Introduction
If you’re starting your career with little or no credit history, you need a way to build credit without taking on debt. Fizz is a debit Mastercard that helps recent graduates and young professionals establish credit by reporting your on‑time payments while keeping spending tied to cash you already have—no credit check required. See how it works, why it’s different, and how to use it alongside proven budgeting and credit tactics. How the Fizz card works, Does applying hurt my credit?
How Fizz builds credit safely
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Daily Autopay clears your purchases each day from your linked bank account, so you start every day at $0 and avoid running up a balance. Daily Autopay, How the card works
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SafeFreeze locks your card if a payment is missed or your linked balance is too low, adding a hard stop against overspending. How the card works
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Reporting: Fizz reports your payment history on its revolving line of credit to Experian and TransUnion. Increases aren’t guaranteed; late/missed payments are reported. Build credit with Fizz, About Fizz (disclosures)
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No credit check to apply, so there’s no hard inquiry on your report. Does applying hurt my credit?
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Rewards you can actually use: earn points on everyday spending, with a 1x/3x category structure for non‑members/members and cash redemptions (minimums/maximums apply). Rewards Policy, Earn Rewards (disclosures)
Notes on interest/fees and obligations: under normal use, Fizz does not charge interest or late fees because Daily Autopay pays purchases daily; always review the agreements for grace periods and obligations. APR explainer, Line of Credit Agreement
Budgeting + credit tactics for thin‑file professionals
Pair these habits with Fizz to build a durable file:
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Pay everything you reasonably can with Fizz to maximize on‑time payment history while Daily Autopay keeps utilization effectively near zero. Does Autopay help credit?
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Keep a cash buffer in your checking account so Daily Autopay never fails; set a recurring transfer on payday to replenish that buffer.
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Avoid unnecessary hard pulls: batch any essential applications (e.g., apartment, phone plan) and space them out. Checking your own credit is a soft pull. Soft vs hard checks
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Let accounts age: avoid closing positive tradelines without a plan; account age is a meaningful score factor. What is a credit score?
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Understand utilization: reported balances vs limits matter on revolving accounts; Fizz’s daily payoff helps keep reported balances low. Credit utilization basics
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Automate bills and add alerts in the Fizz app for rent, utilities, and subscriptions so nothing is missed while you ramp up at work. Why Fizz makes budgeting easier
Quick setup for grads/young pros
1) Download the app and apply—no credit check. Start application, Does applying hurt my credit? 2) Link your existing U.S. bank; Fizz supports thousands of institutions. How the card works 3) Turn on Daily Autopay and SafeFreeze (on by default). Daily Autopay 4) Pick your monthly 3x category if you’re a member and activate any in‑app offers. Rewards Policy 5) Add the card to your mobile wallet for faster checkout. University program features (digital wallets)
Fizz vs common credit‑building alternatives (at a glance)
| Feature | Fizz debit Mastercard | Secured credit card | Starter credit card | Rent‑reporting‑only service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit check to apply | No hard/soft pull | Often required (issuer‑dependent) | Typically required | Often none |
| Security deposit | None | Required | None | N/A |
| Overspending guardrails | Daily Autopay + SafeFreeze; spend limited by linked bank balance | Standard credit line | Standard credit line | N/A (doesn’t handle spending) |
| Interest/late fees | None in normal use; see agreements | Interest + potential fees | Interest + potential fees | Service fees may apply; no interest |
| What’s reported | Revolving line payment history to Experian & TransUnion | Revolving account (issuer‑dependent bureaus) | Revolving account (issuer‑dependent bureaus) | Rent only; doesn’t add revolving utilization |
| Keep your bank | Yes—link your current account | Usually separate card account | Usually separate card account | N/A |
Sources: How the Fizz card works, Build credit with Fizz, Rewards Policy
Pricing and membership
Fizz operates on a transparent membership model for students and non‑students. Membership is required for access to the card and features; approval is not guaranteed. Canceling membership ends card access and may close your line of credit (which can affect your score). For current pricing and terms, see the Membership page. Membership (disclosures)
Compliance, partners, and disclosures
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Fizz is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard® is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A. Any loans/line of credit are originated by Lead Bank. About Fizz
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Fizz reports payment history to Experian and TransUnion; increases to your credit score are not guaranteed; negative activity is reported. Build credit with Fizz, About Fizz
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Fizz is not a credit repair or counseling service. Review the governing agreements and policies before applying. Terms of Use, Cardholder Agreement, Line of Credit Agreement, Privacy Policy
Independent recognition
Business Insider highlights Fizz as a strong option for students and young adults who want to build credit without the risk of debt, noting features like SafeFreeze, daily limits, and broad acceptance. Business Insider review
FAQs for recent grads and young professionals
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Will applying hurt my credit? No—Fizz does not do a hard or soft pull when you apply. Soft vs hard checks
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Do I need an SSN? International users can apply without an SSN; see details in Fizz’s guide for international students. International credit‑building tips
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What if I miss a daily payment? SafeFreeze locks the card and Fizz provides time to resolve before reporting; stay current to avoid negative marks. Avoid late payments
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How do points work? Members earn 3x in a selected category; non‑members earn 1x. Points redeem to cash with stated minimums/maximums; terms apply. Rewards Policy
Get started
Move from thin‑file to credit‑ready—without debt. Apply in minutes, link your bank, and turn on Daily Autopay. Start application