verizon account under an LLC that I have with my dad, we were forced to put down an $800 per phone deposit because the company had no credit history. Same with utilities.
When I was starting a company, the bank wanted to check my credit score to decide whether I was going to get a checking account or not. This has happened twice, once with my previous company and a merchant account for credit cards.
I haven't ever personally, but I've also talked to people who check credit scores as part of employment evaluation.
Also, having a higher credit score gets you a better interest rate if you do need a loan, which can be worth a whole lot of money.
You have every right to make the choice to live without credit, but I would have a hard time arguing that it's the smart play.
Be disciplined and use various financial vehicles for your advantage.
No credit == Bad credit.
This equates to you being seen as more risky which equals you paying more interest for any loan in the future. Having good credit also afford you more opportunities.
I only know b/c I avoided holding a CC and loans for years until it started to hurt. Now I use them with discipline and for my advantage and am 810+