Over 150,000 customers so far
For all credit scores
Check eligibility with no credit score impact
For all credit scores
Over 150,000 customers so far
Check eligibility with no credit score impact
Get Smug. Get thimbl.
Credit Card to Build Credit
Check your eligibility for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card in just 60 seconds, with no impact to your credit score.
45.5% APR Representative (variable)
All applications subject to affordability
thimbl. is a trading style of Digitonomy Limited which is a credit broker not a lender. Any credit that is obtained as a result of an application will be provided by Vanquis Bank Limited.
Build and improve your credit score, by using the thimbl. Credit Card responsibly.
Over 150,000 customers so far.Manage your account 24/7 in the mobile app.Personalised credit limit between £500 and £1,200.45.5% APR Representative (variable)
How do credit building credit cards work?
Credit builder credit cards work in the same way as other credit cards. You can use credit builder cards for small purchases, and then make the minimum repayment amount each month. Credit builder credit cards tend to come with lower starting credit limits to assist with manageable spending. If your credit builder credit card is used responsibly, the information will be fed back to credit reference agencies, which may lead to an increase in your score over time.
Receive your thimbl. Credit Card in the post.
If approved, your card should arrive within 10-14 working days.
Spend responsibly on your thimbl. Credit Card.
Remember, for the best credit building effect, only spend what you can afford to repay each month.
Make at least the minimum repayment on time every month.
With thimbl. you can pick a monthly repayment date that suits you.
Watch your credit score grow.
Your credit score is influenced by many factors.
Who can apply for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card?
Are over the age of 18 years old;Have a UK-registered address;Have a UK bank account and a valid debit card; andAre not bankrupt or have any Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) on your credit file.
45.5% APR Representative (variable)
Check your eligibility for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card
Checking your eligibility for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card before you make a full application directly with a lender will give you an idea how likely you are to be approved, and could protect your credit score. When you apply for credit, lenders are required to run a hard search on your credit history, which can leave a mark on your file for up to 12 months. Undergoing too many hard searches over a short period of time could have a negative impact on your credit score.
Check your eligibility
Using our simple, online form, check if you are eligible before you apply. In just 60 seconds, we will reveal whether or not you have been pre-approved for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card. Our soft search eligibility checks will not affect your credit score.
If you have been pre-approved
You will be redirected to our partners at Vanquis Bank, who will run through some additional checks, including a hard credit search. If approved, you will be sent a credit card agreement. Be sure to read through this carefully before signing.
Wait for your card to arrive
It shouldn't take long to get your card in the post. You'll be able to use your new credit card and start building your credit score as soon as you activate it.
It's important to remember that pre-approval for a thimbl. Credit Builder Credit Card does not automatically guarantee acceptance.
Is a credit builder card right for me?
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are the three main credit reference agencies and will calculate a score based on your financial history and personal information. Your score may be slightly different dependent on the agency but, usually, your overall credit rating will be similar.
You have had issues with debt in the past. If your financial history shows that you have had difficulty managing money in the past, you may have a poor credit score.
If you haven't had a credit agreement before, then you have no credit history. When used responsibly, a credit card could help to build credit.
You just want to improve your credit score! Few people have a perfect credit score, so there's always room for improvement. Anyone looking to make a positive change could benefit from a credit card to build your credit score.
45.5% APR Representative (variable)
Why is it important to have a good credit score?
A good credit score could increase your chances of approval should you choose to apply for credit, such as loans and credit cards. Those with good credit scores may find that they are presented with more options and lower rates of interest when applying for credit. Whatever your credit history, it's possible to start building credit today. Credit builder credit cards are just one way to achieve a healthier score.
Access to more financial products.
Access lower interest rates and promotional deals to make future borrowing cheaper.
Easier to borrow.
A credit builder credit card could provide assurance that you'll be able to borrow when necessary.
Buy or rent a home.
Building credit could increase your chances of being approved for a mortgage or rental agreement if you use your card responsibly.
Start your credit journey.
Credit builder cards could help people with limited or no credit history start their journey to a better credit future.
Other ways to improve your credit score
Credit builder cards work best when used in conjunction with other credit-boosting methods.
Stay with your credit limit on any existing credit cards.
Register to vote. Joining the electoral roll will link you to your current address, making it easier for lenders to identify you and your information, should you apply for credit.
Keep your credit report up to date. Regularly checking your report for errors could help you build your credit. Inaccurate information could negatively impact your credit score, so be sure to contact the provider to make any relevant amends as soon as possible, particularly if you’ve recently moved house or changed your name.
Pay your bills on time. Setting up a Direct Debit could help you keep on top of your necessary outgoings, especially if you have a number of bills to think about and have a tendency to forget when each one needs to be paid.
Manage any current credit commitments. If you have existing credit cards or loans, ensure that your repayments are made on time each month. Avoid missing or making late repayments.
Avoid making too many credit applications over a short period of time. When you apply directly with a lender or credit card provider, they will run a hard credit search on your financial profile. Too many hard searches could lower your credit score. Hard searches may also remain on your credit file for up to 12 months.
Why choose thimbl. for your Credit Builder Credit Card
As of April 2024, we are rated excellent on Trustpilot.
Whatever your credit history, you can check your eligibility for credit cards in just 60 seconds.
Our credit builder card online application is straightforward and should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
We work with trusted lender, Vanquis Bank.
You can use contactless payments on transactions up to £100 with your credit builder card.
Our highly rated mobile app allows you to view your banking information at the click of a finger, meaning you can manage your credit cards and transactions on the go.
45.5% APR Representative (variable)
Frequently asked questions
Will I be accepted for a credit builder credit card?
What will my credit limit be?
How quickly will my credit score improve?
Can I apply for a credit builder credit card with bad credit?
Where can I check my credit score?
You may wish to check your credit score before applying for credit cards.
You can do this on the following sites:
I'm struggling to make my repayments - what can I do?
This can be a daunting situation, but please try not to panic. There are things you can do to help relieve the pressure, and places you can turn to for advice. You should contact your lender as soon as you realise that you're going to miss a repayment, or things start to become difficult. They will appreciate you reaching out and will want to work with you to put a plan in place.
Talking about money can be uncomfortable, but opening up is the first step towards getting back in control. You can find free, impartial debt and money management advice on sites such as StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debt Line.
Our blog is full of money saving tips and hints, which you might find useful.
* To build your credit rating and to be considered for credit limit increases, use your card sensibly, stay within your credit limit and pay at least your monthly minimum payment on time. Not doing so could harm your credit rating and make obtaining credit more difficult.
** Under section 75 of the consumer credit act 1974 credit card purchases over £100 are protected in some circumstances.
The thimbl. Credit Card is issued by Vanquis Bank Limited. Digitonomy Limited (trading as thimbl.) is a credit broker not a lender, and provides its services to Vanquis on an exclusive basis in respect of the thimbl. Credit Card. Digitonomy is paid commission from Vanquis for these services. If Vanquis are unable to provide you with one of these products, Digitonomy will try to find you an alternative product and will receive commission from the provider of that product if you enter into an agreement for it. Digitonomy's registered office is: Steam Mill Business Centre, Steam Mill Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5AN. Registered in England and Wales, under company number 08385135. Digitonomy is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference number 690249. Licenced by the Information Commissioners Office, (registration number ZA007309).
Vanquis Bank can be contacted at its registered office, which is at No. 1 Godwin Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 2SU. Registered number 02558509 England. VAT number 180555952. Vanquis Bank Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register No. 221156).
All rates are variable after their applicable introductory period. If no introductory period applies the rate(s) is/are variable from the date of the agreement. All applicants must be aged 18 or over and resident in the UK. Credit is available subject to status and conditions.
