What the Fizz Credit Card Is

The Fizz Credit Card is a secured credit card issued by Fizz, a financial technology company. You deposit cash into a savings account, and that deposit becomes your credit limit. You then use the card to make purchases, pay the bill each month, and build a credit history. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—so responsible use can improve your credit score over time.

Fizz targets people who are new to credit, rebuilding after past problems, or looking for a straightforward way to establish a credit history. Unlike some secured cards, Fizz does not charge an annual fee, and the company offers a mobile app to track spending and payments.

Key Takeaways

  • Fizz is a secured card: you deposit money upfront, and that amount becomes your spending limit.
  • There is no annual fee, and the card reports to all three credit bureaus each month.
  • You must make on-time payments every month to build credit and avoid late fees.
  • After responsible use, you may be able to move to an unsecured card or request a higher limit without adding more deposit.
  • The card comes with a mobile app for account management and spending tracking.

How to Open a Fizz Account

To open a Fizz account, you will need a valid government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and a bank account to fund your initial deposit. You can start the process on Fizz's website or through their mobile app. The company will ask for basic personal information—name, address, date of birth—and will perform a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score.

Once you are approved, you choose your deposit amount. This becomes your credit limit. Fizz allows deposits ranging from $200 to $2,500, though the exact range may vary. You fund the deposit from a linked bank account, and the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. After you receive it, you will need to set up it through the app or website before you can use it.

Deposit Requirements and Credit Limits

Your deposit is held in a savings account and earns a small amount of interest. The interest rate varies and is set by Fizz; check their current terms when you open your account. Your deposit is separate from your credit limit—the deposit sits in savings while you charge purchases to the card itself.

If you deposit $500, your credit limit is $500. You can request a credit limit increase after a period of on-time payments, typically 6 to 12 months. Some increases may not require an additional deposit, though Fizz may ask for one depending on your payment history and credit score at the time of the request.

Monthly Payments and Fees

Fizz charges no annual fee, which sets it apart from many other secured cards. However, you will owe interest on any balance you carry from month to month. The interest rate (APR) is set when you open your account and depends on your creditworthiness; it typically ranges from 18% to 24%, though rates vary by applicant.

Late payments trigger a late fee, usually $25 to $35 depending on how late the payment is. Missing a payment also damages your credit score and may lead to account suspension. To avoid these costs, set up automatic payments from your bank account for at least the minimum due each month. Paying the full balance each month means you pay no interest and build credit faster.

Building Credit and Moving to an Unsecured Card

Fizz reports your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each month. Making on-time payments, keeping your balance low (ideally below 30% of your limit), and avoiding late payments all help raise your credit score. After 6 to 12 months of responsible use, you may see your score improve by 50 to 100 points or more, depending on your starting point and overall credit profile.

Once your credit improves, you have options. You can request that Fizz convert your account to an unsecured card, which means your deposit is returned and you no longer need collateral to maintain the card. Alternatively, you can close the Fizz card and move to a different unsecured card with better rewards or lower interest rates. Either way, Fizz will continue to report your account history to the bureaus, so the credit-building work you did carries forward.

Comparing Fizz to Other Secured Cards

Fizz is one of several secured card options. Other well-known secured cards include the Capital One Secured Mastercard, the Discover Secured Card, and the OpenSky Secured Visa Card. Each has different deposit minimums, interest rates, and upgrade paths. Capital One and Discover typically offer lower interest rates and may upgrade you to an unsecured card sooner. OpenSky does not require a credit check at all, which appeals to people with very poor credit or no credit history.

Fizz's main advantages are no annual fee and a straightforward mobile app. Its main drawback is that the interest rate tends to be higher than Capital One or Discover. If you have any credit history at all, comparing rates across these cards before opening an account can save you money over time. If you have no credit history or very poor credit, Fizz and OpenSky are both reasonable choices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is missing a payment or paying late. Even one late payment can set back your credit-building progress by months. Set a calendar reminder or automatic payment the day after your statement closes, so you never forget.

Another mistake is carrying a high balance. If your limit is $500 and you charge $450, your credit utilization is 90%, which hurts your score. Aim to keep your balance below 30% of your limit—so $150 or less on a $500 card. This is easier if you use the card for small, regular purchases (like gas or groceries) and pay the full balance each month.

A third mistake is opening too many cards at once. Each process triggers a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score. If you open Fizz, wait at least 3 to 6 months before opening another card. This gives your score time to recover and shows lenders you are not desperate for credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my deposit back?

Yes. If you close your account in good standing, Fizz returns your deposit to your bank account. If you upgrade to an unsecured card, your deposit is also returned. However, if your account is closed due to missed payments or other violations, Fizz may use the deposit to cover unpaid balances or fees before returning the remainder.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A missed payment triggers a late fee (usually $25 to $35), is reported to the credit bureaus, and damages your credit score. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Fizz may suspend your account. Contact Fizz when ready if you cannot pay on time; some companies offer hardship programs or payment deferrals.

How long does it take to build credit with Fizz?

Most people see meaningful credit score improvement within 6 to 12 months of on-time payments. The exact timeline depends on your starting score, how much you use the card, and your overall credit profile. Checking your score monthly through a free service like Credit Karma or your bank's app helps you track progress.

Can I use Fizz if I have no credit history?

Yes. Fizz does not require existing credit history. The soft credit check is mainly to verify your identity and check for fraud. People new to credit, immigrants, and young adults often use Fizz for this reason. However, you will need a valid ID, Social Security number, and a bank account to fund your deposit.

What is the interest rate on Fizz?

Fizz's APR typically ranges from 18% to 24%, depending on your creditworthiness at the time you open the account. The rate is set when you open your account and does not change unless Fizz adjusts it due to a change in your account status. You can avoid interest entirely by paying your full balance each month.