7 Features to Look for in a Great Credit Card App

Choosing the right credit card is just the beginning of your financial journey. The app that comes with your credit card can make the difference between effortless money management and constant financial frustration. A well-designed credit card app doesn't just let you check your balance; it becomes your personal finance assistant, helping you build credit, track spending, and avoid costly mistakes.

That’s why thimbl partners with the Zable app. You only need to look at their ratings on the App Store and Google Play to see that they know a thing or two about what makes a fantastic credit card app.

In this article, our friends at Zable hightlight seven things that they believe make a great credit card app.

1. Real-time transaction notifications

Staying on top of your finances is important, and real-time notifications are your first line of defence against overspending and unauthorised transactions. When your credit card app sends instant alerts for every purchase, you'll know immediately when your card has been used.

These notifications serve multiple purposes beyond security. They help you track your spending, making it easier to stick to your budget and avoid going over your credit limit. Real-time alerts also help you spot any suspicious activity quickly, so you can contact your provider at once if something doesn't look right.

2. Fast balance updates after repayments

Making a credit card payment only to wait days to see it reflected in your available credit can be frustrating. The best credit card apps process repayments and update your balance within minutes, not hours or days.

This feature is particularly valuable for responsible credit management. When you can see your payment processed immediately, you have a clear picture of your available credit. This is especially important if you're working to keep your credit utilisation below 30% – a key factor in maintaining a healthy credit score according to Experian.

Instant balance updates also provide peace of mind. You'll know your payment has been received and processed, and you won’t have to worry about late fees.

3. Spending insights

Understanding where your money goes is a big part of financial health, and the best credit card apps provide detailed spending insights that go far beyond a basic list of transactions.

Look for apps that categorise your purchases automatically, showing you exactly how much you're spending on groceries, entertainment, fuel, and in other categories.

These spending reports help you find patterns in your financial behaviour. You might discover you're spending more on sweet treats than you realised, or that your grocery expenses have crept up over the months. Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions about where to cut back or budget more effectively.

Many apps also offer the ability to compare your current month’s expenses to previous months, which could help you spot spending patterns. This could be useful when looking into ways to reduce your monthly outgoings.

The Zable app lets you see insights not just from your thimbl credit card, but from your bank account(s) as well, all in one place.

4. Seamless digital wallet integration

Credit card users want flexibility when paying for goods and services, and being able to add a credit card to Apple Pay or Google Pay is essential. Digital wallets offer enhanced security features, such as keeping your card number private during a transaction.

Adding your credit card to a digital wallet is convenient for making contactless payments. Whether you're grabbing coffee, shopping online, or making an in-app purchase, having your credit card readily available in your phone's digital wallet streamlines the payment process.

5. Free credit score monitoring

Your credit score plays an important role in your financial profile and influences everything from loan approvals to rental applications. Credit card apps that offer free credit score tracking help you monitor your financial health.

Zable doesn’t just show you a number – they explain the factors that affect your score and provide suggestions for improvement. Look for apps like Zable that update your score regularly and alert you to significant changes, whether positive or negative.

6. Flexible card security and payment management

One of the most valuable features in modern credit card apps is the ability to instantly freeze and unfreeze your card with a single tap. This security feature provides immediate peace of mind if you've misplaced your card or suspect fraudulent activity.

Unlike cancelling a card, which requires waiting for a replacement, the freeze function is easily reversible. Once you find your card or it's safe to use again, you can unfreeze it instantly through the app.

Beyond security controls, the best apps also offer comprehensive payment management tools. Look for features that allow you to set up, change, or cancel Direct Debits directly through the app.

These payment management tools are crucial for avoiding mistakes, particularly making a late repayment. When you can easily set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due, you're much less likely to miss a payment and damage your credit score.

7. Credit-building tools and extra features

Beyond basic credit card management, the most valuable apps offer added features that help you build credit more effectively. Rent reporting is one such feature that can impact your credit profile, especially for those with limited credit history.

Many people don't realise that rent payments – often their largest monthly expense – typically do not count toward their credit score. Zable offers free rent reporting, potentially boosting your credit score over time.

Other valuable features might include bill payment reminders, budgeting tools, financial education resources, or partnerships with other financial services. These added extras transform your credit card app from a simple account management tool into a comprehensive financial platform.

Choosing your next credit card

When comparing your credit card options, don't overlook the importance of a well-designed mobile app. thimbl partners with Zable to offer our customers best-in-class credit management on their app.