Tide Business Account 2026: Features, Fees and Benefits
The Tide business account combines digital business banking with tools for payments, invoicing, expenses, accounting and savings. This page explains what is included, which charges may apply and what eligible businesses should consider before opening an account.
StartupCode may receive a commission if you open an account through this link, at no additional cost to you. Account approval, cashback and product availability are not guaranteed. Terms and eligibility apply. Product information checked: 22 August 2026.
At a glance
Tide Business Account at a Glance
The Tide business account is available to eligible UK sole traders, freelancers and limited companies that want to manage their business finances digitally. Tide provides the platform, while new Tide business current accounts are provided by ClearBank.
- No account-opening feeThere is no fee to open an eligible account.
- £0 monthly plan availableThe Tide Free account has no monthly plan fee.
- Five transfers includedTide Free currently includes five bank transfers each month.
- Online applicationApply digitally and complete Tide’s identity and business checks.
- App and web accessManage the account through the Tide app, with web access available.
- Business card and paymentsMake card payments, bank transfers and Direct Debit payments.
- Invoicing toolsCreate and track invoices through the Tide platform.
- Expense managementCapture receipts and categorise business expenditure.
- Accounting connectionsConnect supported accounting software and access available tax tools.
- Team spending optionsEligible plans support team access and expense cards.
- Cash deposits availableDeposit cash through the Post Office or PayPoint, with fees.
- Business savings accessEligible customers can open Tide Instant Saver.
Account features, allowances and charges depend on the selected Tide plan. Eligible ClearBank deposits may receive FSCS protection, subject to the scheme’s rules and overall protection limit.
Features and benefits
9 Tide Business Account Features and Benefits
The most useful Tide business account features combine everyday payments with tools for managing invoices, expenses, accounting and business reserves. Their value depends on how the business operates and which Tide plan it selects.
Mobile-first account management
View balances, manage cards, make payments and monitor account activity through the Tide app. Tide on the Web provides a larger-screen option for selected administration tasks.
Everyday business payments
Receive customer payments, make bank transfers, pay Direct Debits and use the Tide card for eligible business expenditure.
Invoicing and payment tracking
Create and send invoices, monitor their status and keep payment information closer to the account activity to which it relates. Allowances depend on the selected plan.
Receipt and expense organisation
Capture receipts and categorise expenditure alongside business transactions, helping to keep financial records organised throughout the year.
Accounting and tax tools
Connect supported accounting software and use the accounting or tax functionality available with the selected plan. These tools do not replace professional advice.
Team spending controls
Eligible plans support team access and expense cards, allowing businesses to separate and monitor employee spending. Allowances and additional charges vary by plan.
Tide Instant Saver access
Eligible businesses can use Tide Instant Saver to separate tax funds, contingency reserves or surplus working capital from everyday spending.
Cash and cheque deposits
Pay cash into the account through supported Post Office and PayPoint locations. Digital cheque deposits are also available, although charges and limits apply.
International payments
Tide supports international card use and international bank transfers. Foreign-exchange, SWIFT, intermediary or recipient charges may apply depending on the plan and transaction.
How it works
How to Open a Tide Business Account
- 1
Start the online application
Choose the relevant Tide application route and provide your personal and business details.
- 2
Verify your identity
Complete Tide's identity and business-verification requirements. Supporting evidence may be requested.
- 3
Select an account plan
Choose Tide Free or a paid plan based on the allowances and services your business expects to use.
- 4
Enter STARTUP200
If applying for the cashback promotion, enter STARTUP200 in the referral or promo code field before submitting the application.
- 5
Wait for Tide's decision
Applications are subject to Tide's eligibility, verification and risk checks. Starting or completing an application does not guarantee approval.
Plans and fees
Tide Business Account Fees
There is no fee to open a Tide business account. The Tide Free account also has no monthly plan fee, but it is not completely free to operate.
Bank transfers: Tide Free currently includes five bank transfers each month, while Smart includes 30. Further transfers can carry charges. Pro and Max provide unlimited allowances subject to Tide's terms.
Cash deposits: Cash can be deposited through supported Post Office and PayPoint locations. Percentage or minimum charges apply, so cash-heavy businesses should calculate the likely cost.
ATM withdrawals: Cash withdrawals can carry a fee. Businesses that regularly use ATMs should include this cost when comparing providers.
International activity: Foreign-currency card transactions, international transfers, SWIFT payments and intermediary charges may apply. Some Tide charges depend on the selected plan.
Team access and optional services: Additional team seats, cards, accounting services and other optional products can increase the monthly cost.
Review the likely total cost based on actual account activity rather than judging the Tide business account fees only by the monthly plan price.
Deposit protection
Is Money in a Tide Business Account FSCS Protected?
Tide is a business financial platform, not a bank. New Tide business current accounts are provided by ClearBank, which is a UK-authorised bank.
Eligible deposits held with ClearBank may be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to the applicable limit. Deposits held across accounts with the same authorised institution are generally combined when the protection limit is calculated.
For a sole trader, eligible personal and business deposits held with the same authorised institution are generally treated together. An eligible limited company is a separate legal entity and may receive its own protection allowance.
FSCS eligibility rules apply. Customers should confirm which provider holds their account and consult the current FSCS guidance.
STARTUP200 offer
Tide Business Account Cashback Offer
Eligible new customers can use STARTUP200 when applying for a Tide business account. The first reward is £75 cashback. To qualify, the customer must open an eligible Tide business current account using STARTUP200 and spend at least £100 on the Tide card within 30 days of opening the account. An additional £125 may be available through Tide Instant Saver. This has separate deposit, balance and timing requirements. Up to £200 is available only when both rewards are successfully qualified for. Entering STARTUP200 does not guarantee account approval or cashback. Tide sets the terms and assesses each reward.
Terms and eligibility apply. Account approval and cashback are not guaranteed. StartupCode may earn a commission when you apply through our links, at no additional cost to you.
Suitability
Who Might a Tide Business Account Suit?
A Tide business account may suit businesses that are comfortable managing their finances digitally and can make practical use of Tide's connected tools.
May suit
Sole traders separating personal and business finances
Freelancers and contractors paid mainly by bank transfer
Small limited companies managing finances digitally
Businesses using invoicing and expense-management tools
Small teams needing controlled employee spending
Businesses making limited use of cash and branch services
May not suit
May be less suitable for
cash-intensive businesses, organisations requiring branch services, companies making complex international payments or larger firms needing advanced treasury facilities and relationship management.
Suitability and account eligibility are determined by Tide. Read Tide's current membership requirements before applying.
Tide membership requirementsEditorial information
How We Researched This Tide Business Account Overview
StartupCode reviewed Tide's published business-account information, plan pricing, membership requirements, deposit-protection statements and relevant help-centre guidance. We considered account functionality, likely costs, limitations and suitability for different types of UK business. Product features, prices and eligibility requirements can change. We check substantive information periodically, but visitors should confirm the current terms directly with Tide before applying.
FAQs
Tide Business Account FAQs
Ready to Explore the Tide Business Account?
Compare Tide's current plans, estimate the likely transaction costs and check that the available tools match how your business operates. Eligible new customers can use STARTUP200 to access the separately qualifying cashback offer.
Account approval and any promotional cashback are not guaranteed. Terms and eligibility apply. Tide sets all product terms, pricing, eligibility and rewards.
Independent site and affiliate disclosure. StartupCode.co.uk is an independent website and a verified Tide referral partner. It is not owned, operated or endorsed by Tide. We may earn a commission when you open an account or apply through our links, at no additional cost to you. This page is informational only and is not financial advice. Tide sets all product terms, pricing, eligibility and any promotional rewards, which can change. Always read the current terms on Tide before applying.