Tide helps you open a business account in minutes and run your freelance or sole trader finances from one place. Create and chase invoices, categorise expenses, snap and store receipts, and track VAT automatically. Get real-time tax estimates, accrual-based insights, and sync with Xero, Sage, FreeAgent, or QuickBooks. Manage everything on mobile or web with a Debit Mastercard. Enjoy FSCS protection up to £85k, secure open banking, and 24/7 support. Explore plans, pricing, and integrations to see how it fits your workflow.
Key Takeaways
- Open a business account in minutes via app or web, with no credit checks, and start using a Debit Mastercard immediately.
- Track income, expenses, and VAT in real time, with accrual-based insights and automatic tax estimates for better planning.
- Create and send invoices fast with Invoice Assistant, including automated late-payment reminders to improve cash flow.
- Snap, upload, and store receipts in-app; categorise transactions for effortless expense tracking and accurate records.
- Integrate seamlessly with Xero, Sage, FreeAgent, and QuickBooks; manage multiple bank accounts securely with open banking links.
What Is Tide and Who Is It For
Tide is a UK-based, digital-only neobank built for freelancers, sole traders, and small businesses that need a fast, mobile-first business account. You get a business current account designed around how you actually work: flexible, streamlined, and accessible wherever you are.
With Tide’s mobile app, you quickly access tools to manage money on the go. Create and send invoices, track bills, and keep on top of tax with features tailored to self-employed workflows. You stay organized without juggling multiple apps.
Tide doesn’t run credit checks to register, which lowers barriers for new or growing businesses. That inclusive approach helps you start managing finances without delay.
It’s trusted by over 700,000 SME members—around 10% of the UK market—so you join a large community built for your needs.
Opening an Account in Minutes
In under five minutes, you can open a business account and get straight to work. Tide streamlines sign-up so freelancers and sole traders don’t lose billable time.
Open a business account in under five minutes and get straight to work with Tide.
There are no credit checks during registration, so you won’t face delays or eligibility surprises. You can apply on your phone or through a web browser, whichever suits your workflow.
Tide accounts are open to UK-registered businesses, and directors based outside the UK can apply too—ideal if you operate internationally but serve UK clients.
Once approved, you’ll receive a Debit Mastercard to separate business spending and pay suppliers with ease. You can also view transactions in one place for straightforward oversight.
Quick onboarding means you shift from setup to action fast, with essentials ready when you are.
Managing Money on Mobile and Web
Freedom to choose your screen defines how you manage money—switch between the mobile app and desktop to stay on top of finances wherever you work.
You’ll view balances, scan activity, and pull financial reports on the go or at your desk, with a consistent experience across devices.
Categorise transactions in a few taps, attach receipts instantly, and track VAT rates so records stay accurate and compliant.
Generate tax estimates as you trade, and rely on Making Tax Digital support when it’s time to file.
Because Tide focuses on accrual-based accounting, you recognise revenue and expenses when they occur, not just when cash moves.
That gives you clearer margins, better forecasts, and smarter decisions.
Whether you prefer thumbs or keyboard, you control your finances seamlessly across mobile and web.
Invoicing and Getting Paid Faster
When cash flow matters, Tide Accounting’s Invoice Assistant helps you bill quickly and get paid sooner. Create polished invoices in minutes, straight from your mobile app, and send them with a tap.
Automated reminders nudge late payers for you, so you spend less time chasing and more time earning. You’ll also see upcoming bills at a glance, helping you plan payouts without surprises.
- Generate professional invoices fast, with supported VAT rates and clean branding
- Automate follow‑ups to reduce late payments and protect your cash flow
- Track due dates alongside upcoming bills to stay in control
Categorise transactions as you invoice to keep records tidy and consistent. Tide also calculates automatic tax estimates in the background, so you’re prepared for liabilities well before they’re due.
Tracking Expenses, Receipts, and VAT
Although juggling receipts and VAT can feel tedious, Tide Accounting makes it simple to stay compliant and in control. You’ll track every expense by categorizing transactions as they land, giving you clean books and instant oversight.
Snap, upload, and store receipts in the Tide mobile app, then match them to transactions so records stay audit‑ready without paper clutter.
Tide also handles VAT with smart automation. It applies the correct VAT rates based on your business type, reducing errors and saving time. You’ll see VAT amounts accumulate in real time, so there are no surprises when returns are due.
Built‑in tax estimates help you plan ahead for VAT obligations and HMRC self‑assessments. With expenses, receipts, and VAT in one place, you streamline day‑to‑day finances and stay organized.
With your expenses, receipts, and VAT already tidy, Tide Accounting steps in with tax tools built for how you operate. You get automated tax estimates that update as transactions sync, so you always know what to set aside.
For sole traders, the self‑assessment feature simplifies reporting income and allowable expenses. Limited companies benefit from accurate categorisation and VAT tracking that keeps you aligned with HMRC’s Making Tax Digital rules.
- Automated estimates show your projected tax and VAT liabilities in real time.
- Built‑in VAT return submission reduces manual calculations and errors.
- Banking integration feeds transactions directly into categories for clean records.
You can file VAT returns on time, keep compliant records year‑round, and minimise surprises. Tide’s clear summaries help you plan cash flow and file confidently when deadlines arrive.
Pricing, Plans, and Free Trial Details
Clarity matters: Tide Accounting costs £9.99/month plus VAT, giving you core tools like invoicing, VAT returns, and HMRC self‑assessment support. You’ll get streamlined billing and fewer admin headaches, all in one place. If you’re new, you can try a free trial first to explore features before paying.
Tide also offers bank account plans that complement Accounting. Tide Smart is £12.49/month, Tide Pro is £24.99/month, and Tide Maxis £69.99/month (all plus vat) . Choose based on benefits you value, such as enhanced support or rewards, while keeping Accounting at £9.99 plus VAT.
| Plan |
Monthly price |
What it’s for |
| Tide Accounting |
£9.99 + VAT |
Invoicing, VAT returns, self‑assessment |
| Tide Plus |
£9.99 |
Enhanced account features |
| Tide Pro/Cashback |
£18.99/£49.99 |
Higher‑tier perks and rewards |
Confirm current offers before signing up.
Integrations and Using Tide Alongside Other Software
Looking to keep your tools in sync without adding complexity? Tide accounting doesn’t directly integrate with other apps, but you can connect it to cloud accounting platforms like Xero, Sage, FreeAgent, and QuickBooks.
That way, you’ll keep using Tide for day-to-day bookkeeping while your chosen software handles advanced tasks.
- Automate more: sync transactions for categorisation, run VAT tracking, and generate compliant reports.
- Speed up cash flow: pair Tide’s Invoice Assistant with your accounting tool to automate invoices and reminders, then reconcile payments faster.
- Stay flexible: use Tide accounting with a Tide business account or your existing bank accounts.
This setup creates a cohesive financial ecosystem. You’ll cut admin, reduce errors, and keep everything up to date—without switching tools.
Connect once, map categories, and let the automation do the rest.
Security, Support, and FSCS Protection
Even as you focus on winning clients and getting paid, Tide keeps your money and data secure. Your deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £85,000, giving you peace of mind if a bank fails. Tide’s FCA authorization as an Electronic Money Institution means it follows strict regulations and safeguards your funds and information. When you need help, you’ll reach support via in‑app messenger, email, or phone, and a 24/7 Fraud Rapid Response team acts fast on urgent issues. Secure open banking connections protect sensitive details when linking accounts.
| Feature |
What it means for you |
| FSCS protection |
Up to £85,000 coverage |
| FCA authorization |
Regulated, compliant operations |
| Fraud Rapid Response |
24/7 urgent security support |
| Multi‑channel help |
In‑app, email, and phone |
| Secure connections |
Protected open banking links |
Conclusion
Tide makes it easier to run your business finances without the hassle. You open an account in minutes, manage money on mobile or web, send invoices that get you paid faster, and track expenses, receipts, and VAT as you go. Tax tools help you stay compliant, while clear pricing and a free trial let you test risk‑free. You can integrate Tide with your favorite software, and rely on strong security, helpful support, and FSCS protection for peace of mind.
