Who this hub is for

International and newly arrived students or young adults in the U.S. who don’t have a Social Security number (SSN) yet but want to start building credit responsibly with Fizz.

• Fizz does not run a credit check when you apply. citeturn0knowledge_base_context623

• Fizz can onboard international students, and you can start even if you don’t yet have an SSN. citeturn0knowledge_base_context596

Quick answer: Can I build credit with Fizz without an SSN?

Yes—eligible users can begin using the Fizz Debit Mastercard and have payment history reported, helping establish credit. Fizz reports payment activity on your revolving, open-end line of credit to Experian and TransUnion; Fizz does not guarantee score increases, and late/missed payments are also reported. citeturn0knowledge_base_context827turn0knowledge_base_context699

Note: When you later obtain an SSN, the bureaus may link your existing file to your SSN over time. Fizz isn’t a credit repair service and does not guarantee specific outcomes. citeturn0knowledge_base_context827

Eligibility checklist (no-SSN path)

To apply and use Fizz without an SSN, you must still meet these requirements:

• Age and residency: 18+ and a U.S. resident with a verifiable U.S. address. citeturn0knowledge_base_context799

• U.S. bank account in your name: You must link a U.S. checking account; Fizz uses secure bank-linking and debits via ACH for Daily Autopay. citeturn0knowledge_base_context801turn0knowledge_base_context1271

• Identity verification (KYC): Provide valid ID and required personal information; Fizz may collect SSN or a taxpayer identification number when required by law, but it’s not needed to submit the initial application. citeturn0knowledge_base_context1217turn0knowledge_base_context596

• No credit check: Applying will not trigger a hard or soft pull. citeturn0knowledge_base_context623

ITIN vs. SSN: what’s the difference?

• Fizz-specific notes: Fizz does not require an SSN to apply; international students can start now. Fizz may collect a taxpayer identification number when needed for compliance. citeturn0knowledge_base_context596turn0knowledge_base_context1217

Bank and autopay requirements

Fizz connects to your existing U.S. bank account and pays off your Fizz purchases daily (Daily Autopay). If a daily payment is missed or your bank balance is too low, SafeFreeze locks the card until you’re caught up. citeturn0knowledge_base_context1267turn0knowledge_base_context1265

What to prepare:

• A U.S. checking account in your name that can be linked securely. citeturn0knowledge_base_context1271

• Funds available daily to cover purchases; ACH debits occur automatically. citeturn0knowledge_base_context1271

What Fizz reports (and to whom)

• Bureaus: Experian and TransUnion. citeturn0knowledge_base_context699

• Data: Payment history on the revolving, open-end line of credit accessed by your Fizz Card. citeturn0knowledge_base_context827

• Important: Fizz does not guarantee score increases; late or missed payments are reported and may lower your score. citeturn0knowledge_base_context827

Simple steps to get your SSN (for international students)

If you plan to work in the U.S., securing an SSN is valuable for employment and broader financial use. Here’s a straightforward flow based on Fizz’s guidance for international students:

1) Secure on‑campus or other authorized employment (e.g., for F‑1 students). Obtain a job offer/HR letter and a letter from your school’s international office. citeturn0knowledge_base_context968 2) Complete Form SS‑5 and gather documents (passport, visa, I‑94, I‑20/DS‑2019, school letter, employer letter). citeturn0knowledge_base_context968 3) Contact your local Social Security office for instructions; many offices require an in‑person appointment after you submit initial documents (often via fax or as directed). citeturn0knowledge_base_context968 4) Attend your appointment; once approved, your SSN card is mailed to your U.S. address. Processing can take several weeks—plan ahead. citeturn0knowledge_base_context968

When you receive your SSN, add it to your financial profiles as instructed. This can help unify your identifiers across institutions over time. citeturn0knowledge_base_context968

Common scenarios and next steps

• I have an ITIN but no SSN: You can apply to Fizz now; Fizz may request taxpayer information where required. Later, add your SSN when you obtain it. citeturn0knowledge_base_context1217turn0knowledge_base_context596

• I’m new to the U.S. and don’t have a bank account yet: Open a U.S. checking account first; you must link it to use Fizz. citeturn0knowledge_base_context1271

• I want to understand credit before applying: See Fizz’s international student credit tips and credit‑score basics. citeturn0knowledge_base_context596turn0knowledge_base_context1254

Get started and learn more

• Start your Fizz application: Begin here. citeturn0knowledge_base_context1167

• International guides: Credit‑building tips for international students and How to get your SSN. citeturn0knowledge_base_context596turn0knowledge_base_context968

• How the Fizz Card works: Daily Autopay, SafeFreeze, and reporting. citeturn0knowledge_base_context1265

Compliance and disclosures

• Fizz is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., and any loans are originated by Lead Bank. Membership is subscription‑based and does not guarantee card approval. citeturn0knowledge_base_context828

• Fizz reports to Experian and TransUnion; increases to your credit score are not guaranteed, and late/missed payments may be reported. Fizz is not a credit repair or counseling service. citeturn0knowledge_base_context827