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Want to live with your friends after you graduate? Don't forget to build your credit score.

Want to live with your friends after you graduate? Don't forget to build your credit score.

Want to live with your friends after you graduate? Don't forget to build your credit score.

Living with your friends in a new city after college is something lots of people look forward to. Here’s why you need to care about your credit score if you want to make that a reality.

Living with your friends in a new city after college is something lots of people look forward to. Here’s why you need to care about your credit score if you want to make that a reality.

Living with your friends in a new city after college is something lots of people look forward to. Here’s why you need to care about your credit score if you want to make that a reality.

Apr 6, 2023

Sam Lipscomb

3

min

When you’re in college, you take living among your best friends for granted. Plenty of schools have on-campus housing that makes it easy to live in tight knit communities - but even if you’re living off campus, chances are that your landlord is used to dealing with college kids, and they probably pay less attention to credit scores when it comes time to sign a lease.

The real world is a different story. Landlords won’t care that you’re a recent college graduate. If you end up applying for an apartment without a solid credit score, you could be hit with a rejection - even if you have enough money to pay the rent. Here’s why having a good credit score is the key to getting an apartment with your friends after college - and how forgetting to build credit can make things even tougher than you might guess.

What does my credit score have to do with renting an apartment?

I get it - when you’re in college, credit scores can seem like the type of thing you won’t need to worry about for years. It’s common to think that unless you’re taking out a mortgage to buy a new house, you can put building your credit score on the back burner. Plenty of people also think that because they’re already responsible with money, they don’t also need to build credit.

But your credit score can come into play a lot sooner than you think. And one of the first times it comes into play is when you go to rent your first apartment after graduating.

Imagine graduating, moving to a new city with a couple of your friends, and finding the perfect apartment for you all to live in. Then imagine that you apply, but you’re the only one of your friends who isn’t approved to live in the apartment because you didn’t do anything to build your credit score in college.

This is a nightmare scenario that’s far too common. To make matters worse, there’s no quick fix if you need credit but don’t have any history. It takes time to build a credit score, and so you might not get the chance to live with your friends at all. You might end up having to move back home, forgo job opportunities, or live somewhere you don’t want to live - all because you didn’t build your credit score!

What can you do?

Missing out on your dream apartment in a new city with you friends is a pretty tough outcome. While some apartments may let you bring on a parent or guardian as a co-signer, that can be a hassle too.

If you’re excited about living with your friends when you graduate from college, the clearest answer is to work on building your credit profile and your credit score before you get your diploma. And getting a Fizz card is the best way to build your credit score in college so that you’re prepared for what comes next.

Fizz was designed specifically for college students. We don’t check your credit before giving you a card, making it easier than ever to get started. We link directly to your existing bank account to keep you from spending more than you have, and your purchases are automatically paid off on a daily basis with our autopay feature.

On top of everything else, Fizz has no hidden fees and no interest rates. All we charge is an upfront membership fee to help us keep the lights on. We think your money should stay in your pocket where it belongs - especially since money can be tight in college. And to help you out a little more, Fizz offers great cash back at stores and brands that you love.

Fizz is the perfect way to build credit in college and get ready for the next part of your life - no matter where you decide to live after your graduate. So what are you waiting for? Download the Fizz app today!

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.


40 Wooster Street, 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.


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. Over $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.Fizz cardholders: 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, 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.


Fizz cardholders: 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, 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.


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. Actual results may vary. App Store rating as of September 2024.


For persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities, we accept calls on our service line at (940) 260-2704.

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


40 Wooster Street, 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.


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. Over $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.Fizz cardholders: 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, 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.


Fizz cardholders: 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, 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.


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. Actual results may vary. App Store rating as of September 2024.


For persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities, we accept calls on our service line at (940) 260-2704.

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


40 Wooster Street, 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.


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. Over $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.Fizz cardholders: 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, 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.


Fizz cardholders: 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, 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.


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. Actual results may vary. App Store rating as of September 2024.


For persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities, we accept calls on our service line at (940) 260-2704.