Find out how to add your thimbl credit card to Apple Pay

What is Apple Pay, and how do I use it?
If you’re looking for a secure and convenient way to make contactless payments on the go, you might be interested in learning more about Apple Pay.

What is Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is a type of contactless payment system which connects your debit and/or credit card(s) to your phone so you can make a purchase without the need for a physical card.

How do I use Apple Pay?

If you’re wondering how to set up Apple Pay, we can help guide you through the process.
Firstly, you’ll need to make sure that you have an Apple account and a compatible device with the latest iOS update installed.

Setting up Apple Pay is straightforward; you’ll just need to click into the Wallet icon on your iPhone and tap ‘add.’
Next, hold your debit or credit card close to your phone to add it to the wallet. Alternatively, you can enter your card details manually.

Please note that some banks and card providers may ask you to complete an additional authentication check before your card is added.

How do I pay with Apple Pay?

You can use Apple Pay wherever you see it listed as a payment option, whether that’s online or in a shop.

In store

When using Apple Pay in person, it’s just like choosing to pay contactless with your debit or credit card – except that you don’t need to present your physical card.

1. Verify your identity using your chosen security method (we’ll talk more about this in the section below).

2. Hold your phone – or Apple Watch - with your card showing close to the payment device until the transaction is approved.

Online

1. Select Apple Pay as your payment method.

2. Verify your identity via your security pass.

3. Confirm the payment. It’s worth noting that the merchant could ask you to provide some further details, such as your billing address.

4. Once the transaction is approved, the word ‘Done’ and a tick will appear on your screen.

How secure is Apple Pay?

Apple states that “Apple Pay is safer than using a physical credit, debit or pre-paid card”.
Each time you use Apple Pay, you’ll need to provide either a passcode or Face or Touch ID to verify that it’s you. This helps protect your account from fraudulent activity.

When you use Apple Pay in-store, your card number is not shared with the merchant, and when you make a payment online, the retailer will only be sent the information you need to complete your order, such as your name, address, and email address.

Does Apple Pay charge a fee?

It’s understandable that you’d ask, ‘is Apple Pay free to use?’ before downloading the service – the last thing anyone wants is to be hit with an unexpected fee.
Fortunately, Apple Pay does not charge any fees for its service, meaning you can use it to make payments free of charge.

Which banks support Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is supported by a number of major banks. You can find a full list of banks that work with Apple Pay here.

Can I use Apple Pay abroad?

If the country you’re travelling to supports contactless payments, then yes, you can use Apple Pay abroad.
Please be aware that when spending on a debit or credit card abroad, foreign transaction fees may apply. You should contact your card provider or review your card’s terms and conditions for further information.

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card can be used overseas with no foreign transaction fees.*

Is Apple Pay the same thing as Apple Wallet?

No, Apple Pay and Apple Wallet are not the same thing, although they work alongside one another to make Apple Pay possible. As discussed, Apple Pay is a contactless payment system, while Apple Wallet is a virtual wallet where you can store credit, debit and loyalty cards, as well as things like boarding passes and concert tickets.

Put simply, you can make contactless payments via Apple Pay, using the cards stored in your Apple Wallet.

What’s the difference between Apple Pay and Google Pay?

Apple Pay and Google Pay offer the same service; however, they’re designed for different devices. Apple Pay is compatible with Apple devices, while Google Pay is compatible with Android devices.

Can I add my thimbl credit card to Apple Pay?

Yes, you can. To add your thimbl credit card to Apple Pay, simply head to the ‘Account’ section in the app and tap ‘Add to Apple Wallet.’

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card has been designed for people with poor credit history who are hoping to work towards a healthier credit position.
With responsible use, the thimbl credit card could help you build your credit score.

How does a credit builder credit card work?

1. Use your thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card to make a necessary and affordable purchase. This could be something as simple as your lunchtime meal deal.

2. Make at least the minimum repayment amount due on your credit card balance each month.
Top tip: if you’re able to, you should aim to pay more than the minimum amount off your balance, and if you clear your balance in full each month, you won’t be charged interest.

3. Your repayment habits will be reported to the credit reference agencies (CRAs). Over time, you could see an improvement in your credit score.

Please note that you’ll also need to make sure that any other existing credit commitments and bills are also paid on time. To increase the possibility of positive results, credit builder credit cards should be used alongside other credit-building methods, such as registering to vote; checking your credit report for errors; and keeping your credit applications to a minimum.

Why choose thimbl?

• All credit scores welcome to check eligibility.
• We’re rated excellent, with over 4,500 positive customer reviews.
• As of August 2025, since our launch in 2017, we’ve said ‘yes’ to over 150,000 customers – and counting!
• If approved, you could access your virtual thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card the same day.**
• No foreign transaction fees on overseas spending.*
• Compatible with Apple Pay for convenient, contactless, on-the-go payments.

Check your eligibility 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 with at least 1 year's UK address history;
• Have a monthly net income of at least £800;
• Have an active credit account that has been open for a minimum of 12 months; and
• Do not already hold a Zable credit card.

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

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card is powered by Zable. Zable is a trading style of Lendable Ltd. If you choose to make a full application, a creditworthiness assessment will be carried out by Zable. This will consist of a hard search and a further check powered by Open Banking. 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. Any credit obtained upon successful application will be provided by Lendable Ltd.

*Certain countries are exempt. Please see the full list of excluded countries here.

**Subject to further checks. In order to use your virtual thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card, you’ll need to undergo an additional fraud check with our provider, Zable.
Zable will complete the fraud check on your main bank account, powered by Open Banking.
Please be aware that some banks do not currently support Open Banking. You can check to see whether your bank supports Open Banking here. If your bank doesn’t appear on the list, you will unfortunately be unable to undergo the checks required to activate a virtual thimbl credit card.