Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk

Get Smug. Get thimbl.

Credit Card to Build Credit

thimbl purchase card

Check your eligibility for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card in just 60 seconds, with no impact to your credit score.

34.5% APR Representative (variable)

All applications subject to affordability

thimbl. is a trading style of Digitonomy Limited which is a credit broker not a lender.

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Build and improve your credit score, by using the thimbl. Credit Card responsibly.

thimbl card image
Over 150,000 customers so far.
Manage your account 24/7 in the mobile app.
Personalised credit limit between £500 and £1,200.
Check my eligibility

34.5% APR Representative (variable)

How do credit building credit cards work?

Credit builder credit cards work in the same way as other credit cards. You can use credit builder cards for small purchases, and then make the minimum repayment amount each month. Credit builder credit cards tend to come with lower starting credit limits to assist with manageable spending. If your credit builder credit card is used responsibly, the information will be fed back to credit reference agencies, which may lead to an increase in your score over time.

Receive your thimbl. Credit Card in the post.

If approved, your card should arrive within 10-14 working days.

Spend responsibly on your thimbl. Credit Card.

Remember, for the best credit building effect, only spend what you can afford to repay each month.

Make at least the minimum repayment on time every month.

With thimbl. you can pick a monthly repayment date that suits you.

Watch your credit score grow.

Your credit score is influenced by many factors.

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Who can apply for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card?

You can apply for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card if you:
Are over the age of 18 years old;
Have a UK-registered address;
Have a UK bank account and a valid debit card; and
Are not bankrupt or have any Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) on your credit file.
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Check my eligibility

34.5% APR Representative (variable)

Check your eligibility for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card

Checking your eligibility for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card before you make a full application directly with a lender will give you an idea how likely you are to be approved, and could protect your credit score. When you apply for credit, lenders are required to run a hard search on your credit history, which can leave a mark on your file for up to 12 months. Undergoing too many hard searches over a short period of time could have a negative impact on your credit score.

Check your eligibility

Using our simple, online form, check if you are eligible before you apply. In just 60 seconds, we will reveal whether or not you have been pre-approved for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card. Our soft search eligibility checks will not affect your credit score.

If you have been pre-approved

You will be required to run through some additional checks, including a hard credit search. If approved, you will be sent a credit card agreement. Be sure to read through this carefully before signing.

Wait for your card to arrive

It shouldn't take long to get your card in the post. You'll be able to use your new credit card and start building your credit score as soon as you activate it.

It's important to remember that pre-approval for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card does not automatically guarantee acceptance.

Is a credit builder card right for me?

Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are the three main credit reference agencies and will calculate a score based on your financial history and personal information. Your score may be slightly different dependent on the agency but, usually, your overall credit rating will be similar.

thimbl card image
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You may benefit from a credit card for building your credit score if:

You have had issues with debt in the past. If your financial history shows that you have had difficulty managing money in the past, you may have a poor credit score.

If you haven't had a credit agreement before, then you have no credit history. When used responsibly, a credit card could help to build credit.

You just want to improve your credit score! Few people have a perfect credit score, so there's always room for improvement. Anyone looking to make a positive change could benefit from a credit card to build your credit score.

Check my eligibility

34.5% APR Representative (variable)

Why is it important to have a good credit score?

A good credit score could increase your chances of approval should you choose to apply for credit, such as loans and credit cards. Those with good credit scores may find that they are presented with more options and lower rates of interest when applying for credit. Whatever your credit history, it's possible to start building credit today. Credit builder credit cards are just one way to achieve a healthier score.

Access to more financial products.

Access lower interest rates and promotional deals to make future borrowing cheaper.

Easier to borrow.

A credit builder credit card could provide assurance that you'll be able to borrow when necessary.

Buy or rent a home.

Building credit could increase your chances of being approved for a mortgage or rental agreement if you use your card responsibly.

Start your credit journey.

Credit builder cards could help people with limited or no credit history start their journey to a better credit future.

Other ways to improve your credit score

Credit builder cards work best when used in conjunction with other credit-boosting methods.

Stay with your credit limit on any existing credit cards.

Register to vote. Joining the electoral roll will link you to your current address, making it easier for lenders to identify you and your information, should you apply for credit.

Keep your credit report up to date. Regularly checking your report for errors could help you build your credit. Inaccurate information could negatively impact your credit score, so be sure to contact the provider to make any relevant amends as soon as possible, particularly if you’ve recently moved house or changed your name.

Pay your bills on time. Setting up a Direct Debit could help you keep on top of your necessary outgoings, especially if you have a number of bills to think about and have a tendency to forget when each one needs to be paid.

Manage any current credit commitments. If you have existing credit cards or loans, ensure that your repayments are made on time each month. Avoid missing or making late repayments.

Avoid making too many credit applications over a short period of time. When you apply directly with a lender or credit card provider, they will run a hard credit search on your financial profile. Too many hard searches could lower your credit score. Hard searches may also remain on your credit file for up to 12 months.

Why choose thimbl. for your Credit Builder Credit Card

We have over 4,500 positive reviews from our customers.

Whatever your credit history, you can check your eligibility for credit cards in just 60 seconds.

Our credit builder card online application is straightforward and should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.

We work with trusted lenders.

You can use contactless payments on transactions up to £100 with your credit builder card.

Our highly rated mobile app allows you to view your banking information at the click of a finger, meaning you can manage your credit cards and transactions on the go.

Check my eligibility

34.5% APR Representative (variable)

Frequently asked questions

Will I be accepted for a credit builder credit card?

Whatever your credit score, if you meet our criteria, you are welcome to apply for a thimbl. Credit Card. If you'd like to get an idea of your chances of approval before you apply, you can check your eligibility in just 60 seconds, with no impact to your credit score. Please remember that pre-approval does not guarantee that you will be approved for a credit builder credit card.

What will my credit limit be?

The starting limit on a thimbl. Credit Card is between £500 and £1,200. Over time, depending on how well you manage your account, you may become eligible for an increase of up to £5,000. Please note that you will always be made aware of any potential changes to your credit cards and account before they happen.

How quickly will my credit score improve?

It may take several months for your credit score to improve. It's unlikely that your credit score will improve with a credit builder credit card alone. For best results, use your card alongside other credit building methods, such as registering to vote, paying your bills on time, and keeping the information on your credit file up to date.

Can I apply for a credit builder credit card with bad credit?

If you have a less-than-perfect credit history, credit builder credit cards could help you improve your score. You wish may to check your eligibility for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card before you make a full application. This will give you an idea of how likely you are to be approved, and will not affect your credit score in any way.

Where can I check my credit score?

You may wish to check your credit score before applying for credit cards.
You can do this on the following sites:

Please be aware that Equifax and TransUnion charge fees for their service after an initial introductory period. Experian remains free to use.

I'm struggling to make my repayments - what can I do?

This can be a daunting situation, but please try not to panic. There are things you can do to help relieve the pressure, and places you can turn to for advice. You should contact your lender as soon as you realise that you're going to miss a repayment, or things start to become difficult. They will appreciate you reaching out and will want to work with you to put a plan in place.

Talking about money can be uncomfortable, but opening up is the first step towards getting back in control. You can find free, impartial debt and money management advice on sites such as StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debt Line.

Our blog is full of money saving tips and hints, which you might find useful.

Get Smug. Get thimbl.

Check my eligibility

34.5% APR Representative (variable)