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Tide is a popular UK business finance platform designed for sole traders, freelancers and limited companies that want a simpler way to manage business money online. It offers business accounts powered by ClearBank, app-based money management, invoicing, expense tools, accounting features and paid plan options for growing businesses. Tide itself is not a bank; Tide designs and operates the app and website, while Tide business bank accounts are powered by ClearBank. Eligible deposits in Tide Business Current Accounts powered by ClearBank are protected by FSCS up to £120,000, subject to eligibility.
What Is Tide?
Tide is a digital business account platform built for small business owners who want to spend less time on finance admin. Tide says users can make and receive payments, manage expenses through the app, create invoices, use accounting tools and access 24/7 in-app chat support.
A Tide account includes a UK sort code and account number, a business Mastercard, transaction categorisation, invoice creation and payment tools, and access to credit options through the app, subject to eligibility.
Who Can Apply for a Tide Account?
Tide offers business accounts to sole traders and directors of limited companies. Applicants must be at least 18, have a valid UK mobile number and use a device registered to a UK App Store or Google Play store. Sole traders and freelancers also need a valid UK home address and must be registered with HMRC, while limited company directors must have a valid home address and be registered with Companies House.
Tide may be a good fit for:
Sole traders,
Freelancers,
Contractors,
Startups,
Limited companies,
Small business owners,
Side-hustle owners,
Online sellers,
Consultants and service providers,
Tide Pricing and Plans
Tide offers a free business account plan with no monthly fee. Its paid plans include Smart, Pro and Max, which add extra tools, allowances and support options as your business grows. At the time of review, Tide’s pricing page lists Free at £0 per month, Smart at £12.49 per month, Pro at £27.49 per month and Max at £69.99 per month. Always check the current Tide pricing page before signing up because pricing and plan benefits can change.
Tide’s plan comparison also shows that transfers to and from other banks are limited by plan, with the Free plan including 5 per month, Smart including 30 per month, and Pro and Max including unlimited transfers. ATM withdrawals are listed at £1.
Key Tide Features
1. Free Business Account Option
Tide’s Free plan is useful for new businesses that want to separate personal and business finances without paying a monthly account fee. This can be helpful for sole traders, freelancers and startups watching costs carefully.
2. Business Mastercard
Tide includes a business Mastercard, allowing you to spend from your business account and manage transactions through the app. Tide states that business Mastercard purchases are free at home and abroad, although foreign currency fees may apply depending on your plan and transaction type.
3. Invoicing and Accounting Tools
Tide includes invoice creation and payment tools, plus automatic categorisation of transactions for easier accounting. This can help small business owners keep records more organised without needing to manage every transaction manually.
4. Expense Cards
Tide Expense Cards are designed for team spending. You can order cards, set spending limits, let team members scan and upload receipts, add notes, auto-match receipts to transactions and track spending in the app. Tide says Expense Cards cost £5 per seat per calendar month, with some free seats included on paid plans.
5. Cash and Cheque Deposits
Tide supports cash deposits at thousands of Post Office branches using your card and PIN. The Post Office page confirms that Tide cash deposits are available, while cheque deposits are not available at Post Office branches.
Tide also supports digital cheque deposits through the app, but only for GBP cheques and only if your sort code is 04-06-05.
Pros and Cons of Tide
Pros
Tide is simple, app-based and designed around small business finance admin. The free account option is useful for new businesses, and the platform includes helpful tools such as invoicing, transaction categorisation, business cards, expense cards and accounting features.
The ClearBank-powered business current account also gives eligible deposits FSCS protection up to £120,000, subject to eligibility.
Cons
Tide is not a traditional high-street bank, so it may not suit businesses that want full branch banking. Cash deposits are supported through partners, but branch-style services are limited. Cheque deposits also have specific restrictions, including GBP-only cheque support and sort-code eligibility.
Some useful features, higher allowances and better support options may require a paid plan, so compare the current plans carefully before applying.
Final Verdict: Is Tide Worth It?
Tide is worth considering if you are a UK sole trader, freelancer, contractor, startup or small business owner looking for a simple business account with useful finance tools.
It is especially strong for digital-first businesses that want app-based banking, invoicing, expense tracking and a free plan to get started. However, businesses that rely heavily on branch banking, cheque deposits or complex international banking may want to compare Tide with other providers before deciding.
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