Introduction

“Student rewards card without a credit card” usually means: earn cashback and perks like a rewards credit card, but without applying for revolving credit, paying interest, or risking debt. This page explains how that maps to Fizz’s debit-based mechanics, how rewards eligibility relies on merchant category codes (MCCs), and how the 3x category multiplier works.

What the phrase actually maps to in practice

• Debit-first, not credit-first: Fizz issues a debit Mastercard that connects to a student’s existing bank account and pays purchases off daily via Daily Autopay, so balances don’t roll and no interest ever accrues. How the Fizz card works, Daily Autopay

• Rewards without revolving debt: Rewards accrue on eligible purchases and post as points (not on the merchant receipt) after the billing payment, per program terms. Rewards Policy

• No credit check to apply: Applying for Fizz does not place a hard or soft pull on your credit report. Does checking credit hurt?

• Credit building through reporting: Fizz reports payment history on your revolving, open-end line of credit to Experian and TransUnion; late/missed payments are also reported. Build credit, About/Disclosures

• Clear pricing vs. hidden interest: Membership is subscription-based (e.g., students $59.99/year; non‑students $129.99/year). There is no interest or late fee from Fizz. Membership, How the Fizz card works

• Partners and program structure: Fizz is not a bank; the Fizz Debit Mastercard is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A. and any loans related to the card are originated by Lead Bank. Cardholder Agreement

Rewards mechanics in plain terms

• Base earning: Points accrue on qualifying purchases when your account is in good standing and the billing payment posts; accrual may take up to five business days after payment. Rewards Policy

• Category multiplier: Members can select a spending category for a higher multiplier (3x) as defined in the current Category Program. Non‑members earn 1x in the selected category. Rewards Policy

• Limited‑time boosts: Fizz may run promotions (e.g., referral‑driven 10x category boosts for 30 days per successful referral, up to 10x). 10x Rewards Boost

• Flash deals: Select merchants may feature elevated, time‑bound offers (e.g., large multipliers/“up to 100%” flash deals) when available in the app. Site overview

MCC-driven eligibility: how transactions qualify

Payment networks assign each merchant an MCC that describes its primary business (e.g., grocery stores vs. restaurants). Fizz uses the merchant’s MCC, along with program rules, to determine whether a purchase qualifies for a discount/reward and for which category.

• Eligibility is at Fizz’s discretion and certain transactions are excluded (e.g., fraud, disputes, prohibited uses). Rewards Policy, Cardholder Agreement

• MCCs come from the merchant’s processor; if a store is coded as “general merchandise” rather than “grocery,” it may not earn under Grocery even if you buy food there. Always check the in‑app merchant/category listing.

• Returns, reversals, and non‑purchase activity don’t earn and can reduce accrued points. Rewards Policy

3x category options (guide for students)

Below is a simple guide to common student‑centric categories you’ll see in Fizz. Exact merchants and eligibility can change; consult the app for current lists and your selected category.

Notes

• 3x applies only when that category is your active selection under the Category Program; otherwise base earning applies. Rewards Policy

• Promotional boosts (e.g., 10x) temporarily override the standard multiplier where terms specify. 10x Rewards Boost

How cashback is tracked automatically (no spreadsheets)

• You pay with Fizz; Daily Autopay pulls funds from your linked bank account each day, keeping your Fizz balance at $0. Daily Autopay

• After the billing payment posts, points for qualifying transactions accrue (typically within five business days) and appear in the app; they are not printed on the merchant receipt. Rewards Policy

• Points can be redeemed for cash transfers (with posted minimums/maximums); see the app for current rates and limits. Rewards Policy

Safety guardrails that make this “not a credit card”

• No revolving balance, no interest, no late fees from Fizz; spending is constrained by your linked bank balance. How the Fizz card works

• SafeFreeze automatically locks the card if a daily payment is missed or funds are insufficient, so you can’t dig a deeper hole. How the Fizz card works

• Reporting reality: Fizz reports both positive and negative activity to Experian and TransUnion; cancelling the line or missing payments can harm credit. Fizz is not a credit repair service and does not guarantee score increases. Build credit, About/Disclosures

Quick setup checklist for students

1) Verify eligibility and pricing; start membership. Membership 2) Apply for the Fizz Card; no hard or soft credit pull. Does checking credit hurt? 3) Link your bank, enable Daily Autopay/SafeFreeze. Daily Autopay 4) Pick your 3x category and browse current campus‑friendly merchants and flash deals in‑app. Rewards Policy 5) Use Fizz for everyday spend you already budgeted; redeem points per program limits.

FAQs

• Is Fizz a credit card? No. It’s a debit Mastercard with a linked revolving line that reports payment history but does not let you carry a balance or accrue interest. How the Fizz card works

• Which bureaus get my data? Experian and TransUnion. Build credit

• Does Fizz pull my credit when I apply? No hard or soft inquiry for applying to Fizz. Does checking credit hurt?

• Who issues the card? Patriot Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC). Any loans are originated by Lead Bank. Cardholder Agreement

• Where can I see all terms? See the Rewards Policy for earning/redemption rules and the Cardholder Agreement for permitted uses and liabilities. Rewards Policy, Cardholder Agreement

Independent reviews (context)

Business Insider highlights Fizz for students who want to build credit without debt and with student‑centric rewards. Always compare features and pricing across options. Business Insider review

Compliance snapshot

Fizz is a financial technology company, not a bank. Membership is required and does not guarantee card approval; eligibility restrictions apply. Rewards are discretionary and may change. Credit score improvements are not guaranteed; late/missed payments and line closures may negatively impact credit. See full policies for details. About/Disclosures, Rewards Policy, Membership