Fintech credit card launches in Bristol

Fintech credit card startup Yonder , which only launched in 2022, has expanded into Bristol and Bath, with a rewards programme which it says aims to support both cities’ renowned independent hospitality markets. 

Already used by more than 10,000 customers in London, Yonder has brought its unique take on loyalty rewards to the South West, which centres on the discovery of curated local experiences that encourage consumers to explore more of their city. 

Yonder aims to help consumers unlock more value from their spending, while acting as a new customer acquisition and loyalty platform for local businesses.

Yonder’s rewards programme allows members to earn points through spending that can be redeemed at curated local dining and drinking locations without the need for activations, coupons or pre-bookings, as well as at nationwide online lifestyle and travel brands. Launch experiences include modern British restaurant Beckford Canteen in Bath, while nationwide experiences - which refresh each month - include car rental marketplace Turo, restaurant meal kits Dishpatch, digital detox cabins Unplugged and meal-prep service Lion’s Prep.  

Founded by ClearScore alumni Tim Chong, Harry Jell and Theso Jivajirajah, Yonder wants to rebuild the relationship that young people have with credit, by offering a new take on rewards and the ability to build credit scores ahead of bigger future purchases. The startup is backed by investment from VCs Northzone, LocalGlobe and RTP Global, alongside angel investors including Sharmadean Reid, GoCardless’ Matt Robinson and Rio Ferdinand. Yonder secured FCA authorisation in just nine months and has experienced strong growth since launch, raising £62.5 million in equity and debt in its Series A fundraise in April last year.

Since launch, members have spent £100 million, saved £650,000 in FX fees, spent more than £1.8 million at Yonder experiences and redeemed £650,000 worth of rewards value. Yonder’s dining and drinking partners in London include Speedboat Bar, BAO, Orasay, 45 Jermyn St, Crust Bros and Swift, as well as entertainment partners such as Lion King, ABBA Voyage and Stranger Things, and fitness partners like Boom Cycle, Kobox and Reformcore.

Tim Chong, CEO and co-founder of Yonder said: “We’re on a mission to completely rebuild the relationship that the UK has with credit, so it’s a huge moment for us to be bringing our curated rewards to the people of Bristol and Bath. 

“Consumers and businesses across the country have been deeply impacted by soaring costs following the pandemic. But while we can’t solve the overheads crisis, our mission is to help consumers to discover great things to eat, drink and do in their city - and many of Yonder’s partners have seen an increase in sales, customer spend and returning customer loyalty as a result of their partnership with us. We hope our launch will help residents to enjoy more of what Bristol and Bath have to offer, giving them a way to unlock more value from their money in the form of rewards that support local business.”