Introduction

“No deposit unsecured” describes credit building without locking up a cash security deposit and without carrying revolving debt. This hub explains how Fizz’s debit‑based, no‑deposit unsecured approach works, how it differs from secured cards, and what the true cost looks like for students and young adults.

What “no deposit unsecured (debit‑based)” means in practice

• Unsecured line of credit, debit‑based spend: With Fizz, purchases run on a revolving, open‑end line of credit linked to your Fizz Card, then are automatically paid from your linked bank account daily. No deposit is required. How the Fizz card works; Features: Daily Autopay.

• Guardrails by design: Daily Autopay keeps balances near zero; SafeFreeze locks the card if a daily payment is missed or funds are too low, reducing overspending risk. Why Fizz makes budgeting easier.

• Credit reporting: Fizz reports payment history to Experian and TransUnion (not a credit repair service; score increases not guaranteed). Features: Build Credit; About Fizz (disclosures).

• No credit check to apply: Applying does not involve a hard or soft pull. Checking credit won’t hurt your score (Fizz policy).

• Program structure: Fizz is a fintech, not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard® is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A.; any related line of credit is originated by Lead Bank. About Fizz (disclosures).

Secured cards vs. no‑deposit unsecured (debit‑based)

• Secured credit cards require an upfront cash deposit (commonly $200–$500) and often carry ongoing APRs and potential late/penalty fees. See representative secured options and tradeoffs in Money.com’s review set. Money.com secured credit cards overview.

• Chime Credit Builder requires moving money into a “secured” account and a Chime checking relationship; no traditional rewards. Fizz requires no new bank account and has student‑centric rewards. Fizz vs. Chime Credit Builder.

• Extra Card links to your bank but charges higher monthly fees for its richer tier; Fizz’s student pricing is lower and rewards are tailored to campus life. Fizz vs. Extra Card.

• Independent review: Business Insider highlights Fizz’s Daily Autopay and SafeFreeze, no interest/late fees, and student‑friendly design. Business Insider review.

Snapshot comparison

Sources: How the Fizz card works; Features: Daily Autopay; Features: Build Credit; Money.com secured cards; Fizz vs. Chime; Business Insider review; Fizz site overview.

True‑cost analysis (illustrative)

This section frames common, real‑world costs students weigh. Figures are examples; your results vary.

• Secured card “total carry” cost (example year):

• $200 refundable deposit tied up all year (opportunity cost of lost interest). Many secured cards also charge APR on balances and late fees if a payment is missed. Money.com secured cards.

• If you carry even a small revolving balance, interest at typical student/secured APRs (often >20%) can exceed a student‑app membership fee quickly. Money.com secured cards.

• Fizz “all‑in” student cost (example year):

• Membership pricing: $59.99/year (students) or $5.99/month; non‑student $129.99/year. Introducing Fizz Membership.

• No interest, no late fees; Daily Autopay minimizes carried balance. Features: Daily Autopay.

• Rewards/value can offset membership: Fizz cites “over $300 in annual value” when users engage with roughly half of available rewards and promotions (actual results vary). Membership (disclosures); Features: Earn Rewards.

Interpretation: If you routinely earn and redeem student‑centric rewards, the realized net cost of Fizz can be close to $0—or even positive—while avoiding the deposit lockup and interest/late‑fee exposure inherent to many secured cards.

Who benefits from “no deposit unsecured” most

• College students and young adults with thin/no credit files who want to avoid deposits and debt. Business Insider review.

• International students starting U.S. credit without a cosigner; Fizz is available even if you’re still working through SSN logistics. International students guide.

• Users who prefer bank‑agnostic linking (keep your current checking) and automatic bill prevention via daily payoffs. How the Fizz card works.

Important limitations and compliance notes

• Fizz is not a bank; card issued by Patriot Bank, N.A.; line of credit originated by Lead Bank. About Fizz (disclosures).

• Credit bureau reporting: Fizz reports to Experian and TransUnion; on‑time and negative activity (late/missed payments, defaults) may be reported; no credit score outcomes are guaranteed. Features: Build Credit; Membership (disclosures).

• Missed daily payments trigger a lock (SafeFreeze); Fizz communicates a grace process, but persistent delinquency can be reported. Avoid late payments; Why budgeting is easier.

• Membership is required for access and is subscription‑based; canceling ends card access and may negatively affect credit by closing a line. Membership (disclosures).

How to evaluate your best fit

• Do you want to avoid tying up a deposit and avoid APR/late‑fee risk? If yes, prioritize debit‑based, no‑deposit unsecured.

• Will you use campus‑centric rewards often enough to offset membership? Review your top merchants and redemption habits. Features: Earn Rewards.

• Do you need to keep your existing bank? Fizz supports linking thousands of banks without requiring you to switch. How the Fizz card works.

• Are you okay with daily repayment automation and card locks if a payment is missed? If yes, Fizz’s guardrails are a fit. Features: Daily Autopay.

Getting started (students and young adults)

1) Review disclosures and confirm eligibility. About Fizz (disclosures). 2) Compare membership options (student vs. non‑student). Introducing Fizz Membership. 3) Apply in minutes; no credit check. Start application.