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Personal finance

Why Isn’t My Credit Score Going Up Even After Paying on Time? | Fizz Credit Tips for Students

Why Isn’t My Credit Score Going Up Even After Paying on Time? | Fizz Credit Tips for Students

Why Isn’t My Credit Score Going Up Even After Paying on Time? | Fizz Credit Tips for Students

Frustrated that your credit score isn’t improving even though you pay on time? Learn the real reasons your score might be stuck — and how Fizz helps students build credit safely without debt.

Frustrated that your credit score isn’t improving even though you pay on time? Learn the real reasons your score might be stuck — and how Fizz helps students build credit safely without debt.

Frustrated that your credit score isn’t improving even though you pay on time? Learn the real reasons your score might be stuck — and how Fizz helps students build credit safely without debt.

Oct 7, 2025

Sam Lipscomb

3

min

You’re doing everything right. Paying your bills on time, staying out of debt, checking your score regularly — yet your score refuses to move.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many students and young adults hit this exact wall: you’re responsible, but your credit score isn’t showing it.

Let’s unpack why that happens, what actually drives credit growth, and how to fix it.

1. You Don’t Have Enough Credit History Yet

When you’re new to credit, time is your biggest hurdle. Even if you’ve never missed a payment, your credit file may still be considered “thin.”
Credit scoring models like FICO and VantageScore need data to measure patterns — and that takes months or even years.

Example:
If you just opened your first card or loan within the past 3–6 months, your score might not reflect your on-time payments yet. Lenders want to see consistent behaviour over time — not just one or two billing cycles.

What you can do:

  • Keep using your credit account every month (even small purchases help).

  • Maintain on-time payments for at least 6–12 months.

  • Avoid opening too many new accounts too quickly.

Related: Can College Students Really Build Credit Without Going Into Debt?

2. Your Credit Utilization Is Too High

Even if you pay your bills on time, your credit utilization ratio — the amount of credit you use compared to your total limit — can drag your score down.
Credit bureaus look at what balance you carry when your statement closes, not whether you pay it off later.

Example:
Let’s say you have a $1,000 limit and spend $800 this month.
Even if you pay it off in full, your utilization is 80%, and that looks risky to lenders.

Keep it under 30% (ideally 10%) before your statement closes to show you’re managing credit responsibly.

Pro tip:
Set up a reminder to pay down your balance a few days before the due date. That ensures the balance reported to credit bureaus stays low while allow you to spend more on your card during the month. Only yoru statement balance is reported to the credit bureaus.

3. You’re Using the Wrong Type of Credit

Credit scores reward variety — meaning a mix of credit types (like installment loans, credit cards, or credit-building tools). If you only have one account, you might not be giving credit models enough data to show your reliability.

Example:
If you only have a student loan and no revolving credit (like a credit card), you’re missing out on the “credit mix” factor, which makes up around 10% of your score.

What you can do:
Use a credit-building debit card like Fizz that reports your spending to the major credit bureaus.
It gives you credit activity without the risk of debt — because you only spend what’s in your balance.

Credit Type

Risk of Debt

Good for Beginners?

Credit Card

High

Risk of overspending

Secured Card

Moderate

With deposit

Fizz Debit Card

None

Best for students

Student Loan

Moderate

Helps with history

Related: Fizz vs. Self vs. Grow Credit: Which Is the Best Way to Build Credit Fast?

4. You Recently Applied for Too Many Accounts

Every time you apply for new credit, the lender runs a hard inquiry.
Too many of these in a short span can signal financial stress — even if you’re just shopping around for options.

Each inquiry might only drop your score a few points, but several in a few months can stall your growth.
New accounts also reduce your average account age, which slightly lowers your score until those accounts mature.

Tip:
Space out credit applications and only apply for what you truly need.

5. You’re Paying Late on Other Accounts You Forgot About

Sometimes the issue isn’t the card you think you’re managing well — it’s an old or overlooked account dragging your score down.
Even a single missed payment on a phone bill, subscription, or utilities (if reported to credit bureaus) can offset months of perfect payments elsewhere.

Check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com to make sure there aren’t hidden negatives you’ve missed.
You get one free report from each major bureau (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) every year.

6. Your Lender Doesn’t Report to All Credit Bureaus

Not all lenders or credit cards report your payments to every bureau.
If your positive behaviour isn’t being shared, your score might look different (or nonexistent) across bureaus.

Fizz reports to two major credit bureaus, ensuring every payment you make counts toward your financial future — without adding interest or debt.

How Fizz Helps You Build Credit Without Debt

Fizz is a credit-building debit card made for students.
It connects to your existing bank account, tracks your daily spending, and pays off your balance automatically every day — meaning you never go into debt.

What makes Fizz different:

  •  No credit check or security deposit required

  •  Teaches responsible spending habits

  •  Offers cashback and rewards for daily spending

  • No interest, no late fees, no risk of debt

So if you’ve been wondering why your score isn’t improving despite good habits, it might be time to switch to a system that actually rewards them.

If you’re a student looking to build credit safely, Fizz makes it simple — and completely free.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to see credit score improvements?
Usually, 3–6 months of consistent, on-time payments and low utilisation can start showing visible results — but it depends on your credit history length.

2. Can I build credit without using a credit card?
Yes. Tools like Fizz act as credit card alternatives by reporting your responsible spending without letting you fall into debt.

3. Does paying rent or subscriptions help my credit?
Some services report rent or subscription payments, but not all. Check if your landlord or platform offers credit reporting.

4. Why did my credit score drop even though I didn’t miss any payments?
Fluctuations can happen due to credit utilisation spikes, new accounts, or closed cards that shorten your credit age. It’s normal for your score to move slightly month to month.

5. What’s the fastest way for students to build credit responsibly?
Start small: use a debit card that builds credit, pay all bills on time, and avoid carrying balances. Fizz makes this process automatic and debt-free.

Sam Lipscomb

Author bio

Sam is a Kenyon College alum and is head of content at Fizz. He's been a go to personal finance resource among his peers since getting his first credit card during his sophomore year of college. He hails from Washington, DC, loves all things aviation, and currently lives in Los Angeles.

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ShoulderTap Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Fizz © 2024.


450 Broadway, Level 2, New York, NY 10013. All rights reserved. FIZZ® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

ShoulderTap Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Fizz (“Fizz”) is not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard® (“Fizz Card”) is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard® and may be used everywhere Mastercard® debit cards are accepted. Any loans you may be offered in connection with your use of the Fizz Card are originated by Lead Bank, a Missouri state-chartered bank. Any promotions or rewards you may be offered in connection with your use of the Fizz Card are offered and managed by Fizz, not our bank partners.


All activities conducted by Fizz as program manager in connection with the Fizz Card and the corresponding line of credit are conducted by Fizz Technologies, Inc. (NMLS: 2522542).


Membership is subject to a periodic, recurring subscription fee. Fizz Members may choose to apply for a Fizz Card, but are not required to. Fizz Membership does not guarantee access to a Fizz Card. Application and eligibility restrictions apply. ¹Over $300 in annual value of Fizz Card based on cash value available to Fizz Card users assuming half of all available rewards and promotions are used. Actual results may vary. To opt out of future recurring subscription charges, Members may cancel their Membership through the app at any time prior to their next billing date. Cardholders who cancel their Membership will lose access to their Fizz Card and line of credit at the end of their subscription term. Closing a line of credit may negatively impact your credit score.


Fizz cardholders: Fizz reports your payment history on the revolving, open-end line of credit accessed by your Fizz Card. Increases or specific changes to your credit score are not guaranteed. Impact on your credit score may vary depending on your use. Fizz is required to report late payments, missed payments, or other defaults on your account, which may negatively impact your credit score. Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors, including your activity with other creditors. The Fizz Card and related services will not remove negative credit history from your credit report. Fizz, on behalf of Lead Bank, will report your activities to Experian®  and Transunion® .


For additional information, terms and conditions applicable to your use of Fizz’s services, please consult Fizz’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, the Cardholder Agreement, any Line of Credit Agreement in effect between you and Lead Bank and any and all other applicable terms, policies and guidelines made available to you through the Fizz services.


Selected customers reviews above describe individual experiences or results. Individuals in TikTok videos featured above are paid spokespeople. Selected customer reviews above describe individual experiences or results. Actual results may vary. App Store rating as of January 2025.


²Credit score sliding scale feature is for informational purposes only. Credit score ranges based on information available on RentSpree. Car loan figures assume a loan value of $30,000 over 72 months and based on information available on CNN. Student loan figures assumes a $35,000 private student loan with a 10-year term and based on information available on CNBC, NerdWallet and Credible. Apartment approval based on information available on BI and RentSpree.


Fizz is not a credit repair tool and does not offer any form of credit counselling services. Fizz makes no representation or promise that it will improve your credit score, history, or profile or provide you with any assistance in that regard. None of Fizz’s services, including your ability to check your credit report and/or score through the Fizz App, is offered or provided with respect to the extension of credit by third parties. Fizz and its affiliates are not credit repair organizations or credit services organizations, and are not offering to sell, provide or perform any service to you for the express or implied purpose of either improving your credit record, credit history or credit rating, obtaining an extension of credit for you, or providing advice or assistance to you with regard to improving your credit record, credit history or credit rating.


For people with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing, we accept messages via our in-app chat, emails at [email protected], and calls on our answering machine at (940) 260-2704. If you leave us a voicemail, please leave your name and number and a member of our customer support team will return your call.

ShoulderTap Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Fizz © 2024.


450 Broadway, Level 2, New York, NY 10013. All rights reserved. FIZZ® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

ShoulderTap Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Fizz (“Fizz”) is not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard® (“Fizz Card”) is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard® and may be used everywhere Mastercard® debit cards are accepted. Any loans you may be offered in connection with your use of the Fizz Card are originated by Lead Bank, a Missouri state-chartered bank. Any promotions or rewards you may be offered in connection with your use of the Fizz Card are offered and managed by Fizz, not our bank partners.


All activities conducted by Fizz as program manager in connection with the Fizz Card and the corresponding line of credit are conducted by Fizz Technologies, Inc. (NMLS: 2522542).


Membership is subject to a periodic, recurring subscription fee. Fizz Members may choose to apply for a Fizz Card, but are not required to. Fizz Membership does not guarantee access to a Fizz Card. Application and eligibility restrictions apply. ¹Over $300 in annual value of Fizz Card based on cash value available to Fizz Card users assuming half of all available rewards and promotions are used. Actual results may vary. To opt out of future recurring subscription charges, Members may cancel their Membership through the app at any time prior to their next billing date. Cardholders who cancel their Membership will lose access to their Fizz Card and line of credit at the end of their subscription term. Closing a line of credit may negatively impact your credit score.


Fizz cardholders: Fizz reports your payment history on the revolving, open-end line of credit accessed by your Fizz Card. Increases or specific changes to your credit score are not guaranteed. Impact on your credit score may vary depending on your use. Fizz is required to report late payments, missed payments, or other defaults on your account, which may negatively impact your credit score. Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors, including your activity with other creditors. The Fizz Card and related services will not remove negative credit history from your credit report. Fizz, on behalf of Lead Bank, will report your activities to Experian®  and Transunion® .


For additional information, terms and conditions applicable to your use of Fizz’s services, please consult Fizz’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, the Cardholder Agreement, any Line of Credit Agreement in effect between you and Lead Bank and any and all other applicable terms, policies and guidelines made available to you through the Fizz services.


Selected customers reviews above describe individual experiences or results. Individuals in TikTok videos featured above are paid spokespeople. Selected customer reviews above describe individual experiences or results. Actual results may vary. App Store rating as of January 2025.


²Credit score sliding scale feature is for informational purposes only. Credit score ranges based on information available on RentSpree. Car loan figures assume a loan value of $30,000 over 72 months and based on information available on CNN. Student loan figures assumes a $35,000 private student loan with a 10-year term and based on information available on CNBC, NerdWallet and Credible. Apartment approval based on information available on BI and RentSpree.


Fizz is not a credit repair tool and does not offer any form of credit counselling services. Fizz makes no representation or promise that it will improve your credit score, history, or profile or provide you with any assistance in that regard. None of Fizz’s services, including your ability to check your credit report and/or score through the Fizz App, is offered or provided with respect to the extension of credit by third parties. Fizz and its affiliates are not credit repair organizations or credit services organizations, and are not offering to sell, provide or perform any service to you for the express or implied purpose of either improving your credit record, credit history or credit rating, obtaining an extension of credit for you, or providing advice or assistance to you with regard to improving your credit record, credit history or credit rating.


For people with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing, we accept messages via our in-app chat, emails at [email protected], and calls on our answering machine at (940) 260-2704. If you leave us a voicemail, please leave your name and number and a member of our customer support team will return your call.

ShoulderTap Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Fizz © 2024.


450 Broadway, Level 2, New York, NY 10013. All rights reserved. FIZZ® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

ShoulderTap Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Fizz (“Fizz”) is not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard® (“Fizz Card”) is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard® and may be used everywhere Mastercard® debit cards are accepted. Any loans you may be offered in connection with your use of the Fizz Card are originated by Lead Bank, a Missouri state-chartered bank. Any promotions or rewards you may be offered in connection with your use of the Fizz Card are offered and managed by Fizz, not our bank partners.


All activities conducted by Fizz as program manager in connection with the Fizz Card and the corresponding line of credit are conducted by Fizz Technologies, Inc. (NMLS: 2522542).


Membership is subject to a periodic, recurring subscription fee. Fizz Members may choose to apply for a Fizz Card, but are not required to. Fizz Membership does not guarantee access to a Fizz Card. Application and eligibility restrictions apply. ¹Over $300 in annual value of Fizz Card based on cash value available to Fizz Card users assuming half of all available rewards and promotions are used. Actual results may vary. To opt out of future recurring subscription charges, Members may cancel their Membership through the app at any time prior to their next billing date. Cardholders who cancel their Membership will lose access to their Fizz Card and line of credit at the end of their subscription term. Closing a line of credit may negatively impact your credit score.


Fizz cardholders: Fizz reports your payment history on the revolving, open-end line of credit accessed by your Fizz Card. Increases or specific changes to your credit score are not guaranteed. Impact on your credit score may vary depending on your use. Fizz is required to report late payments, missed payments, or other defaults on your account, which may negatively impact your credit score. Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors, including your activity with other creditors. The Fizz Card and related services will not remove negative credit history from your credit report. Fizz, on behalf of Lead Bank, will report your activities to Experian®  and Transunion® .


For additional information, terms and conditions applicable to your use of Fizz’s services, please consult Fizz’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, the Cardholder Agreement, any Line of Credit Agreement in effect between you and Lead Bank and any and all other applicable terms, policies and guidelines made available to you through the Fizz services.


Selected customers reviews above describe individual experiences or results. Individuals in TikTok videos featured above are paid spokespeople. Selected customer reviews above describe individual experiences or results. Actual results may vary. App Store rating as of January 2025.


²Credit score sliding scale feature is for informational purposes only. Credit score ranges based on information available on RentSpree. Car loan figures assume a loan value of $30,000 over 72 months and based on information available on CNN. Student loan figures assumes a $35,000 private student loan with a 10-year term and based on information available on CNBC, NerdWallet and Credible. Apartment approval based on information available on BI and RentSpree.


Fizz is not a credit repair tool and does not offer any form of credit counselling services. Fizz makes no representation or promise that it will improve your credit score, history, or profile or provide you with any assistance in that regard. None of Fizz’s services, including your ability to check your credit report and/or score through the Fizz App, is offered or provided with respect to the extension of credit by third parties. Fizz and its affiliates are not credit repair organizations or credit services organizations, and are not offering to sell, provide or perform any service to you for the express or implied purpose of either improving your credit record, credit history or credit rating, obtaining an extension of credit for you, or providing advice or assistance to you with regard to improving your credit record, credit history or credit rating.


For people with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing, we accept messages via our in-app chat, emails at [email protected], and calls on our answering machine at (940) 260-2704. If you leave us a voicemail, please leave your name and number and a member of our customer support team will return your call.