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Is thimbl for bad credit?

Credit Cards Like thimbl

Allow us to take this opportunity to tell you about the things that make thimbl great, and why, even if you’re not eligible for a thimbl credit card at this time, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the end of the road.

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Financial Content Writer

Latest edit: 23rd February 2026

If you’re searching for ‘credit cards like thimbl’, it’s possible that you’re either unfamiliar with our brand or open to researching similar credit products.

We’d love to take this opportunity to tell you more about us and the credit cards we offer.
In the thimbl guide to ‘credit cards like thimbl’, we look at what makes us great; why having your thimbl application declined isn’t necessarily the end of the road; and the things to look out for if you’re searching for alternatives to thimbl.


What’s great about thimbl?

  • thimbl currently offers two types of credit cards: the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card and the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card. Both cards offer different features to suit a range of customers and financial needs.

  • Check your eligibility in just 60 seconds with no impact to your credit score.*

  • All credit scores considered.

  • thimbl is rated ‘excellent’ with over 4,500 positive customer reviews.

  • If your application is approved, you could start using your virtual thimbl credit card the same day.**

  • thimbl is a trading name of Digitonomy Limited, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

How thimbl credit cards work

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card

Low credit score? If you’re hoping to work towards a healthier credit position, the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card could be a suitable addition to your wallet.

Use the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card to pay for an essential and affordable purchase, and then make at least the minimum repayment amount due on your balance each month.

Your repayment activity will be shared with the credit reference agencies (CRAs), and in time, you could see an improvement in your credit score.

Credit limit: £200 - £2,000
Representative Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 48.9% APR Representative (variable)

Check your eligibility for the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card here.


The thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card

If you have more than one credit card with active balances that you’re currently paying interest on, you might find the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card useful. Move the balance of one or more credit cards to the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card and make the most of 6 months interest-free.***

Remember, when the 6-month 0% interest period ends, any outstanding balance will be charged interest at the credit card’s standard rate.

Credit limit: £500 - £2,000
Representative APR: Representative 39.9% APR (variable)

Check your eligibility for the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card here.


Is thimbl for bad credit?

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card could be a suitable credit card for people with a history of bad credit whose financial circumstances have since improved.


Is thimbl for good credit?

You could be eligible for a thimbl credit card if you have good or bad credit. As discussed, the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card has been designed for those hoping to improve their credit score, but there is no one set credit range that you must fall into before being considered for either type of thimbl credit card.


Am I eligible for a thimbl credit card?

You can check your eligibility for a thimbl 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.

thimbl is a credit broker. The thimbl credit card is powered by Zable, a trading name of Lendable Ltd.
Lendable Ltd is unable to consider applications from anyone who has declared bankruptcy or is in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA). 


Is thimbl a good credit card?

We like to think so! But don’t just take our word for it; as of February 2026, over 4,500 of our customers have left us a positive review.


I wasn’t approved for a thimbl credit card; what next?

We’re sorry that a thimbl credit card wasn’t quite the right fit for you at this stage – but that doesn’t mean it has to be the end of your thimbl journey forever.
If you enabled the SmartCheck feature on your application, we’ll re-check your eligibility for a thimbl credit card every month, with no impact to your credit score and no additional forms to fill out. We’ll let you know if it looks like your chances have improved.


Is thimbl the same company as Zable?

No, thimbl is not the same company as Zable.
The thimbl credit card is powered by Zable, a trading name of Lendable Ltd.
If, after completing the eligibility check on thimbl.com, you’re pre-approved for a thimbl credit card, and you choose to make a full application, you’ll be redirected to Zable to complete a creditworthiness assessment.

Any credit obtained as a result of a successful application will be provided by Lendable Ltd.

You can find out more about the thimbl x Zable partnership here.


Are Vanquis and thimbl the same?

No, Vanquis and thimbl are not the same. Vanquis was formerly the provider of the thimbl credit card up until 2024.
thimbl is now partnered with Zable, a trading name of Lendable Ltd.

Find out if you’ll be accepted before you apply for your thimbl. Credit Card
  • For all credit levels, from poor to excellent
  • Checking won’t affect your credit rating
  • 48.9% APR Representative (variable)
Check my eligibility
thimbl credit card

If thimbl isn’t your cup of tea…

Whether you’re searching for a credit builder credit card like thimbl, or a similar balance transfer credit card, it’s important to take your time to find the right option for you.

Things to take into consideration when searching for a credit card

  • The type of credit card
    There are many different types of credit cards on the market, including credit builders, balance transfers, rewards credit cards, and 0% purchase credit cards. Spend some time looking into the various types of credit cards and their features to give you an idea of which could be a suitable fit for your finances.

  • The authenticity of the provider
    Credit card providers must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can check to see whether a company appears on the FCA register using this tool.

  • Associated fees and charges
    When it comes to fees and charges associated with a credit card, it’s important to know what to expect before you sign a credit agreement. This way, you can better plan your budget without any surprises along the way.

  • Customer reviews
    While it’s always wise to take reviews with a pinch of salt, you can get a good idea of the overall standard of service a company provides by looking at their Google or Trustpilot reviews.

Searching for the perfect credit card for you can be time-consuming. Why not use a credit card comparison site to help narrow down your search?


What happens if I’ve taken out a credit card that I can no longer afford to repay?

If you’re unable to make a credit card repayment on time, you should contact your provider as soon as you can.
Don’t wait until your repayment date has passed; reach out as soon as you feel that you may struggle. This will give your provider time to discuss any options that could be helpful to you in this situation.


Free financial advice

The following charities and organisations offer free, impartial advice on an array of money topics, including debt and benefits: StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.


*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.

**Use of the virtual thimbl credit card will be subject to further checks, including a fraud check carried out via Open Banking.

***Please note that the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card comes with an initial balance transfer fee of whichever is higher of £3 or 3% of the transfer amount.
Any purchases made using the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card will not be included in the interest-free promotional period.


credit card for bad credit

Page last reviewed: 23rd February 2026

Page reviewed by: Harry Lawrance

You get all this with thimbl

Tap and go

Quick and easy contactless payments up to £100.

Secure banking app

Manage your credit card online, wherever and whenever you like, with the free mobile app.

A trusted service

Over 4,500 positive reviews from our customers.

Check my eligibility

48.9% APR Representative (variable)


Worried about money?

If you're worried about the cost of living, need support with budgeting, or think you might need debt advice, StepChange could help. They offer free and impartial support and help hundreds of thousands of people every year to deal with their debts and take control of their finances.

To find out how StepChange could help you, take the free Money Health Check. It's quick and easy to complete, and will give you a personalised recommendation on what to do next.

Credit Builder Credit Card

Over 180,000 people have already been accepted for a thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card

thimbl credit card
Check if you're eligible with no impact to your credit score
Personalised credit limit between £200 and £2,000
Check my eligibility

48.9% APR Representative (variable)

Meet the team

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Head of Compliance

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Head of Partnerships

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Managing Director, thimbl

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Marketing Manager, thimbl

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Financial Content Writer

Frequently asked
questions

If you've got a question, you may just find the answer you're looking for here. If not, please visit our contact us page and get in touch.

What will my credit limit be?

If you are accepted for a thimbl credit card, you could be offered a starting credit limit of up to £2,000. If you use your card responsibly and show that you can manage your repayments on time each month, you may be eligible for a credit limit increase over time, up to a maximum of £4,000.

You will always be made aware of any credit limit changes to any credit cards you have beforehand, and you do not have to accept a credit limit increase if you don't feel it's right for you.

What happens if I fail to make my repayments?

Falling behind on or failing to make your monthly repayments could result in additional charges, such as late payment fees.

Missed payments will be reported to the credit bureaus, and your account will appear as in arrears. You will be charged a late fee, which is usually around £12. Your credit rating is also likely to decline as a result.

You should try to make your missed payments as soon as possible.

If you're struggling to keep on top of your repayments, you can find free, impartial advice from MoneyHelper, StepChange, Citizens Advice and National Debtline

If you want to know more about how credit cards work, you can read our blog.

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