How to Build a Credit Score in College Without Getting Into Debt (We’re All Just Trying to Adult Here)

The mysterious credit score—the adult version of getting graded, except instead of a letter on a paper, it determines whether you can buy a car, rent an apartment, or maybe even impress that one aunt who always concerned about your life choices. The good news? You don’t need to go into debt to build a solid score in college. The bad news? You probably still have to deal with figuring out what a FICO score even is. (Spoiler: It’s not gonna hurt your midterm grade if you don't know.)

But don’t worry! Whether you're just trying to buy a car someday or get approved for that sweet student apartment without needing a cosigner, here’s how you can boost your credit score in college—without selling your toenails to pay credit card debt.

1. Get a Credit Card (But Don’t Go on a Shopping Spree)

First things first, you need credit to build credit. Enter: your first credit card.

Yes, it’s exciting. Yes, you can use it to buy stuff. No, it’s not Monopoly money. One of the best ways to start building a credit score is by getting a student credit card or a secured card (a card where you put down a deposit and they lend you a similar credit line).

Example: Let’s say you get a $500 credit limit. You could go ahead and spend $400 on a fancy new outfit for that weekend party. But is it worth it when you’re left with $100 of available credit to get you through the rest of the month? Instead, use your card for things you’d normally buy, like gas, groceries, or that overpriced coffee from the campus café. Stick to small purchases—so when your bill rolls in, it’s no big deal to pay it off.

Pro Tip: Set a spending rule for yourself, like “Only use my credit card for Netflix, Spotify, or my gym membership." That way, you can rack up points or rewards without blowing your budget.

2. Keep Your Balance Low (Your Credit Card Isn’t a Wish List)

Credit cards are like that one friend who always wants to go out and spend money—fun at first, but a financial disaster if you're not careful. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is maxing out your credit limit.

Enter: credit utilization ratio—a fancy way of saying “don’t use too much of your available credit.” Ideally, you want to keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit. For example, if your credit limit is $500, aim to use no more than $150 at a time. Why? Because lenders like it when you look responsible, not like you’re two seconds away from a “Treat Yo’ Self” shopping spree.

Example: Imagine you have a $300 credit limit. You’ve got $80 left after buying groceries, and your friends invite you to a concert. If you max out the card buying tickets, your credit utilization is through the roof, and that’s a red flag to creditors. Instead, try to pay off some of the balance before adding new charges. It’s the financial equivalent of tidying up before a guest comes over—except the guest is your future loan officer.

Pro Tip: Pay off your balance early and often. You don’t have to wait until the bill arrives to pay down your credit card. Treat it like laundry: Do it before the pile gets out of control.

3. Make On-Time Payments (Adulting 101: Set Reminders)

Remember how you’d rush to submit assignments five minutes before they were due? That doesn’t fly with credit cards. Paying your bill on time is one of the biggest factors in building a good credit score. And while you won’t get a gold star for paying your bills, you will get a nice bump in your credit score.

Example: Let’s say you’ve got $50 due on your credit card by the 15th of the month. You could wait until the last possible second to pay it (we’ve all been there), but what happens if you forget? Late payment, late fees, and your credit score takes a nosedive. Instead, set a calendar reminder on your phone a few days before the due date. Or better yet, set up autopay—then you won’t have to worry about remembering at all.

Pro Tip: Even if you can only make the minimum payment, do it. Paying late, even once, can drop your credit score faster than Netflix raises its subscription prices.

4. Don’t Apply for Too Much Credit (Because “Too Much” Is Never a Good Thing)

Sure, that store credit card at Target might offer you 10% off on your next purchase, but applying for a ton of credit cards in a short time? Bad idea. Every time you apply for a new credit card, a "hard inquiry" appears on your credit report, which can temporarily knock down your score.

Example: You’re walking through the mall, and a sales rep at your favorite clothing store offers you a credit card with a sweet 20% discount on your purchase today. It sounds tempting, but if you already have a student credit card, don’t jump at the offer. That hard inquiry will hit your credit report, and multiple inquiries can start to look suspicious to future lenders. The better move? Politely decline and stick with your one card for now.

Pro Tip: If you’ve got a student loan, paying it on time also helps build your credit score, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. So, while you're grinding away in class, your credit score is grinding away in the background—adulting bonus points.

5. Monitor Your Credit Score (Like It’s Your Favorite Netflix Show)

Building a credit score is like working out—if you don’t keep track of your progress, how will you know if you’re doing it right? Lucky for you, there are apps for that. You can check your credit score for free on platforms like Credit Karma, Mint, or through your bank’s mobile app.

Example: It’s mid-semester, and you’re binge-watching the latest Netflix series instead of studying (no judgment here). While you're at it, take two minutes to check your credit score. Apps like Credit Karma show your score, credit usage, and even any weird activity. If you spot something like a new credit card you didn’t apply for, it could be a sign of fraud. Time to call customer service faster than you can say, “Wait, what?!”

By keeping an eye on your credit report, you’ll see how your responsible spending and on-time payments are paying off (literally). It’s basically the adult version of checking your GPA.

Conclusion: Building Credit Now = More Pizza Later

Building a credit score in college is all about being smart and staying ahead of the game. The best part? You don’t have to get into debt to do it. Keep your spending in check, make those payments on time, and by the time you graduate, you’ll have a credit score that impresses more than just your parents. (And let’s be real, they’ll be impressed too.)

With a solid credit score, you can finally move out of the dorms, get a grown-up apartment, and maybe even splurge on pizza night and dessert. Because a great credit score means one thing—financial freedom to live your best life.