Choosing between Tide, Starling, and Monzo depends on your needs. Pick Tide if you want low-cost transfers, built-in invoicing, and quick setup. Choose Starling for free everyday banking, broad integrations, and easy expense categorisation. Go with Monzo for a slick app, strong support, and simple pricing, though integrations expand on paid tiers. All three are UK-friendly, fast to open, and FSCS-protected. You’ll also see differences in cash deposit fees, syncing, and eligibility that can tip the balance.
Key Takeaways
- Starling and Monzo have no monthly or transfer fees;
- Tide excels for invoicing and quick Xero/QuickBooks syncing; Starling connects widely and automates expenses; Monzo’s best integrations require paid tiers.
- Cash deposits are cheapest at Tide for small amounts; Starling charges 0.7% (£3 min); check your cash handling needs.
- All three are quick to set up online, FSCS-protected to £85k, and support 2FA/biometrics; eligibility requires UK residency and ID.
- Trustpilot scores: Monzo 4.5, Starling 4.3, Tide 4.1; support via chat/phone/email is responsive across providers.
Understanding Business Account Basics
Clarity matters when you’re running a business: a dedicated business bank account keeps your company’s money separate from your personal funds, which is a legal must for UK limited companies and a smart move for sole traders and freelancers.
You’ll streamline day-to-day money management: receive deposits, send invoices, and run payroll without blurring lines. That separation simplifies bookkeeping and makes tax returns cleaner, reducing errors and headaches.
Choosing a digital business account like Tide, Starling, or Monzo often cuts costs versus traditional banks. You typically get lower fees and helpful integrations with accounting software, so transactions sync automatically and cash flow stays visible in real time.
Your deposits are protected, too. All three offer Financial Services Compensation Scheme coverage up to £85,000, giving you essential peace of mind.
Eligibility, Documents, and Setup Time
Once you’ve decided a digital business account fits your needs, check you’re eligible and have the right documents to open one fast.
Tide, Starling, and Monzo all require you to be 18+ and a UK resident. Tide also needs you to be a director of an active UK-registered company or a sole trader with a UK residential address.
Starling asks for proof of ID, proof of address, and your company registration number if you have one. Monzo requires a UK business address, proof of identity, and business registration.
Applications are fully online across all three, so you won’t visit a branch.
Setup is quick: Tide can complete onboarding in under 10 minutes, and Starling and Monzo are typically similarly fast—often within minutes if your documents are ready.
Pricing, Fees, and Value-for-Money
Although all three keep headline costs low, their fee structures suit different needs. Tide gives you £200 free cash if signing up using the Tide referral code: REFER200 but charges 20p per transfer. That’s predictable if you make limited payments, but it doesn’t pay interest (unless you deposit funds into a Tide Savings account) and cash deposits attract fees, denting value.
Starling and Monzo don’t charge for transfers or a monthly fee, so frequent payers usually save.
Starling stands out for value if you need tools: free transfers, free ATM withdrawals, and strong accounting integrations can replace paid add-ons. Cash deposits cost 0.7% (minimum £3), so large cash takings add up.
Monzo Lite is cheap for basics, but you’ll likely upgrade for accounting integrations, increasing cost. Tide’s built‑in invoicing and expense tracking can offset fees for early‑stage businesses.
All three offer FSCS protection up to £85,000.
Everyday Banking: Payments, Cash, and ATM Access
When you’re paying suppliers, moving money, or handling cash, Starling feels the most frictionless: transfers and ATM withdrawals are free, so day‑to‑day payments don’t rack up fees.
For cash deposits, the nuance flips. Starling charges 0.7% with a £3 minimum at the Post Office, while Tide charges £2.50 or 0.5% up to £500, and accepts deposits via both the Post Office and PayPoint.
If you deposit small amounts frequently, Tide can be cheaper and more convenient.
Monzo Lite adds friction: £1 per cash deposit and fewer business‑friendly features unless you upgrade.
All three offer FSCS protection up to £85,000.
After day‑to‑day payments, the next question is how well each bank plugs into your back office. Tide integrates directly with Xero and QuickBooks, so you can sync transactions and reconcile faster without CSV juggling.
Tide hooks straight into Xero and QuickBooks for faster, CSV‑free syncing and reconciliation
It also bakes in invoicing with automated reminders, helping you chase late payers and smooth cash flow.
Starling connects to a wider range of accounting tools, including FreeAgent, and lets you manage invoices and expenses from the app.
Its automated expense categorization speeds up bookkeeping and simplifies tax prep, reducing manual tagging.
Monzo’s business integrations are more limited on free plans. You’ll need paid tiers to unlock broader accounting connections and useful automation.
If you want straightforward syncing today, Tide and Starling feel ready; if you’re testing the waters, Monzo may feel constrained.
Customer Support, Security, and Trust Ratings
While all three score well with customers, their strengths differ. You’ll notice different emphases across support, security, and trust. Tide earns a 4.1/5 on Trustpilot (19,000+ reviews) for quick responses and a helpful team. Starling scores 4.3/5 (40,000+ reviews), praised for ease of use and responsive service. Monzo leads at 4.5/5, with customers lauding smooth local UK transactions and a friendly app.
- Support channels: Tide and Starling both offer live chat, phone, and email; Tide’s response times are often a touch faster.
- Trust signals: Larger review volumes for Starling add weight; Monzo’s higher rating signals standout satisfaction.
- Security: Tide and Starling include FSCS protection up to £85,000.
- Safeguards: Two‑factor authentication and biometric logins bolster account safety across providers.
Which Provider Fits Your Business Type?
Looking for the best fit by business type? If you’re a sole trader, Monzo’s clean app and strong local payments make daily banking simple, though support isn’t the deepest. Running a small business or startup? Tide shines with built-in invoicing, expense tools, and free-to-start pricing. For limited companies, pick Starling: its integrated banking plus the +Taxes add-on streamlines accounting and tax workflows. Work as a freelancer or serve international clients? Consider Revolut for flexible expense tracking, prepaid cards, and smooth currency exchange. Digital nomads and cross‑border operators should weigh Starling or Revolut for multi-currency accounts and competitive FX.
| Business Type |
Best Match |
| Sole Trader |
Monzo |
| Small Business |
Tide |
| Limited Company |
Starling (+Taxes) |
| Freelancer/Digital Nomad |
Revolut or Starling |
Conclusion
You’ve got three solid options, but the right choice hinges on how you run your business. If you want slick invoicing and integrations on a budget, Tide’s hard to beat. Prefer a full UK bank with strong protections and great tools? Starling’s a standout. Need powerful app features, pots, and team-friendly controls? Monzo’s compelling. Weigh fees, setup speed, cash needs, and accounting workflows. Pick the account that saves you time, reduces admin, and matches your growth plans.
