Credit Cards for Carers

If you care for someone on a full-time basis, you might be wondering what your options are when it comes to searching and applying for a credit card.

thimbl has put together a guide to credit cards for carers, which answers some frequently asked questions, including:

• Could I get a credit card as a carer?
• What is the best credit card for carers?
• Could I get a credit card if I receive Carer’s Allowance?
• Can I check my eligibility for a thimbl credit card if I’m a carer?

Can I get a credit card if I’m a carer?

Every credit card provider will have their own set of eligibility criteria, which you’ll need to ensure you meet before you apply. It’s important to check whether the provider you’re looking at has specific requirements in relation to things like income and employment status, both of which could be affected by your carer duties.

In regard to income, you can check your eligibility for a credit card with thimbl as long as you have a minimum income of £800 after deductions.
We’ll list our full eligibility criteria further down the page.

What’s the best credit card for carers?

The best credit card for carers will vary from person to person, and there’s no one set answer to this question.
The best credit card for you will be one that supports your financial goals.
In order to find the best credit card for your circumstances, you should take the time to research the options that could be available to you, weighing up the possible advantages and disadvantages of each before you make a decision.

Credit cards for carers: thimbl

As a carer, you could get a credit card with thimbl, but in order to be considered, you will need to ensure that you meet our eligibility criteria, which we’ll look into in further detail further down the page. You will need to earn a minimum income of at least £800 a month after deductions, and this income could include certain long-standing benefits, including Carer’s Allowance.

Whether you’re looking to build credit or potentially reduce the amount of interest you’re currently paying by switching to a balance transfer credit card, thimbl could be a suitable addition to your wallet.

1. Credit cards for carers: the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card
   The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card comes with a manageable starting credit limit between £200 and £2,000. When used responsibly alongside other credit-building methods, such as paying your bills on time and regularly checking your credit report for errors, a credit builder credit card could help you establish and work towards a healthier credit position.

   How it works: use your thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card to make a necessary and affordable purchase and then make at least the minimum repayment amount each month. If you’re able to, you should try to make more than the minimum repayment amount. You won’t be charged interest if you clear your balance in full every month.



2. Credit cards for carers: the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card
   Are you in the process of paying off the balance of one or more credit cards? If so, you might be interested to learn about the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card. The thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card comes with a personalised starting credit limit between £500 and £2,000.

   How it works: transfer the balance of one or more existing credit cards onto the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card with 0% interest for six months from the date your account is opened. Depending on the credit limit you’re offered, you could transfer up to 97% of your available credit. Please note that you will be charged a transfer fee of either 3% of the balance or £3, whichever is higher. To check your eligibility for the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card, please click through to our online form here.

Representative Example: Assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year, at a purchase rate of 39.9% (variable), Representative 39.9% APR (variable). 3% balance transfer fee (or £3, whichever is higher.

Once the 6-month interest-free period comes to an end, any balance left on the credit card will be charged interest at the standard rate.

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

Could I check my eligibility for a thimbl credit card if I’m a carer?

Yes, you can check your eligibility for the thimbl credit card if you’re a carer, as long as you meet the criteria below.
In order to check your eligibility for the thimbl credit card, you must ensure that 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. This could include Carer’s Allowance in addition to certain long-standing benefits and/or another form of income, in addition to your employment wages;
• Have an active credit account that has been open for a minimum of 12 months; and
• Do not already hold a Zable credit card.

Zable is 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).

*thimbl is a credit broker. The thimbl credit card is powered by Zable, a trading name of Lendable Ltd.

Bad credit credit cards for carers

Are you worried that your credit score could hold you back when applying for a credit card for carers?
The good news is that certain credit cards, such as the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card, have been designed for people with lower credit scores.
It’s worth noting that credit cards for people with bad credit could come with a higher rate of interest.

Can I get a credit card if I’m on benefits?

It could be possible for you to get a credit card, even if you’re on benefits, although please be aware that this will depend on the credit card provider and the type of benefit(s) you receive.
For further information on credit cards for people on benefits, please click through to our guide here.
You might also be interested in reading our guide to Low Income and Unemployed Credit Cards.

Could I get a credit card if I get Carer’s Allowance?

As discussed in the section above, some credit card providers could consider certain types of benefits, including Carer’s Allowance, as a form of income. It’s important to stress that this will depend on the individual credit card provider.

The maximum amount of money you could get per week with Carer’s Allowance is £83.30, which equates to £333.20 a month. With thimbl, you’ll need to be employed and earn a minimum monthly income, which could include certain long-standing benefits, of at least £800 after deductions.

Are you worried about your finances?

We understand that financial worries can feel really isolating, but please don’t suffer in silence. Whatever you’re worried about, help is available. You can access free, confidential financial advice through charities and organisations such as StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.