The brainchild of Jess Gibson from Tonbridge, ‘thetncard’ is aimed at encouraging people who live in the two towns to support local traders.
Offering discounts from local businesses in exchange for a £20 annual membership fee, the loyalty card has already seen more than 120 local shops, restaurants, hotels and other businesses sign up.
Ten percent of all membership fees also go to local charity, West Kent Mind.
The card was officially launched at the Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells and at The Old Fire Station in Tonbridge.
Ms Gibson, said: “Both launches were a great success with representation from nearly 80 of our participating businesses.
“There was a wonderful sense of community and a great deal of positivity around the scheme.”
She said she has now joined forces with Tonbridge Town Team’s own loyalty scheme, where thetncard members receive two stamps on their Tonbridge Loyalty Card.
“We now have those 120 independent and community focused businesses in our directory, from retailers to local bars and restaurants, from hairdressers and beauty salons to health and fitness businesses,” continued Ms Gibson.
“We are also partnering with our brilliant local theatres, the Assembly Hall, Trinity and EM Forster, as well as local attractions and key community events, such as Tonbridge Music Weekend and Crazy Jeans Soapbox Race.”
She added that through membership fees and a raffle held during the launch parties, thetncard has already raised more than £600 for West Kent Mind.
“We are looking forward to raising much more in the year ahead,” said Ms Gibson. “As well as selling cards individually for £20 with £2 going to West Kent Mind, we are now offering local businesses the opportunity to place larger orders for their employees at a discounted rate, through which West Kent Mind receive £4 a card.”
Retailers that have joined the scheme, which is up and running, include Hotel du Vin, Carluccios, Cook and dozens more. Anybody wishing to sign up should visit: thetncard.com
