As a Division I athlete, my world revolved around practice schedules, game film, workouts, and classes. My days were so packed that the idea of thinking about finances -let alone building my credit score- felt like something I could put off until later. The truth is, though, your credit score isn’t something you want to ignore. It’s that quiet ‘teammate’ in the background that can either help or hold you back when it’s time to rent an apartment, buy a car, or even get approved for something as simple as a new cell phone plan.
Looking back, there are so many smaller steps any athlete can take to help build their credit. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and it definitely doesn’t have to take up a lot of time (which, as athletes, we never seem to have). Here are five ways I learned to build credit while still keeping up with life as a student-athlete.
How to Build Credit as a Student-Athlete
1. Start with a student credit card. I remember being nervous about opening my first credit card. If you’re in the same boat, opt to pick a student card with a low limit. At the time, I used mine for for things I was already spending on- such as gas to drive back home or extra snacks outside of dining hall hours. Then it’s crucial to pay it off at the end of the month. That way, you’re not adding extra expenses, just building habits. Think of it like weight training: you don’t start by maxing out, you build strength slowly and steadily.
2. Never miss a payment. This one is huge. In sports, missing practice or showing up late doesn’t just affect you- it hurts the whole team. Credit works the same way. Missing one payment can set you back more than you realize. Set reminders in your phone because with travel, late nights, and packed schedules, it was way too easy to forget. Consider switching to autopay to make sure I didn’t slip up. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
3. Keep your spending in check. As athletes, we’re used to managing energy: too much training and you risk burnout; too little and you fall behind. Credit is similar. It’s called “credit utilization,” and it means not using too much of your available limit. A good rule of thumb is to stay under 30% of what your card allows. If your limit is $500, don’t carry a balance higher than $150. Keeping that balance low shows lenders you can handle responsibility without overextending.
4. Lean on your team (and family). One smart way to build credit early is by becoming an authorized user on a parent’s or trusted family member’s credit card. I didn’t know about this at first, but it can give your credit score a boost while you’re still learning how to manage your own. It’s like getting playing time alongside an experienced teammate- they guide the pace and set the standard, while you learn by being in the game.
5. Keep learning off the field. I had to remind myself that financial literacy is just another skill. Nobody expects you to walk into the gym and dunk on the first day, and nobody expects you to know everything about credit right away either. There are free resources online, and sometimes even through your school, that can help you learn the basics. The important part is staying consistent. Credit isn’t built in a week, just like championships aren’t won after one practice.
As a former athlete, I know how easy it is to put finances on the back burner. But the same habits that make you successful in sports- discipline, consistency, and teamwork – are the same ones that will set you up for financial success. Start small, stay committed, and think of your credit score as one more part of your training plan. It may not win you a game, but it will absolutely help you win in life after sports.