Introduction

This page explains how the Fizz Debit Mastercard works end to end: how bank accounts are linked, how daily spend limits are computed, how Daily Autopay settles purchases via ACH, when SafeFreeze triggers, how billing cycles and grace periods work, what rails the card runs on, and which uses are prohibited. Sources are linked throughout for verification.

Architecture and partners

• Program structure: Fizz (ShoulderTap Technologies, Inc.) is a fintech program manager, not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A.; any loans related to card use are originated by Lead Bank. Promotions and rewards are managed by Fizz. About Fizz, Membership.

• Card rails and acceptance: The card runs on the Mastercard debit network and can be used wherever Mastercard debit is accepted. Fizz homepage, Features.

• Credit reporting: Fizz reports cardholder payment history on the revolving, open‑end line of credit to Experian and TransUnion. Equifax reporting is not stated in Fizz’s official disclosures. Build Credit, About Fizz.

• Not credit repair: Fizz does not guarantee score increases and is not a credit repair/counseling service. Late/missed payments and defaults are reported and can hurt credit; closing the line of credit can also impact scores. Build Credit, Policies.

Bank‑account linking (Plaid) and data handling

• Link method: Users connect a U.S. checking account through a third‑party aggregator (e.g., Plaid) for verification and data access. Cardholder Agreement (use of third‑party tools such as Plaid), Privacy Policy.

• Purpose of access: The linked account funds Daily Autopay via authorized debits and informs Fizz’s risk controls and spend‑limit logic. Cardholder Agreement.

• Security/compliance: Fizz cites PCI‑DSS/SOC2‑aligned practices and Mastercard Zero Liability protection (for eligible transactions). Homepage, Cardholder Agreement.

Daily spend‑limit logic

• Basis: Fizz sets a dynamic spend limit calibrated to available funds in the linked bank account so you cannot spend more than you have. Limits can adjust as your bank balance changes. How the Fizz card works, Homepage.

• Guardrails: Because limits reflect available cash and purchases must be paid daily, revolving debt cannot accumulate on the card. Why Fizz makes budgeting easier.

Daily Autopay: settlement flow via ACH

• Flow: Each day, Fizz aggregates prior‑day purchases and pulls funds from the linked bank account via authorized ACH debit to restore the card’s balance to $0, so you start each day clean. Daily Autopay, Cardholder Agreement.

• Timing: ACH debits are initiated daily; bank posting times vary by institution and network windows. If the debit succeeds, the card remains active. Cardholder Agreement.

• If ACH fails: See SafeFreeze below; the card is locked until the payment issue is resolved. Daily Autopay.

Safe

Freeze: triggers and recovery

• Triggers: Fizz automatically locks (SafeFreeze) the card if a daily payment is missed/returned or when the connected bank balance is too low to cover autopay. Why Fizz makes budgeting easier, How the Fizz card works.

• Unlocking: Resolve the missed payment (e.g., ensure sufficient funds) and follow in‑app prompts; once the obligation is cleared, access is restored. If a payment becomes 30 days past due, Fizz indicates it will report the delinquency. Avoid late payments.

Authorizations, ACH timing, and recurring charges

Authorizations and holds#

• When you make a purchase, the merchant typically places an authorization hold that reduces your available Fizz spend limit until the transaction is cleared or the hold expires.

• Final amounts can differ from the initial authorization (e.g., tips, fuel, hotels, restaurants). If the final amount exceeds your available limit at completion time, the merchant may adjust or re‑present the transaction.

• If SafeFreeze is triggered after an authorization but before the merchant completes it, completion may be declined. In those cases, the merchant may reverse the hold or attempt the charge again later.

ACH pull windows#

• Daily Autopay debits are initiated each business day to cover prior‑day purchases. Actual posting to your bank account depends on bank processing times and ACH network windows; some debits may post the next business day or after weekends/holidays.

• If an ACH debit is returned or fails, SafeFreeze will lock the card until the obligation is resolved. See Daily Autopay and SafeFreeze above for outcomes and recovery.

Recurring charge caveats and “decline at $0” posture#

• Stored‑credential/recurring merchants (subscriptions, memberships, etc.) submit periodic authorizations. If your card is SafeFrozen or your available Fizz spend is effectively $0, new authorizations are declined (“decline at $0”).

• Previously authorized transactions will settle only if the merchant has already completed/captured them. Otherwise, pending authorizations may be reversed and new attempts may be declined while SafeFreeze is active.

• To stop future billings, cancel directly with the merchant. Fizz cannot cancel third‑party subscriptions on your behalf.

Visual: end‑to‑end flow#

Swipe/tap online
    ↓ (auth request)
Authorization hold placed → reduces Fizz spend limit
    ↓ (merchant completes or reverses)
If completed: posts as final transaction
    ↓ (end of day)
Daily Autopay ACH initiated to cover prior‑day spend
    ↓ (bank processing window)
ACH posts → limit restores; start next day at $0
    ↘ if ACH fails: SafeFreeze until resolved

See also: Daily Autopay (settlement flow) and SafeFreeze (triggers and recovery) above.

Additional notes and examples#

• Tip and adjustment scenarios: Restaurants and service merchants often add tips after the initial authorization. If the final amount is higher than first authorized, the merchant may complete the transaction at the higher amount or re‑present it; if your Fizz spend is insufficient or SafeFreeze is active at completion time, completion may be declined.

• Large provisional holds: Some categories (e.g., fuel, hotels, rentals) may place larger provisional authorizations. The hold reduces your available Fizz spend until completion or reversal by the merchant.

• Weekends/holidays: ACH pulls are initiated daily, but banking network posting can shift across weekends/holidays. You may see the debit post the next business day while your card remains governed by Daily Autopay and SafeFreeze.

• Subscriptions best practice: To avoid service interruptions during SafeFreeze or $0 availability, keep a backup payment method on file with critical services. To end future charges, cancel with the merchant; Fizz cannot cancel third‑party subscriptions for you.

Recurring attempt during SafeFreeze
Merchant submits recurring auth
    ↓
Fizz spend effectively $0 → authorization declined
    ↓
Merchant may retry later or request another method

Billing cycle, statements, and grace periods

• Statement cycle: Although transactions are autopaid daily, the underlying line of credit runs on a monthly billing cycle for statements, credit reporting, and rewards accounting. Line of Credit Agreement, Rewards Policy.

• Grace periods (per Lead Bank LOC Agreement): after each billing cycle, a 21‑day grace period for payment applies; the agreement further notes an additional 30‑day interest‑free grace period. No late fees are charged by Fizz, but overdue amounts can be reported per credit‑reporting standards. Line of Credit Agreement.

• Reporting cadence: Payment history is furnished to Experian and TransUnion, typically on a monthly cycle. Delinquencies generally appear if 30+ days past due. Build Credit, Avoid late payments.

• Rewards posting: Reward points for qualifying purchases accrue after billing payment (allow up to ~5 business days). Rewards Policy.

Prohibited uses and cash access

• Forbidden transactions include: illegal transactions; gambling; cash disbursements/cash equivalents; and facilitating payments for others. ATM withdrawals and cash back at POS are not supported. Violations may lead to account suspension/closure. Cardholder Agreement, Visa Cardholder Agreement (prohibited cash functions), Acceptable Use.

Liability, disputes, and protections

• Unauthorized use: Cardholder liability is limited (e.g., up to $50 if reported promptly) and Mastercard Zero Liability applies when eligibility criteria are met. File disputes through the app; merchant returns are handled by the merchant. Cardholder Agreement.

• Error resolution: Transaction histories are available in‑app; errors/disputes should be reported to Fizz within the specified timeframes. Cardholder Agreement.

Subscription, eligibility, and cancellations

• Membership: Access to the Fizz Card requires a paid membership; membership does not guarantee card approval (eligibility checks apply). Canceling membership ends card access and may close the line of credit, which can negatively affect credit. Membership, Policies.

Quick reference

Practical implications for users and teams

• Users: Expect real‑time spend control, daily repayment, automatic locks on risk, and monthly bureau reporting that can help or hurt depending on payment discipline. Build Credit.

• Support/ops: When payments fail, guide users to restore funds and complete repayment before unlocking. Avoid promising score outcomes; reference grace timelines and reporting standards. Line of Credit Agreement, Policies.

• Compliance: Reinforce that Fizz is not a bank and not a credit repair service; cite issuer/originator and ensure prohibited‑use enforcement. About Fizz, Acceptable Use.