Open the Tide app, confirm you’re 18+ and UK‑based, and choose a Free, Smart, Pro, or Max account. Enter your business type (sole trader or company), registered address, and activity. Upload a valid photo ID and proof of address; have your company number if incorporated. Verification is fast—most complete within 48 hours. Once approved, get your debit card, create invoices, schedule payments, and add team access. You’ll also see costs, limits, and security protections unpacked next.
Don’t forget to enter Tide referral code: REFER200 when signing up for £200 Free cash.
Key Takeaways
- Check eligibility: be 18+, UK resident with UK phone/address; suitable for sole traders, freelancers, and UK-registered companies (no crypto or gambling businesses).
- Prepare documents: valid photo ID and proof of address; companies need registration number and key company details.
- Download the Tide app, create an account, and submit your business details and documents for identity verification.
- Verification is fast: over 80% are verified within 48 hours if documents are clear and readable.
- Once approved, access your free account, debit card, invoicing tools, and choose a tier (Free, Smart, Pro, or Max).
- Remember the Tide referral code: REFER200 for £200 free cash
Why Choose a Tide Business Account
Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling a small business, Tide’s free business account keeps costs down with no monthly fees while giving you the tools you need to run smoothly.
You’ll open and start managing finances fast—over half of customers complete setup in about 10 minutes thanks to streamlined verification. In the app, you can create and send invoices, schedule payments to stay on top of bills, and grant team member access to delegate tasks securely.
You’ll bank with confidence, too. Your funds are protected up to £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, offering peace of mind if the unexpected happens.
Tide is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and operates as an electronic money institution, giving you a secure, trustworthy alternative to traditional banks.
Account Tiers and What They Include
Although every business is different, Tide’s four account tiers—Free, Smart, Pro, and Max—make it easy to match features to your needs and budget.
Start with Free if you want essentials without monthly fees: you’ll get a linked debit card and international payments built in.
Move to Smart when you need more control and support. You’ll gain enhanced team access, phone support, and a legal helpline—useful as your operations grow.
Choose Pro if you process high volumes. It includes unlimited free transfers, helping you manage frequent payments without racking up costs.
Pick Max when you want extra rewards and returns. You’ll earn 0.5% cashback on Tide card purchases and access higher interest rates on savings, maximizing value from everyday spending.
Eligibility Criteria and Who Can Apply
If you’re ready to open a Tide Business Account, you’ll need to meet a few basics: be at least 18, live in the UK, and have a valid UK phone number and address.
You’ll also need a smartphone to download the Tide app, since you can’t open an account via the website.
You can apply if you’re a UK-registered company, sole trader, or freelancer. Tide supports many business types, but it doesn’t accept applications from cryptocurrency or gambling businesses.
If your business falls into a restricted category, you won’t be eligible.
You must complete identity verification in the app. Tide will ask you to confirm who you’re and your role in the business.
Keep your phone handy for security checks and app-based prompts during signup.
Documents You’ll Need to Prepare
Paperwork is light, but you’ll still need a few essentials to get started. First, have a valid photo ID ready—passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. It must be current and unexpired, or verification will fail.
Next, prepare proof of address. A recent utility bill or bank statement works well, as long as it shows your name and address clearly.
Bring proof of address: a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your name and address.
If you’re registering a limited company, keep your company registration number and basic company details to hand. Tide integrates account opening with company registration, so those details help match your business quickly.
You don’t need anything beyond ID and proof of address for most cases, which keeps things simple. Double-check document clarity, dates, and legibility to avoid delays and keep verification smooth.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Two minutes is all it takes to get started: download the Tide app, tap the prompt to open an account, and confirm you’ve got a UK phone number and address. Next, enter your personal details, business name, and industry. Choose your setup: sole trader or limited company. Keep your documents handy so you can move fast.
When prompted, upload your passport or driver’s license and take a quick selfie. Review your entries, submit, and you’re done. Over half of applicants finish in about 10 minutes when everything’s ready. Once approved, you’ll log in and immediately explore invoicing, payment scheduling, and more.
| Feeling |
Moment |
| Relief |
Clear steps, no jargon |
| Momentum |
Documents ready, 10-minute flow |
| Confidence |
Smart prompts guide you |
| Excitement |
Tools ready after approval |
Verification Timeline and What to Expect
While the application is quick, verification takes a little longer—and that’s by design. Over half of customers finish setup in about 10 minutes, but verification checks ensure your business is legitimate and compliant. More than 80% of applicants clear verification within 48 hours, so you’ll typically move from application to access in a couple of days.
Here’s what to expect. You’ll upload identification and proof of address. Required documents vary by business type—sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies may need different evidence.
To avoid delays, confirm what’s needed before you start and have clear, readable copies ready. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Once verification is successful, you can start using your Tide business account almost immediately and get on with running your business.
Fees, Limits, and Pricing Breakdown
Before you choose a plan, get clear on Tide’s fees and limits so you can budget accurately. Tide’s free business account has no monthly fee, making it a strong starter option if you want to keep costs down.
Before picking a plan, understand Tide’s fees and limits to budget confidently.
If you need more, consider the paid tiers: Smart, Pro, and Max. Each adds features with corresponding fees. Max includes 0.5% cashback on card spending, which can offset costs if your card usage is high.
Watch the extras. Cash deposits and ATM withdrawals typically carry fees, so plan how you’ll handle cash.
International payments may attract charges, and certain transaction limits can trigger additional costs. Review the pricing page to see per-transaction fees, monthly charges, and limits by tier.
Match your expected usage to a plan to avoid surprises.
Key Features for Managing Your Business Finances
Now that you’ve sized up fees and limits, focus on the tools that help you run day to day. With Tide’s free business current account, you can issue branded invoices, schedule payments, and grant team member access to keep operations moving. Accept money fast via Tap to Pay or Payment Links to smooth cash flow.
Use Tide Accounting to categorise transactions, track analytics, and prep tax returns—reducing admin and errors. Park surplus funds in the linked Instant Saver to earn competitive interest while you trade. If you spend on the Tide card, the 0.5% cashback plan adds incremental value.
| Need |
Tide feature |
| Faster income |
Tap to Pay, Payment Links |
| Smoother ops |
Invoicing, scheduling, team access |
| Smarter money |
Analytics, tax help, Instant Saver, cashback |
Security, Safeguarding, and FSCS Protection
Because your business depends on secure banking, Tide puts regulation and protection front and centre. Tide is fully regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and partners with ClearBank, so your account follows strict compliance and security standards from day one.
Your eligible deposits with ClearBank are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per institution, giving you a clear safety net if insolvency occurs. Tide also builds security into everyday use: enable two‑factor authentication, manage devices, and freeze or unfreeze cards instantly in the app to stop suspicious activity.
Finally, Tide’s strong Trustpilot rating, backed by 19,000+ reviews, signals consistent, reliable protection.
Alternatives to Consider and Comparisons
While Tide suits many startups, it’s smart to compare it with close rivals like ANNA Money to match features with your needs.
While Tide fits many startups, compare it with ANNA Money to match features to your needs.
If speed matters, ANNA can register your company the same day when you submit documents before 3 PM—often faster than Tide’s process. ANNA also supports up to four directors or shareholders, whereas Tide mainly caters to single-shareholder setups.
Consider features. Tide includes invoicing and accounting tools, and its Max account offers 0.5% cashback on card spend—useful if you put costs through the card.
ANNA adds payroll support, handy if you want compliance help in one place.
On pricing, Tide’s basic plan has no monthly fee, but ANNA’s account and services are entirely free—appealing if you’re minimizing costs.
Conclusion
You’re now ready to open a Tide business account with confidence. You know what each tier includes, who’s eligible, and which documents to prep. Follow the step-by-step process, check fees and limits, and use Tide’s tools to streamline invoicing, payments, and expense tracking. Keep security and safeguarding in mind. If Tide’s not a fit, compare alternatives. Take the next step today and get your business banking sorted.
