Credit cards that you could use the same day as approval

Emergency credit cards and emergency credit cards for bad credit: could this type of borrowing be something to consider to cover an unexpected expense?

What is an emergency credit card?

An emergency credit card isn’t a specific product, but a credit card that’s used to cover the unexpected, whether that’s urgent car repairs or a broken boiler.
If you’re thinking about applying for an emergency credit card, you’ll probably be looking for a product with a straightforward application process and instant access to credit.

Emergency credit cards: the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card

You can check your eligibility for the thimbl credit card in just 90 seconds with no impact on your credit score.*
If approved, you could access your virtual thimbl credit card the same day.**

How does the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card work?

YThe thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card comes with a manageable starting credit limit between £200 and £2,000. With responsible use, the thimbl credit card could help you build your credit score.

1. Use your thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card to make a necessary purchase that you can afford to repay.
2. Make at least the minimum repayment amount each month. If you can afford to, you should try to make more than the minimum. If you clear your balance in full and on time each month, you won’t be charged any interest.
3. Your repayment activity will be reported to the credit reference agencies (CRAs), and, over time, you could see an improvement in your credit score. You’ll also need to make sure that you keep on top of any other credit commitments you have.

Emergency credit cards for bad credit

People with all credit scores are welcome to check their eligibility 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.

Any credit obtained upon successful application will be provided by Lendable Ltd. Lendable Ltd is unable to consider applications from anyone who has declared bankruptcy or is in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).

Things to think about before searching for an emergency credit card

• When dealing with a financial emergency, it can be easy to rush into making an application for credit. However, when it comes to financial products, careful research and consideration are needed to ensure you choose the most suitable choice for your circumstances.


• Take the time to research all your borrowing options; have a look at the ‘Alternatives to emergency credit cards’ section below.


• Be aware of your credit score and how this could affect the interest rate you could be offered, as well as the overall cost of borrowing. If your credit score is on the low side, you could be offered a higher rate of interest.


• Look into different types of credit cards. For example, 0% purchase credit cards offer a promotional period of no or low interest spending. It’s crucial to remember that once the introductory offer comes to an end, any balance remaining on your account will be charged interest at your standard rate.
  If you need a credit card in an emergency, you might look for a product that offers same-day digital access, such as the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card.**


• Try to keep your credit card applications to a minimum. When you make an application for credit directly with a credit card provider, a creditworthiness assessment will be carried out; this will include a hard search or an Open Banking check. If you were to make several credit card applications, you’d undergo multiple hard searches, and this could harm your credit score. Using an eligibility checker, like thimbl’s, will show you how likely you are to be approved for a credit card before you make a full application and could help to protect your credit score from multiple hard searches.


• You should never use your credit card to spend more money than you need to or can afford to repay.

Alternatives to emergency credit cards

• Use savings – if you have any. Using hard-earned savings to cover the cost of something mundane, like a new washing machine, can feel frustrating, but for many people, this is typically the primary option.


• Talk to family and friends. Could a loved one lend you the money you need? When borrowing from a friend or relative, it’s crucial that you both agree on a repayment schedule – it’s a good idea to get it in writing.


• Research personal loans. If you don’t have access to savings or help from a loved one, a short-term personal loan could be something to consider. If you’re approved for a personal loan, the lender will send the funds to your bank account, and you’ll pay back the money you owe, plus interest, in monthly instalments.

Emergency credit cards: what to do if you can’t afford to make your repayments

If you’re struggling to keep up with your monthly repayments, you should contact your credit card provider as soon as you can. They’ll talk you through any possibilities that could help to ease some of the financial pressure you’re facing.

If you’d like to share your money or debt concerns with an impartial ear, please reach out to StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline for free, confidential advice.

*Zable is a trading style of Lendable Ltd. If you’re pre-approved for a thimbl credit card and 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. Please note that pre-approval does not guarantee acceptance.

**Access to your virtual thimbl credit card will be dependent on the outcome of further checks carried out directly by Zable, which will include a fraud check through Open Banking on a bank account registered in your name.