Guaranteed Approval Credit Cards

If you’re worried that a bad credit history could negatively affect your chances of being considered for a credit card, you might have thought about searching for the following:

• Guaranteed approval credit card
• Guaranteed approval credit cards for bad credit
• Guaranteed credit card

Do credit cards with guaranteed approval really exist?
Is it possible to get a very bad credit credit card with guaranteed approval?
If not, are there any alternatives? Can you get a credit card with bad credit?

thimbl investigates some questions that you may have about guaranteed approval credit cards and explains why you should be very wary of any provider claiming to offer this type of product.

Guaranteed approval credit cards UK: What is a guaranteed approval credit card?

In theory, a guaranteed approval credit card would be a credit card that offers guaranteed acceptance; however, it’s vital to be aware that this type of credit card does not exist.

Guaranteed approval credit cards suggest that applicants will be approved regardless of the result of a creditworthiness assessment, or even without having to undergo a creditworthiness assessment at all.
In-line with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requirements, all authorised and regulated credit providers must carry out a creditworthiness assessment on everyone who applies for credit. A creditworthiness assessment gives your lender insight into your financial history, as well as the understanding that credit is affordable for you.

While these checks may seem daunting, especially if you have a history of bad credit, it’s important to note that these checks are in place to protect you.

Where can I apply for a guaranteed credit card?

It’s not possible to apply for a guaranteed credit card, because, as discussed, this type of product does not exist.
Any provider that claims to offer guaranteed approval credit cards should be avoided, as they are highly unlikely to be working within the guidelines set by the FCA.

Guaranteed approval credit cards for bad credit UK

If you have a history of bad credit, it’s understandable that you may have searched the terms ‘guaranteed credit cards for bad credit’ or ‘guaranteed credit cards’.
Remember, you cannot get a guaranteed credit card in the UK, regardless of your credit score.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t be considered for a credit card, even if your credit score is looking worse for wear.
Some credit cards, such as the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card, have been specifically designed for people with bad credit.

Credit cards for bad credit: the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card

• All credit scores are welcome to check their eligibility.


• Whether you’re hoping to pick a bad credit score up off the ground or move an average score up to a better position, the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card could help you do just that: build your credit.


• Manageable starting credit limit between £200 and £2,000 to help responsible spending.


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


• Use your thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card to pay for a necessary and affordable purchase, such as your midweek top-up food shop, and then make at least the minimum repayment amount each month. Your repayment habits will be reported to the credit reference agencies (CRAs), and with consistent, positive use, you could see an improvement in your credit score.


• Use your thimbl credit card alongside other credit-building methods, such as registering to vote at your current address, ensuring all your bills are paid on time, and making sure the information on your credit report is correct and up-to-date.

Does the thimbl credit card offer guaranteed acceptance?

No, the thimbl credit card does not offer guaranteed acceptance.
The thimbl credit card is powered by Zable, a trading name of Lendable Ltd. Both thimbl and Lendable Ltd are authorised and regulated by the FCA. This means that if you’re pre-approved for a thimbl credit card and choose to make a full application, Zable will carry out a creditworthiness assessment.
The outcome of the creditworthiness assessment will decide whether you’re accepted for a thimbl credit card.

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

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card eligibility criteria

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).

Check your eligibility for a thimbl credit card with no impact on your credit score

If you’re worried about your credit position, please be assured that checking your eligibility for the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card will not affect your score in any way.
We use soft search technology to see whether you could be a good fit for thimbl, and a soft search will only be visible on your credit file to you and us.**

If our soft search eligibility check reveals that you have been pre-approved for a thimbl credit card, you can decide whether you’d like to make a full application with our trusted partner, Zable.

Is a pre-approved credit card the same as a guaranteed approval credit card?

No, a pre-approved credit card is not the same as a guaranteed approval credit card.
It is not possible to get a credit card with guaranteed approval; however, you can be pre-approved for a credit card.

If you’re pre-approved for a credit card, it means that an eligibility check has shown you have a good chance of being accepted. Pre-approval does not guarantee acceptance, and you will still need to pass a creditworthiness assessment.

Guaranteed approval credit cards recap

• It’s not possible to get a guaranteed approval credit card.


• Bad credit credit cards with guaranteed approval do not exist; however, you could still be eligible for certain types of credit cards, even if you have bad credit.


• The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card could be suitable for people with bad credit who are hoping to improve their credit score.


• Any company claiming to offer guaranteed approval credit cards should be avoided. In the UK, credit providers must be authorised and regulated by the FCA. The FCA requires all registered providers to carry out a creditworthiness assessment on anybody who applies for credit. You cannot be approved for a credit card without undergoing a creditworthiness assessment first.


• Some credit card providers allow you to check your eligibility for a credit card before you make a full application. This is typically done using a soft search, which will not harm your credit score.** An eligibility check can reveal whether you’ve been pre-approved for a credit card. Pre-approval does not guarantee acceptance.

Financial worries?

If you’ve taken out a credit card and are struggling to keep on top of your repayments, you should take a step back and avoid using it until you get back on your feet. It’s also a good idea to let your provider know that you’re experiencing financial hardship; there may be things they can suggest that might help.

You can access free, impartial financial advice through the following charities and organisations: StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.

*Use of the virtual thimbl credit card will be subject to a fraud check, carried out through Open Banking. Please note that if your bank does not support Open Banking, you will be unable to use the virtual thimbl credit card.

**If our soft search eligibility check reveals that you’ve been pre-approved for a thimbl credit card and 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. Please note that pre-approval does not guarantee acceptance.