Whether you’re a college athlete, a recent grad or just someone juggling practice, school, and life- credit probably isn’t the first thing on your mind. But here’s the truth: having no credit can hold you back just as much as having bad credit. It can make it harder to get an apartment, a car, a phone plan, and even certain jobs. The good news? As a student-athlete or former athlete, you already have discipline and responsibility built into your routine and that makes you perfect for building strong credit quickly. Here’s how to start from zero and build credit fast, even if you don’t have much time or income.
How to Build Credit Fast
1. Become an authorized user. This is one of the fastest credit-building hacks out there. If a parent, guardian, or family member has: a long-standing account, low credit usage, and a history of on-time payments, then they can add you to their credit card. Their positive history instantly boosts your credit score… even if you never actually use the card.
Pro tip: Ask that guardian to set a low spending limit for peace of mind.
2. Start With a student or starter credit card. Many banks have cards specifically for students with little or no credit. A good rule of thumb is to 1) only charge what you can pay off every month (I do this!) and 2) start with one recurring expense like Netflix, gas, or groceries. This helps build consistency without the risk of overspending. Avoid cards with high fees or super-high interest rates. You don’t need fancy rewards- just good habits.
3. Pay every bill on time… Every. Single. Time. Your payment history is the #1 factor in your credit score. Even one late payment can set you back. Set up: auto-payments, calendar reminds and alerts from your banking app so you don’t incur fees and mess up your credit. If you’re someone who crushes 6am practice alarms, this is just another routine to master.
4. Keep your balance low- the “30% Rule”. Credit isn’t just about spending- it’s about how much you don’t spend. Try to keep your card usage below 30% of your limit:
- If your limit is $500 → stay under $150
- If it’s $1,000 → stay under $300
- Staying low signals to lenders that you’re responsible, not overextended.
5. Build credit with your rent or on-campus bills. If you pay rent, utilities, or even student housing fees, you can have those payments reported to the credit bureaus using services like Experian and rental reporting tools your building might offer. Think about it this way: you’re paying it anyway- might as well get credit for it.
6. Protect your credit like it’s game day. Identity theft and fraud? Unfortunately very common among college students. To prevent bad things from happening, freeze your credit when you’re not applying for new accounts, use strong passwords, and check your credit report 1–2x a year.
And if you start all of this now, while you’re young, here are the perks:
- You’re building credit at 18–22, setting yourself up for financial freedom in your mid-20s.
- You’ll benefit from better car loan rates
- The security deposit you may put down for an apartment will be lower
- You’ll have higher approval odds for future business or NIL opportunities
- And yes, strong credit literally saves you thousands over your lifetime.
You already know how to prepare, practice, and perform in your sport- use those same skills with your credit.