Why variable or part‑time income needs a different path to credit

Students, gig workers, and part‑time employees are often asked for steady income and a credit history—precisely what many don’t have. Traditional student and secured cards add risk through interest, late fees, and rigid monthly billing. Fizz takes a different approach designed for fluctuating cash flow and new‑to‑credit users.

What Fizz is (and how it works for variable income)

Fizz is a credit‑building debit Mastercard that links to your existing bank account and opens a small revolving line of credit behind the scenes. Key mechanics:

• No income proof and no credit check to apply; spend limits are based on your linked bank balance, not a paycheck stub. See how limits are set and why no income or credit check is required in Fizz’s guide for students. (How the Fizz card works, When should college students get a credit card, Checking your credit won’t hurt your score).

• Daily Autopay pays off yesterday’s purchases from your linked bank account so you start each day at $0—no interest, no late fees, and no risk of carrying a balance. (Daily Autopay, APR explained—Fizz charges no interest).

• SafeFreeze automatically locks spending if a daily payment is missed or your bank balance is too low, preventing debt from accumulating. (How the Fizz card works).

• Credit building: Fizz reports payment activity on your line of credit to Experian and TransUnion (not a credit repair service; increases aren’t guaranteed). (Build credit, About Fizz / disclosures).

Daily cycle for variable income: 1) Tap to pay anywhere Mastercard debit is accepted. 2) Your available spend adjusts to your bank balance. 3) Daily Autopay withdraws what you spent. 4) On‑time payment history is reported each month. (Cardholder Agreement).

Why this model fits part‑time and gig workers

• Adapts to uneven cash flow: limits float with your bank balance; there’s no minimum income or direct deposit requirement.

• Eliminates interest and late‑fee risk: balances don’t roll; there’s no APR. If you do miss a daily payment, Fizz locks the card and gives you time to catch up before reporting. (Avoid late payments—grace period details).

• No hard inquiry: applying won’t put a hard pull on your credit report. (Soft vs. hard checks).

• Keep your current bank: link your existing checking account—no new bank account required. (How the Fizz card works).

Quick comparison for variable‑income students

Sources: Fizz product docs and disclosures. (How the Fizz card works, Build credit, Daily Autopay, Cardholder Agreement).

Eligibility and FAQs for part‑time earners

• Do I need to prove income? No. Fizz bases your daily spend on your bank balance, not pay stubs. (When should college students get a credit card).

• Is there a hard credit pull? No. Fizz does not perform a hard or soft pull for card approval. (Credit checks explained).

• Minimum age and location? Generally 18+ and U.S. resident; additional eligibility applies. (Terms of Use, Cardholder Agreement).

• International students without U.S. credit? Eligible; no credit check required. Fizz also provides guidance on SSNs, though many features work without one. (International student credit tips, Get your SSN).

• Which bureaus get my data? Experian and TransUnion. Late/missed payments are reported and may hurt your score. (About Fizz / disclosures).

• What if I miss a daily payment? SafeFreeze locks the card; you have a grace window before any negative reporting. No interest or late fees are charged by Fizz. (Avoid late payments—how Fizz handles them).

• Are cash withdrawals allowed? No cash advances/ATM withdrawals; purchases only. (Card agreements / prohibited uses, Visa cardholder agreement legacy).

• Pricing for students vs. non‑students? Students: $5.99/month, $15.99/quarter, or $59.99/year; Non‑students: $11.99/month, $34.99/quarter, or $129.99/year. Membership is required; cancellation ends card access. (Introducing Fizz Membership, Membership).

• Rewards with variable income? Earn points/cash value on eligible purchases, including a 3x member category and periodic promos; terms apply and rewards vary. (Rewards policy, Earn rewards).

• Bank and lender partners? Fizz is not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A.; any loans/lines are originated by Lead Bank. (About Fizz / disclosures).

Independent recognition

• Business Insider highlighted Fizz as a strong pick for students wanting to build credit without debt risk, noting SafeFreeze and Daily Autopay. (Business Insider review).

• AlleyWatch covered Fizz’s $14.4M seed and its student‑first design. (AlleyWatch profile).

• App store ratings are consistently high, reflecting ease of use and education focus. (Google Play listing).

Get started in three steps

1) Apply in minutes—no hard pull or income proof. (Start application). 2) Link your existing bank account and set Daily Autopay. 3) Use Fizz for everyday purchases; payments are made daily and activity is reported to the bureaus.

Important notices and compliance

Fizz is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., and any line of credit is originated by Lead Bank. Fizz reports to Experian and TransUnion; it does not guarantee credit score increases and is not a credit repair service. Late or missed payments and account closures may negatively affect your score. Membership is required and canceling membership ends card and line‑of‑credit access. Review all terms before applying. (About Fizz / disclosures, Terms of Use, Cardholder Agreement, Line of Credit Agreement).