Consumer credit has expanded rapidly among young people. College students, who are in a transitional phase between adolescence and early adulthood, are particularly susceptible to risky credit behavior, which can jeopardize their financial well-being and personal lives. This study examines how childhood socioeconomic status (childhood SES) influences college students’ consumer credit attitudes, exploring the mediating role of self-efficacy and the moderating effect of financial literacy in this relationship. Based on a survey of 3,657 Chinese college students, the findings reveal that: (1) childhood SES significantly positively impacts college students’ consumer credit attitudes; (2) the relationship between childhood SES and consumer credit attitudes is partially mediated by self-efficacy; and (3) financial literacy weakens the relationship between childhood SES and consumer credit attitudes, acting as a moderating factor. We discuss the implications of these findings and provide guidance on financial education for college students from different backgrounds, helping to protect their well-being and create a healthy financial environment by encouraging wise use of credit.