/

/

/

/

/

/

Personal finance

Why Students Need a Smarter Way to Build Credit

Why Students Need a Smarter Way to Build Credit

Why Students Need a Smarter Way to Build Credit

Sep 8, 2025

Sam Lipscomb

3

min

Starting college usually means starting from scratch with credit. Landlords, lenders, and even employers look at credit scores - yet most students have no credit history. That’s why banks push student credit cards: they’re easier to get, and when used responsibly, they help you build a foundation.

The problem is simple:

  • Many students overspend, carrying balances they can’t pay.

  • Interest rates on student cards average 17–25% APR.

  • One missed payment can drop a score by 50+ points and add late fees.

Fizz was built to fix this problem. It feels like a debit card, but every swipe still reports to the bureaus like a credit card. Students call it “easy credit score builder with rewards” - you can’t fall into debt, but you still move forward.

How Fizz Works (and Why It’s Different)

Step 1. Sign up without a credit check.
Unlike Discover or Capital One, Fizz doesn’t pull your credit. Bad history? Doesn’t matter. You just need a checking account with about $150 to start.

Step 2. Spend like a debit card.
Your Fizz card is accepted anywhere Mastercard is. Each day, purchases are auto-paid from your checking account.

In practice, this means:

  • No interest ever.

  • No late fees if autopay is on.

  • No debt spiral because you can’t spend beyond your bank balance.

Step 3. Build credit automatically.
Fizz reports your activity to the credit bureaus on a regular schedule. Over time, an on-time payment streak builds a stronger score.

Step 4. Earn rewards as you go.
Fizz offers cash back at student-friendly spots (Uber, campus bookstores, local cafes). Members can pick a 3× bonus category each week - groceries, transportation, or experiences - to maximize points. Unlike Chime (no rewards at all), Fizz pays you to build credit.

Fizz vs Traditional Student Credit Cards

Let’s compare Fizz against two of the most popular student cards: Discover it® Student and Capital One Journey/Quicksilver Student.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature

Fizz

Discover it® Student

Capital One Journey/Quicksilver Student

Credit check?

No

Yes (student-friendly)

Yes

Overspending risk

None (tied to cash balance)

Yes (limit > cash)

Yes

Interest

0% forever

~17–26% APR after intro

~29% APR

Fees

No hidden fees
Everything upfront

No annual fee; late fees apply

No annual fee; late fees apply

Rewards

5% average at partners; 3× category weekly (members)

5% rotating categories; 1% base; Cashback Match + GPA bonus

1–1.5% flat (simple)

Best for

Safe, no-debt credit building

Maximizers who pay in full

Simple rewards with discipline

The Takeaway

  • Discover is great if you’re disciplined and want high first-year rewards (their Cashback Match doubles your first year).

  • Capital One is simple but limited (1.25–1.5% back isn’t exciting).

  • Fizz is safer: no interest, no overspending, and still rewarding enough to beat them in everyday student life.

Fizz vs Chime Credit Builder

Chime Credit Builder is another non-traditional product that helps beginners. But it comes with trade-offs.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature

Fizz

Chime Credit Builder

Banking requirement

Use any checking account

Must use Chime Bank

Deposit required?

No

Yes (preload secured balance)

Overspending risk

No (tied to your bank funds)

No (tied to secured balance)

Interest/fees

0% + no hidden fees

0% + no hidden fees

Rewards

Yes - cash back + 3× weekly category

No rewards

Ease of use

Swipe + auto-pay daily

Must preload money

Bottom line:
Chime builds credit, but Fizz builds credit + pays rewards + doesn’t force you to switch banks. That’s why, for students, Fizz usually beats Chime.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Fizz Pros

  • No credit check required to apply.

  • Reports to the credit bureaus on a steady cycle.

  • Auto-pay daily = built-in discipline.

  • No interest or hidden fees.

  • Cash back rewards and 3× categories.

  • SafeFreeze if the balance is too low.

Who Should Use Fizz?

  • Freshmen with no credit: Start safe and build a positive credit history.

  • Students rebuilding from past mistakes: Create an unbroken on-time streak without new risks.

  • Optimisers: Pair Fizz with a traditional student card (use Discover’s 5% categories, let Fizz cover daily spend safely).

  • Non-credit-card people: If you’ve ever said, “Credit cards make me nervous,” Fizz is your best fit.

FAQs About Fizz

Is Fizz a credit card or a debit card?
It’s both. You spend like a debit card, but Fizz reports like a credit account.

Can I overspend with Fizz?
No. Fizz ties your limit to your available cash and auto-pays daily.

Are there rewards?
Yes. Fizz offers cash back at student merchants and 3× weekly categories for members.

What if I already have bad credit?
Fizz doesn’t check your credit. It gives you a fresh start and builds positive history over time.

Can I use Fizz with other cards?
Yes. Many students use Fizz for daily discipline and pair it with a Discover or Capital One card for added rewards.

Bottom Line: Fizz is the Best Card for Students in 2025 and Belongs in Every Student’s Wallet.

Traditional student cards can help you build credit if you’re disciplined. Chime can help you if you want no risk but also no rewards. But Fizz combines the best of both:

  • No overspending.

  • No interest or hidden fees.

  • Rewards that matter to students.

  • Reports to the credit bureaus.

For most students in 2025, Fizz isn’t just an alternative - it’s the best way to start building credit safely. Graduating with Fizz means leaving school with both a diploma and a credit score that actually works for you, whether you’re renting, buying, or applying for a loan.

Fizz is better than other credit cards in the market because it removes the risk while keeping the rewards.

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.

More articles

Choose debit. Not debt.

Scan to download the app

Now available on Android.

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.