Getting a credit card the same day

If approved, you could get instant access to your thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card through Google Pay and Apple Pay. This could enable you to cover the cost of an urgent expense on the same day your application is approved.

Our guide shares everything you need to know about the journey, from doing your initial research to how to activate your virtual, same-day credit card.

What is a same-day credit card?

A same-day credit card allows you to access and use a virtual version of your credit card on the day your application is approved by the credit card provider. Your physical credit card will typically arrive in the post within a number of days or weeks; exact timeframes will vary between providers.

Please be aware that some providers may require you to undergo some additional checks before you can use your virtual credit card. We’ll look into this in more detail further down the page.

Could I get a same-day credit card with thimbl?

thimbl is a credit broker, not a credit card provider.

If you’re approved for a thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card by our partner, Zable (a trading style of Lendable Limited), you could get instant access to your virtual credit card through Apple Pay and Google Pay, subject to further checks.

Who can apply for a thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card?

You can check your eligibility for a thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card if you:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 70;
• Are a UK resident;
• Are employed, with a minimum monthly income of £800 after deductions;
• Have an active credit account, such as a mobile phone contract, that has been open for a minimum of 12 months; and 
• Do not already hold a Zable credit card.

Zable is unable to consider applications from anyone who has declared bankruptcy or is in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).

Could I get an instant credit card with bad credit?

If you have bad credit, you may still be eligible to apply for some credit card products. The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card, for instance, may be an option for someone hoping to work towards a healthier credit position.

• The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card comes with a manageable starting credit limit to help with responsible spending.
• Use your thimbl credit card to cover a necessary purchase that you can afford to repay and make at least the minimum repayment amount due on your balance each month.
• Stay well within your credit limit and try to keep your credit utilisation as low as possible.*
• Your repayment history will be reported to the credit reference agencies (CRAs) and, over time, you could see an improvement in your credit score if you manage your account responsibly.
• Credit builder credit cards could be most effective when used alongside other credit building methods, such as paying your bills on time and registering to vote.

*Your credit card utilisation is the amount of money you’re using of your credit limit and is shown as a percentage. If you had a credit limit of £500 and were using £100 of this, your credit card utilisation would be 20%.

Before you apply for a credit card…

If you’re in urgent need of money, you might be wondering whether you can get a same-day credit card.

It’s important to remember that a credit card is a serious financial commitment and the decision to apply for one should be considered carefully.

Here are some things that you should think about before you apply.

• Is a credit card the most suitable product for your circumstances? If you’re in need of money to cover an urgent expense, have you thought about any alternative options? Could a friend or family member lend you some money to help tide you over? If your need for funds isn’t pressing, you may wish to take a step back, rethink, and save the money instead.
• You should be certain that you’ll be able to make at least the minimum repayment amount due on your credit card balance each month. Consider how you would manage this if your financial situation were to change. Remember, you should never spend more money than you need to or can afford to repay.
• Making a late repayment, or missing one altogether, could result in added fees and charges. Your credit score could also be affected.
• Have you taken the time to research different types of credit card? If you’re hoping to make a one-time purchase, you might be interested in finding out more about 0% purchase credit cards, which offer low or no interest for a set period of time. Once the promotional offer comes to an end, any balance outstanding will be charged interest at your standard interest rate. If your aim is to work on your credit score, then a credit builder credit card, like thimbl, might be something to look into.
• When you apply for a credit card directly with a lender, they will carry out an affordability check. This may include a hard credit search. Multiple hard searches within a short space of time could cause your credit score to decline. Checking your eligibility for a credit card before you make a full application will reveal your chances of approval and could help reduce the number of hard searches you undergo. You can check your eligibility for a thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card in just 60 seconds today, with no impact to your credit score.*

Same-day credit card: the thimbl process

If you’ve done your research and are certain that a credit card is a suitable option for you, you might be interested to know how the thimbl process works, as well as the straightforward steps you’ll need to take to access your same-day credit card.

1. Check your eligibility for a thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card in just 60 seconds, with no impact to your credit score.^*
2. If our eligibility check reveals that you’ve been pre-approved for a thimbl Credit Card, you’ll be redirected to our trusted partner, Zable.^** Here, you can find out more about the credit card and decide whether you’d like to make a full application.
3. Zable will carry out an affordability check, which will include a hard search.
4. If Zable is satisfied with the outcome of their checks, you’ll be sent a credit card agreement. Take the time to read through this carefully to make sure you’re happy with everything; if you are, you can sign and return it.
5. Your physical credit card will be sent to you in the post within 5-7 working days.
6. Following some additional checks, you could instantly activate your virtual credit card, if qualified. We’ll talk about this in more detail in the next section.

*thimbl uses soft search technology to check your eligibility. If you’re pre-approved for a thimbl credit card and choose to make a full application directly with our provider, Zable (a trading style of Lendable Limited), you’ll be required to undergo a hard credit search. A hard search will remain on your credit file for up to 12 months and multiple hard searches within a short period of time could have a negative impact on your credit score.

**Please be aware that pre-approval does not guarantee acceptance.

How to access your virtual credit card

In order to activate your virtual thimbl credit card, you’ll have to undergo some additional checks directly with Zable. This will include a fraud check which will be carried out through Open Banking on a bank account registered in your name.

Open Banking is a secure procedure which, with your consent, enables an authorised third party to access your online banking account and view your recent transactions.

You can withdraw your consent at any time.

Please be aware that not every bank currently supports Open Banking. If your bank doesn’t appear on this list, it won’t be possible for you to undergo the necessary checks needed to activate your virtual credit card.

How can I repay my virtual credit card?

You should repay the balance of your virtual credit card in the same way that you’d repay a physical credit card.

Any money spent on your virtual credit card will be added to your monthly credit card statement. Your credit card statement will let you know the minimum repayment amount that you’ll need to make. Where possible, you should try to make more than the minimum repayment and, if you clear the balance of your credit card in full and on time, you won’t be charged any interest.

I’m struggling to make my credit card repayments; what can I do?

We’re sorry to hear that you’re in this position and understand how daunting this can feel. Please try not to panic; your provider will be able to talk you through any options that may be available to help reduce some of the pressure while you get back on your feet.

Get free, confidential money and debt management advice

Whatever you’re going through, it’s important to remember that you can access free, impartial advice through charities and organisations such as StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.