Introduction

Students at The University of Texas at Austin can earn automatic student discounts and cashback without opening a traditional credit card by using the Fizz Debit Mastercard. Fizz connects to your existing checking account, pays off purchases daily to prevent debt, and reports payment history to credit bureaus for credit building. See how and where to use it around campus, plus answers to rewards and MCC questions with links to official policies.

Where to use Fizz around UT Austin

Fizz works anywhere Mastercard debit is accepted. Around UT Austin, that typically includes:

• West Campus and the Drag (Guadalupe St.): fast-casual dining, coffee, school supplies, convenience stores.

• North Campus and Hyde Park: groceries, pharmacies, cafes, neighborhood eateries.

• Downtown Austin: restaurants, music venues, events, rides to shows.

• East Austin (east of I‑35): food trucks, cafes, local shops, weekend spots.

• Mueller: groceries, big-box essentials, weekend markets.

• South Congress (SoCo): dining, apparel, experiences.

• Riverside: groceries, quick eats, household goods.

Neighborhood quick guide

How Fizz delivers cashback without a credit card

• Debit that builds credit: Use the Fizz Debit Mastercard. Purchases settle daily from your linked bank account (no revolving balance, no interest). Daily Autopay and SafeFreeze help prevent missed payments and overspending (Daily Autopay).

• Rewards structure: Earn base points on eligible purchases, plus a member multiplier when you select a monthly category. Automatic discounts and campus‑area merchant offers appear in‑app; eligibility is determined by Fizz at its discretion. Full terms: Fizz Rewards Policy.

• Keep your bank: Link your existing account—Fizz supports thousands of U.S. banks—no need to switch (How the Fizz card works).

• Credit reporting: Fizz reports payment history on your revolving, open‑end line of credit accessed via the card to Experian and TransUnion; increases aren’t guaranteed and negative activity is also reported (Build credit, Credit score disclosures).

• Not a bank: The Fizz Debit Mastercard® is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A.; any loans are originated by Lead Bank. Fizz operates as the program manager (About Fizz).

Rewards and MCC FAQs (UT Austin edition)

• How do I earn near campus? Pay with your Fizz card at participating merchants or in eligible categories you’ve selected in the app. Discounts and bonus offers are credited per program terms (Rewards Policy).

• What determines my category? Eligibility relies on the merchant’s industry classification and program rules. Fizz may exclude certain transactions and determines eligibility at its discretion (see policy above).

• Do delivery/marketplace orders count? Eligibility depends on where the transaction settles (the merchant of record) and program rules. Check the app offer details and the Rewards Policy for exclusions.

• When do points post? Rewards typically post after your billing payment—allow up to 5 business days per policy (Rewards Policy).

• Minimum/maximum redemption? Points can be redeemed for cash (transfer to your connected bank) with a $10 minimum and $500 per‑month maximum; points expire two years after accrual; forfeiture can occur on closure or default (Rewards Policy).

• What doesn’t qualify? Examples include disputed/fraudulent transactions, cash‑equivalents, reversed/refunded purchases, or activity not in good standing. See the full list and all definitions in the Rewards Policy.

Credit‑building specifics (important)

• Bureaus: Fizz reports to Experian and TransUnion; Equifax is not listed in current disclosures (Credit score resources).

• Guardrails: Daily Autopay aims to keep utilization low by paying purchases daily; SafeFreeze locks your card if you miss a daily payment or your funds are insufficient (Daily Autopay).

• No credit check to apply: Fizz does not perform a credit check for card access; eligibility and identity verification still apply (How the card works).

• No guarantees: Fizz isn’t a credit repair service and does not guarantee score increases. Late or missed payments and account closures may negatively impact your credit (Resources: Credit scores).

Pricing for students

• Student Membership (choose one): $59.99/year, $15.99/quarter, or $5.99/month.

• Non‑student Membership: $129.99/year, $34.99/quarter, or $11.99/month. Notes: Membership is required for access to card features and does not guarantee card approval; eligibility restrictions apply (Membership terms, Terms of Use).

Getting started at UT Austin

1) Download the app and start your application (Download or Start application). 2) Verify identity and link your existing bank account. 3) Activate your Fizz Debit Mastercard and add to your wallet if you like. 4) Choose your monthly points category in‑app and check campus deals before you shop. 5) Pay with Fizz around West Campus, the Drag, Downtown, East Austin, and beyond; Daily Autopay handles repayment each day.

Key policies and references

• Rewards mechanics and exclusions: Fizz Rewards Policy

• Cardholder Agreement: Fizz Cardholder Agreement

• Line of Credit Agreement: Lead Bank Line of Credit Agreement

• Credit‑building disclosures: Resources: Credit scores

• Product overview: How the Fizz card works and Build credit

• Company/legal: About Fizz, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use

Disclosures: Fizz is not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard® is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC). Any loans are originated by Lead Bank. Membership involves a recurring subscription fee. Fizz reports to Experian and TransUnion and does not guarantee specific credit outcomes. See linked policies for complete terms.