What Credit Cards Am I Eligible For?

If you’re thinking about applying for a credit card, you may well have a whole host of questions that need answering, such as:

• What credit cards am I eligible for?
• What credit cards can I get?
• What do you need to get a credit card?

Perhaps you’re wondering about how to check your credit card eligibility for your first credit card, or are simply interested in learning more about the different types of credit cards that are available. Our handy guide provides the answers to some common questions.

Who can get a credit card?

Credit card eligibility criteria will vary between providers but, generally, you can apply if you:

• Are over the age of 18;
• Are a UK resident;
• Have a UK bank account and valid debit card; and
• Have a regular source of income paid into your bank account.

Some credit card providers will also require you to have at least three years’ UK address history.

Will I be accepted for a credit card?

Whether your application is accepted for a credit card will depend on several factors, including your credit score and history. As part of the application process, a responsible credit card provider will want to make sure that any credit product is affordable for your circumstances.
Firstly, it’s important to make sure that you meet the credit card eligibility criteria set by the provider. It may also help to know your credit score before you apply.

How to check credit card eligibility

Are you wondering how to check credit card eligibility? thimbl. could help.
Check your chances of approval before you apply with our free eligibility checker.

Find out if you’ll be accepted before you apply for your thimbl. Credit Card

• For all credit levels, from poor to excellent
• Checking won’t affect your credit rating
• 34.5% APR Representative (variable)

Check my eligibility

Using the credit card eligibility checker will not affect your credit score; however, if the eligibility checker shows you have a good chance of approval and you choose to make a full application, you’ll be required to undergo a hard credit search with the thimbl. credit card issuer. A hard search will remain on your credit file for up to 12 months, and too many hard searches within a short period of time could have a negative impact on your credit score.

Will I be accepted for a credit card with bad credit?

It’s understandable that you may feel apprehensive about applying for a credit card with bad credit, especially if you’ve had applications turned down in the past.
Having poor credit history doesn’t necessarily mean that your credit card application will be declined. Some credit cards, like the thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card, are designed to help people with bad credit improve and rebuild their score.

All credit scores are welcome to check their eligibility for a thimbl. credit card.

How to check credit card eligibility: hard v soft search

The thimbl. eligibility checker uses soft search technology to take a look at your credit profile with no impact to your credit score.
If you’re pre-approved for a thimbl. credit card and choose to make a full application directly with the provider, you will undergo a hard credit search.
A hard search will remain visible on your credit file for up to 12 months, and too many hard searches over a short period of time could have a negative effect on your credit score.

What credit cards am I eligible for?

If you’re wondering ‘what credit cards am I eligible for?’, it might help to do some research into the different types of credit card available. Understanding the individual features of each credit card could help you choose the right one for you, based on your personal requirements.
We’ve included information on some of the more common types of credit card below.

1. Credit builder credit card

Credit builder credit cards could be an option to consider if you have poor credit history or no credit history at all. Having no credit history is often referred to as having a ‘thin’ credit file. When used responsibly alongside other credit-building methods (which we’ll talk about in more detail further down the page), a credit builder credit card could help to establish or improve your credit score.

2. Balance transfer credit card

Are you paying off the balance of one or more existing credit cards? A balance transfer credit card could help you save money on interest.
These credit cards are usually offered at a promotional rate, such as 0% or a low interest rate for an introductory period.
Before you commit to a balance transfer credit card, ensure that the interest rate on your new credit card is lower than that on your existing credit card(s). You should also remember that any outstanding balance remaining once the promotional period ends will be charged interest at your standard rate.

3. 0% purchase credit card

0% purchase credit cards offer no-interest spending for a set period, which means you can spread the cost of a purchase without accruing interest. As with balance transfer cards, it’s important to remember that any balance outstanding after the 0% period expires will be charged interest at your standard rate.

4. Travel credit card

If you’re heading overseas and wondering ‘what credit cards can I get?’ to help you avoid foreign exchange fees, you might want to look into a travel credit card. When used to make transactions abroad, standard credit cards will usually charge a fee. Travel credit cards either charge a very low fee or no fee at all and may offer more desirable exchange rates than standard.

What do you need to get a credit card?

The thimbl. credit card application process is simple and straightforward.

1. Complete our online form. This should take no longer than five minutes. We’ll use the details you’ve provided to run a soft search on your information.
2. If you’ve been pre-approved for a thimbl. credit card, you’ll be redirected to our provider. Please be aware that pre-approval does not guarantee acceptance.
3. You’ll undergo some further checks with the provider, including a hard credit search. This will affect your credit score.
4. If the provider is happy with the outcome of their checks, you will be sent a credit card agreement. Be sure to carefully read through the terms and conditions before deciding whether to sign and return.
5. Your new credit card and PIN will be sent to you separately in the post.

How to increase your chances of being approved for a credit card

A good credit score could improve your chances of approval when applying for credit. Fortunately, you can start your journey towards a better credit score today.

• Register to vote.
• Check your credit report for any errors.
• Limit the number of hard credit searches you undergo.
• Pay all your bills and any current credit commitments on time.
• If you already have a credit card, try to avoid using it to make withdrawals from a cash machine.