Introduction: how card lock, freeze, and $0 liability (Mastercard Zero Liability) work at Fizz
Fizz gives you multiple, layered controls to stop fraud fast and limit loss: a manual card lock/freeze you can toggle in‑app, SafeFreeze automated protections tied to payments and balance health, and $0 liability through Mastercard’s Zero Liability policy for unauthorized purchases when you meet policy conditions. See the Fizz Cardholder Agreement for official terms and user liability limits.
What each control means (at a glance)
| Control | What it does | When it triggers | How you use it | Primary reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card lock / freeze | Immediately blocks new purchase authorizations on your Fizz Debit Mastercard until you unlock. | You toggle it on (e.g., if your card is misplaced) and off when recovered. | Open the Fizz app → Card controls → tap Freeze/Unfreeze. | Fizz homepage |
| SafeFreeze | Automatically locks the card to prevent new spending if a daily payment is missed or your linked bank balance is too low, then unlocks after you’re caught up. | Automatically, based on payment status/funds. | Keep Daily Autopay on and maintain funds; resolve any missed payment to re‑enable use. | Why Fizz makes budgeting easier |
| $0 liability (Mastercard Zero Liability) | You aren’t responsible for unauthorized transactions if you promptly report and meet Mastercard policy conditions and the Fizz Cardholder Agreement. | After fraud/unauthorized use is reported and validated. | Lock the card, report the issue to Fizz support, and follow dispute steps. | Cardholder Agreement |
Quick steps: card lock/freeze in the Fizz app
- If your card is lost, stolen, or you see suspicious activity: 1) Open the Fizz app. 2) Go to Card controls. 3) Tap Freeze (card lock). The card will stop new purchase authorizations. 4) If you find the card and no fraud occurred, tap Unfreeze to resume use.
Tip: Keep Daily Autopay on. It pays purchases every day from your linked bank account and works with SafeFreeze to prevent balances from building up.
Report a lost/stolen card or unauthorized charge
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Lock the card immediately (Freeze).
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Contact Fizz support via in‑app chat or email/voicemail (as listed in Fizz policies) and report the issue.
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Review recent transactions in the app and identify any you do not recognize.
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Follow the dispute instructions provided by Fizz; you may be asked for details about the transactions.
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Replace your card if it’s lost or compromised.
Your liability is limited by federal law and Mastercard’s Zero Liability policy when conditions are met; timely reporting is essential. See the Cardholder Agreement for the formal timelines, responsibilities, and disclosures.
How $0 liability (Mastercard Zero Liability) applies
$0 liability (Mastercard Zero Liability) means you won’t pay for unauthorized transactions made with your Fizz Debit Mastercard when:
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You promptly report loss, theft, or suspected fraud to Fizz.
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The activity qualifies as “unauthorized” under the policy and agreement.
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You exercise reasonable care in safeguarding the card and account credentials.
Important: Policy conditions and exceptions apply (for example, certain transactions or delayed reports). Always review the official Cardholder Agreement for details.
Safe
Freeze vs. manual card lock/freeze: which should I use?
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Use card lock/freeze any time you want an immediate, manual stop on new purchases (e.g., you can’t find your card).
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Rely on SafeFreeze as a guardrail that automatically locks your card if a daily payment is missed or funds are too low—then unlocks after you’re caught up. This helps prevent overspending and debt buildup. Budgeting with Fizz
What to expect after you freeze or lock
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New in‑store/online authorizations are declined while the card is frozen/locked.
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Previously authorized transactions may still settle; review your history in the app.
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Recurring or offline transactions may post depending on network/merchant behavior; keep an eye on upcoming bills and contact the merchant if needed.
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You can unfreeze anytime in the app once you’re ready to use the card again.
Security posture and fraud prevention at Fizz
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Daily Autopay and SafeFreeze reduce risk by paying purchases every day and locking spending if payments are missed or funds are insufficient.
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Encryption and controls aligned with industry frameworks (PCI‑DSS, SOC 2) protect your data.
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Fast, in‑app card lock/freeze and real‑time notifications help you take action immediately if something looks wrong.
FAQs
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What’s the difference between card lock and SafeFreeze? Card lock/freeze is a manual toggle you control; SafeFreeze is automatic based on payment status/balance. Both stop new authorizations until resolved. Budgeting with Fizz
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Does $0 liability (Mastercard Zero Liability) mean I never pay for fraud? You aren’t responsible for unauthorized transactions when you meet policy conditions and report promptly. See the Cardholder Agreement.
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Will freezing my card stop subscriptions? Freezing blocks new authorizations; already‑authorized or certain recurring/offline transactions may still post. Check your upcoming bills and contact merchants as needed.
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How do I unfreeze my card? Open the app → Card controls → Unfreeze. If SafeFreeze locked your card, resolve the missed payment/low funds and the card will re‑enable after you’re caught up.