Different credit cards and their different uses

A credit card could have many uses, and different types of credit cards offer various features. Whether you’re hoping to reduce your debt, build your credit score, or simply spread the cost of a purchase, a credit card could be a useful option to consider.
In our guide, thimbl explores some of the reasons why some people consider searching for a credit card.

• A credit card could help you spread the cost of a purchase
  Rather than paying the full expense upfront, a credit card can be used to cover the cost of a large purchase. Some credit cards, such as a 0% purchase credit card, offer no or low interest spending for a set period; for example, six months from the date the account is opened. Once the introductory offer ends, any balance outstanding, as well as any new purchases made, will be charged interest at the standard rate.


• Certain credit cards offer rewards
  Rewards credit cards offer a range of perks, including airmiles or cashback. If you regularly pay your balance in full every month, you could earn rewards on your regular spending. If you pay less than the outstanding balance, you should make sure the interest you’ll be charged on your spending won’t be more than the value of any reward(s) you could earn.


• You could save money on interest with a balance transfer credit card
  If you’re in the process of paying off one or more credit cards, moving your balance(s) to a new credit card with a lower interest rate could save you money. A balance transfer credit card typically offers an introductory period of no or low interest from the date your account is opened. As with a 0% purchase credit card, any outstanding balance on your account once this promotional period comes to an end will be charged interest at your standard rate.
  Please note that you could be charged a fee for each transfer you make, and there also could be a limit on the amount of money you’re able to transfer.
  Consolidating debt could be risky, and you should do thorough research and consider speaking to a debt advisor beforehand.


• A credit card could help to build your credit score
  Do you have bad credit history? Are you hoping to rebuild your credit score? A credit builder credit card could help you do just that.


• A credit card offers protection for purchases
  Purchases made on a credit card between £100 and £30,000 are protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If there’s a problem with the goods or services you’ve paid for – for example, your item is faulty - your credit card provider and the seller are jointly responsible. If you encounter a problem with a purchase, your first port of call should be the seller. If they refuse to help, don’t respond, or have ceased trading, your credit card provider can step in and help.
  Section 75 does not cover purchases made with a debit card.
  You can find out more about Section 75 here.

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card comes with a manageable, personalised credit limit between £200 and £2,000.
Here’s how it could help you work towards a healthier credit score.

1. Need to make a necessary purchase? You might consider using your thimbl credit card to cover the cost. Your credit card should never be an incentive to spend money that you don’t need to or can’t afford to repay.
2. Each month, you’ll be sent a credit card statement which will detail your transaction(s), the amount of interest you’ve been charged, and the minimum repayment amount due. If you can afford to, you should try to pay more than the minimum amount.
3. Your repayment activity will be shared with the credit reference agencies (CRAs), and over time, you could notice an increase in your credit score.

It’s important that you don’t solely rely on a credit builder credit card to boost your score and you should try to use as many credit-building methods as you can. This includes checking your credit report for errors, registering to vote, and making sure any bills and other credit commitments are paid on time.

Looking for more ideas to improve your credit score? Check out our guide here.

Why choose the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card?

• Check your eligibility in just 90 seconds, with no impact to your credit score.*
• All credit scores welcome.
• If approved, you could get same-day access to your virtual thimbl credit card.**
• Join the thimbl family of over 150,000 customers (as of September 2025)!

How to check your eligibility for the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card

You can check your eligibility for a thimbl Credit Card if you:

• Are aged between 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.

Credit is 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).

How to manage your credit card effectively

Your credit score will be directly affected by how you manage your credit card.

1. Make at least the minimum repayment amount each month, and if you can, make more than the minimum repayment.
2. Stay well within your credit limit. This is the total amount of money that you can borrow on your credit card.
3. Try to keep your credit utilisation as low as possibl. Credit utilisation is how much of your credit limit you’re currently using and is shown as a percentage. For example, if your credit card has a £1,000 credit limit and you spend £500, your credit utilisation would be 50%. A credit utilisation under 30% is generally seen as healthy and could help if you’re hoping to improve your credit score.
4. Avoid using your credit card to withdraw money from a cash machine. This is called a cash advance and could harm your credit score.
5. If you’re struggling to make your repayments, contact your lender as soon as you can. A late or missed repayment will damage your credit score. The sooner your lender is aware of your situation, the sooner they can help.

I’m worried about money; what can I do?

Confidential, impartial money and debt advice can be accessed for free from StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, or National Debtline.

*The thimbl credit card is powered by Zable, 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. 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.