First-Time Credit Card

Credit cards for beginners

Before you begin your search for your first-time credit card, you could familiarise yourself with the basics of how credit cards work by reading our guide. You might also be interested in our page: At what age can you get a credit card?

Who can get a first-time credit card?

Every credit card provider will have their own eligibility criteria that must be met before you can apply for a first credit card. Generally, you’ll need to be over 18, have a UK bank account, and have a regular income to make your repayments.

How to get a credit card for the first time

If you’ve never borrowed money or paid bills in your name before, you’ll have little to no credit history. This is known as having a ‘thin’ credit file.
A thin credit file could negatively impact your chances of being approved for credit products, such as a personal or car loan, or even a mortgage. This is because lenders have no evidence of how you have managed credit in the past. When used responsibly, the right first-time credit card could help you establish and then build your credit score. Using your starter credit card to make small, manageable purchases and repaying at least the minimum amount due each month could, over time, help improve your credit score.

Whether applying for your first credit card is a decision you’ve been pondering for some time, or something you’ve only recently thought about, you’ll want to make sure that you choose the best first credit card for your needs and circumstances.

Things to think about before you apply for your first credit card

There are several things to think about before you apply for a first credit card.

It’s a good idea to set some time aside to do your research and look into the different types of credit cards available before deciding on the best first credit card for you. We’ve included a brief description of some of the most common credit card products below.

Credit builder credit card

Credit builder credit cards are designed to be a suitable credit card for beginners. They tend to come with a low starting credit limit to help with responsible spending. In time, when used sensibly alongside other credit-building methods, a credit builder credit card could help boost your credit score.

0% purchase credit card

These credit cards often come with a promotional period of interest-free spending. Once the promotional offer comes to an end, any outstanding balance will be charged at the standard interest rate.

Balance transfer credit card

This is not a credit card for beginners, as it’s designed for borrowers who want to move the balance of an existing credit card(s) to a new credit card with either a low or 0% interest period. Once the no-interest period ends, any outstanding balance will be charged interest at the standard rate.

What to look out for when searching for your first credit card

There are several words and phrases that you might come across when searching for your first-time credit card. We’ve listed some below.

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

  The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) shows the annual cost of borrowing, including interest and any standard fees. It does not include any additional charges, such as late fees. The lower the APR, the less interest you’ll be charged on an outstanding balance.

  You can find out more about credit card APR in our guide.



• Fees

  Before you sign a credit agreement, you should be aware of any fees you could be charged, such as a late repayment charge or fees for using your credit card abroad.



• Credit limit

  Your credit limit is the maximum amount of money you’re able to borrow on your credit card account. You don’t need to use the full amount and should only spend what you need and can afford to repay.
  Depending on your credit card provider and how you have managed your account, you could be eligible for a credit limit increase.

Which is the best first credit card in the UK?

The best credit card for first-time users will depend on your individual circumstances.
The first-time credit card that suits one person might not necessarily be a good starter credit card for another. It’s important to do thorough research and familiarise yourself with the product details before you make an application.
If you meet our eligibility criteria, the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card could be an ideal first credit card.

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card

Are you hoping to boost or rebuild your credit score?
Maybe you’re searching for the best first credit card to build credit?
The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card could be a suitable first credit card for you – here are some reasons you might want to choose us.

• We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot.*
• Get peace of mind by checking your eligibility in just 60 seconds.
• People with all credit scores considered.
• Choose a monthly repayment date to suit you.
• Manage your thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card on the go with our highly-rated mobile app.

*As of August 2026.

How does the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card work?

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card works in the same way as other standard credit cards.
Use the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card to make a necessary, manageable purchase, and repay at least the minimum amount due each month. If you can comfortably do so, try to pay more. If you clear your balance in full every month, you won’t be charged interest.

Your repayment history will be reported to the credit reference agencies and, in time, you could notice an increase in your credit score. The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card works best when used alongside other credit-building methods, which we’ll talk about in more detail later.

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

• Are between the ages of 18 and 75
• Are a UK resident
• Have a minimum monthly income of £800 after deductions
• Have an active credit account, such as a mobile phone contract, that has been open for a minimum of 4 months
• 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 Limited.

Lendable Ltd is unable to consider applications from anyone who has declared bankruptcy or is in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).

How to apply for your first credit card with thimbl

Here at thimbl, we understand that applying for your first credit card can be a minefield. We aim to keep things as straightforward as possible, and we won’t confuse you with financial jargon or lengthy paperwork.
Our online application form should take around 60 seconds to complete and can be filled in at a time and place that suits you.

Here’s what you can expect from the thimbl journey when you apply for a first credit card:

1. Complete our online form. You’ll be asked to provide details such as your address history, income, and outgoings.


2. We’ll run a soft search on your financial profile, based on the information you’ve provided. This gives us an idea of whether you could be eligible for a thimbl credit card.


3. If you’ve been pre-approved, you’ll be redirected to our partner, Zable, who will complete a creditworthiness assessment.*


4. If Zable are happy with the outcome of their checks, your thimbl credit card will be sent to you in the post within 5-7 working days. Pending further security checks carried out through Open Banking, you could also access your virtual thimbl credit card on the same day as you’re approved.

*Please be aware that pre-approval does not guarantee acceptance. Zable is a trading name of Lendable Limited. If 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 hurt your credit score. Any credit obtained upon successful application will be provided by Lendable Ltd.

Look after your credit score

If you do decide that a credit card is the right option for you, you’ll need to make a minimum repayment amount due each month on time; where possible, try to pay more than this to reduce your balance quicker.

Your repayment history will be shared with at least one of the three UK credit reference agencies.

Once your credit record is established, you might be interested in other ways to build your credit score.

1. Register to vote. Being on the electoral roll will make it easier for potential lenders to verify your personal information, such as your name and address.


2. Ensure that all your bills are paid on time each month.


3. Try to keep credit applications to a minimum. When you apply for credit, the lender will carry out a creditworthiness assessment on your credit profile, which will include a hard search or an Open Banking check. Too many hard searches within a short period of time could harm your credit score. Additionally, a hard search will remain visible on your credit file to other lenders and credit brokers for up to 12 months.


4. Be sure to stay well within your credit limit.


5. Check your credit report for errors.

How to check your credit report

You can check your credit score and report with any of the following credit reference agencies:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion.

Please be aware that TransUnion and Equifax charge a fee for their services once the free trial period ends. If you don’t want to continue with your membership, you’ll need to contact the company directly to cancel your subscription.
Experian is currently free to use (August 2026).

If you notice that any of the information on your report is outdated or incorrect, you should contact the credit reference agency.

Could a credit card harm my credit score?

Any credit product you have will impact your credit score; whether this is a positive or negative impact is down to how you manage your borrowing. If used sensibly and repaid on time every month, you could see an improvement in your score; on the other hand, any late or missed repayments could cause your credit score to decline. A low credit score could make it difficult to be approved for credit in the future, should you need it.

I can’t afford to make my credit card repayments; what should I do?

If you find yourself in a position where you’re unable to make your repayments, you should contact your credit card provider as soon as you can. They will discuss any options available to you and will want to work with you to put a plan in place.

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