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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
Home Credit Cards Credit Builder Card
Get Smug. Get thimbl.
Check in 60 seconds if you could be approved for a thimbl. credit card to start building your credit score.
Watch our TV advert
45.5% APR Representative (variable)
All applications subject to affordability
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 45.5% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 45.5% APR (variable).
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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.
thimbl. Credit Building Card -
Help get finances back on
track
Whatever your starting point, trying to build your credit score can be an unnerving task. Take the first step in the right direction with a thimbl. credit building credit card!
A good credit score could make life easier. An improved credit score could help access better rates for credit when it’s really needed. thimbl. is the credit building credit card that could help get you there.
How can you build your
credit with a credit card?
To have a positive impact on your credit score, you need to use your credit card to build your credit score responsibly and keep up to date with your current credit commitments. If you stay within your credit limit and make at least the minimum payments every month, a credit card can help to build up your credit score.
Check my eligibility45.5% APR Representative (variable)
How can a credit building credit card help me save money?
A better credit score could help save you money on interest rates on any future credit commitments. If you use your credit card responsibly and avoid any further damage to your score, dependant on your individual circ*mstances it could take months, sometimes years before it starts to improve.
Can anyone apply for a credit card that can help you build your credit?
Any UK resident over 18 years old can apply for a thimbl. credit building credit card. When assessing your application, your ability to afford repayments, your credit score and your credit history – including any previous bankruptcies or IVAs – will be considered.
How can I get a thimbl. Card?
Our eligibility checker will let you know in under 60 seconds whether you're eligible. you can then apply for your credit building card with confidence. You'll need to know your current monthly income, what you contribute to mortgage or rent, and the total of your other essential monthly outgoings. Please be aware that being eligible doesn't guarantee you'll be accepted for a thimbl. card. If you are accepted, the thimbl. card provider will send you the relevant information over along with a Credit Agreement.
45.5% APR Representative (variable)
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 may benefit from a credit card for building your credit score if:
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.
Aged between 18-24 years old
If you haven't had a credit agreement before, then you have no credit history. This can make it difficult. 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 credit score.
If you’re worried about debts or need debt advice thimbl. has partnered with StepChange to help customers who need help with their debts or require support with managing their debts. To find out how StepChange could help you, take the free Money Health Check here. It's quick and easy to complete and will give you a personalised recommendation on what to do next.
45.5% APR Representative (variable)
The best time to start
building credit with a
credit builder card is now
A thimbl. credit card could help you access the benefits of a better credit score. Even small improvements to your spending habits with a thimbl. credit building credit card can help your score move in the right direction. Take action to benefit from the advantages of a boosted credit score.
Access to more financial products
Access lower interest rates and promotional deals to make future borrowing cheaper.
Easier to borrow
A credit building 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
A credit card for building your credit score could help people with limited or no credit history start their journey to a better credit future.
45.5% APR Representative (variable)
To improve your score:
Make at least your minimum monthly payments on time.
Only spend what you can afford to repay each month.
Register on the electoral roll at your current address.
Check your score regularly for any mistakes on your file.
Keep up to date with all your credit commitments.
To avoid damage to your score:
Try to stay comfortably within your credit limit.
Consider your credit utilisation ratio.
Credit agreements should be affordable for your circ*mstances.
Try to avoid missing any credit or bill payments.
Think carefully before opening new bank accounts.
Consider avoiding hard credit searches.
Make at least your minimum monthly payments on time.
Only spend what you can afford to repay each month.
Register on the electoral roll at your current address.
Check your score regularly for any mistakes on your file.
Keep up to date with all your credit commitments.
Try to stay comfortably within your credit limit.
Consider your credit utilisation ratio.
Credit agreements should be affordable for your circ*mstances.
Try to avoid missing any credit or bill payments.
Think carefully before opening new bank accounts.
Consider avoiding hard credit searches.
How do credit builder
cards work?
If you are approved, you can begin your journey to build credit
Receive your thimbl. credit card in the post
If approved, your card should arrive within 10-14 working days.
Spend responsibly on your thimbl. card
Remember, for the best credit building effect, only spend what you can afford to repay each month.
Pay off the balance when you receive income
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.
45.5% APR Representative (variable)
Watch our
TV advert!*
Share where you’ve seen us by using #GetSmug
*Offer details true as of August 2022
Frequently asked
questions
If you've got a question, you may just find the answer you're looking for here. If not, please visit our contact us page and get in touch.
How is a credit builder card different from other credit cards?
A credit builder card works like any other credit card but is specifically designed for people who may have trouble getting credit elsewhere. It does this by offering a lower initial credit limit and higher APR than you might be able to get with a higher credit score.
How do I know whether I’ll be accepted?
Our eligibility checker will let you know in under 60 seconds whether you’re eligible. You can then apply for your credit building card with confidence. You’ll need to know your current monthly income, what you contribute to mortgage or rent, and the total of your other essential monthly outgoings. Please be aware that being eligible doesn’t guarantee you’ll be accepted for a thimbl. credit card. If you are accepted, the thimbl. card provider will send you the relevant information over, along with a Credit Agreement.
What is the APR?
The APR is the Annual Percentage Rate and represents the amount you are charged on your credit builder card balance over a year. It includes interest and other fees and charges. For thimbl. the APR ranges from 29.5% to 39.9% dependent on your individual circ*mstances.
How long will it take to improve my credit score?
If you’re looking to improve your credit score, it can be a good idea to use your credit building credit card for making small purchases to keep your expenditure manageable and try to pay more than the minimum repayment on time. Depending on your personal scenario, and assuming other aspects of your credit profile are in order, you may begin seeing results in a few months.
How can I check my credit score?
You can see your score by using a reputable credit reference agency such as Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. You can see how your score changes over time, and these named credit reference agencies also give tips on what else you can do to help to build credit score.
If you are struggling to make repayments, you can visit moneyhelper.org.uk for free financial advice. Likewise, www.gov.uk/pay-off-debts may help if you would like to find out what options are available if you cannot pay your debts.
Get Smug. Get thimbl.
45.5% APR Representative (variable)
© Copyright 2024 thimbl. All rights reserved
* 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 circ*mstances.
The thimbl. credit card and the thimbl. Loan are 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 each of these products. 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.