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

Credit Card to Build Credit

Get Smug. Get thimbl.
Check if thimbl. is a match for you in 60 seconds with no impact to your credit score.

39.9% APR Representative (variable)

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Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 39.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 39.9% APR (variable).

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How will thimbl. make you feel smug?
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A highly rated mobile app

Check your balance anywhere with your secure login that has your credit limit and transactions all in one place!

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Contactless payments

Simply tap and go. Pay for anything up to £100 in just seconds

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Check in just 60 seconds

Feel smug by checking in just 60 seconds. With no effect to your credit rating!

39.9% APR Representative (variable)

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thimbl. the credit card that could help you build credit*
A poor credit score, no credit history or a thin credit file can make it difficult to borrow money.
A credit building card could help by letting you build credit history as you spend, if used responsibly.
If you spend sensibly and make more than at least the minimum repayments amount each month, a credit building credit card could help you improve your credit history. Please note that a credit building card is just one consideration of a healthy credit file when trying to build your credit.*
If you’re over 18 and live in the UK, click below to check your eligibility without impacting your credit file.
Check my eligibility

39.9% APR Representative (variable)

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There are tons of reasons to feel smug. with thimbl.
thimbl. has been built for everyone and no matter your situation we want to leave you feeling smug.

thimbl. lets you tap and go

Our contactless cards let you pay up to £100 in seconds!

Secure banking app

With our free mobile app, manage your account anywhere.

Highly rated on TrustPilot

We’re currently rated Excellent on TrustPilot by thimbl. customers!

Increase your credit limit over time*

A starting credit limit up to £1,500 and a chance to grow it up to £5,000.

39.9% APR Representative (variable)

Get smug while you build your credit rating with thimbl.
If eligible and accepted it’s easy to use your thimbl. credit building credit card, but here’s how to get the most out of it.

39.9% APR Representative (variable)

Spend carefully

To build credit history you need to use the card. Not using it at all won’t help to build credit score. But keep an eye on your spending and make sure you stay under the credit limit. It is also best to pay more than the minimum repayment, especially if you’re using your credit card specifically to build your credit!

Make your payments on time

You must make at least the minimum repayment each month on your credit building credit card, failing to do so can result in a potential negative impact on your credit score. If you do fail to make the minimum repayment you will need to make the missed payment before your next month’s payment is due and failure to do so will result in your account being reported to the external credit bureau as 2 payments in arrears. You can set up a direct debit or make payments through the app.

Pay back more to reduce your interest

You can reduce the amount of interest you pay on your credit builder card by paying off more than the minimum each month. And if you pay off the full balance you can get up to 56 days interest-free on purchases***.

Avoid using your card abroad or to withdraw cash

If you use your credit builder card outside the UK, or if you use it to withdraw cash from a machine, you’ll pay more interest.

Keep your other accounts in order

thimbl. is only one part of a healthy credit rating. In order for the thimbl credit card to help build your credit score make sure you keep on top of any other accounts you may have, as falling behind with other credit commitments could damage your credit rating rather than improve it.

39.9% APR Representative (variable)

If you struggle with repayments or want free financial advice you can visit the following:

Moneyhelper.org.uk, for free, unbiased access to money tools, information, and advice or you can phone on
0800 138 7777.

Visit stepchange.org, a debt charity offering free debt advice in the UK, or phone for a confidential chat on
0800 138 1111.

Frequently asked questions

How is a credit builder card different from other credit cards?

A credit builder card works like any other credit card but is specifically designed for people who may have trouble getting credit elsewhere. It does this by offering a lower initial credit limit and higher APR than you might be able to get with a higher credit score.

How do I know whether I’ll be accepted?

Our eligibility checker will let you know in under 60 seconds whether you’re eligible. You can then apply for your credit building card with confidence. You’ll need to know your current monthly income, what you contribute to mortgage or rent, and the total of your other essential monthly outgoings. Please be aware that being eligible doesn’t guarantee you’ll be accepted for a thimbl. card. If you are accepted, the thimbl. card provider will send you the relevant information over along with a Credit Agreement.

What is the APR?

The APR is the Annual Percentage Rate and represents the amount you are charged on your credit builder card balance over a year. It includes interest and other fees and charges. For thimbl. the APR is 39.9%.

How long will it take to improve my credit score?

You should use your credit building credit card to make small purchases, not exceed your limit and make sure you pay over the minimum repayment on time. This is how credit cards could improve credit score and you should see an improvement in your score from 6 months onwards, but this may differ depending on your personal scenario and assuming other aspects of your credit profile being in order. You need to make sure you stay on top of any other accounts to stop them from harming your score.

How can I check my credit score?

You can see your score by using a reputable credit reference agency such as Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. You can see how your score changes over time, and these named credit reference agencies also give tips on what else you can do to help to build credit score.

Check my eligibility

39.9% APR Representative (variable)