What it is
Tide provides business current accounts with invoicing, expense cards and accounting integrations, aimed at sole traders and small limited companies. Accounts are opened in the app and there is a free plan alongside paid tiers with more features.
Who it suits
UK sole traders and small companies that want an account opened in minutes with invoicing built in.
Regulation and protection
E-money account; funds safeguarded under UK e-money rules (not FSCS).
How it charges
A free plan with paid tiers that add features such as expense cards for more team members and higher limits. Transfers and card payments carry small per-use fees on the free plan; paid plans bundle allowances.
Getting started
Apply in the app with photo ID and your company details. Sole traders and limited companies are both eligible; most accounts open the same day, though some applications go to manual checks.
At a glance
- Free plan
- Yes
- Multi-currency
- Limited
- Accounting sync
- Yes
- Is a bank
- No (e-money account)
- Headquarters
- London
- Founded
- 2015
Strengths
- Fast app-based onboarding
- Invoicing and expense cards included
- Free tier for simple needs
Watch for
- Not a bank: funds held as e-money, not FSCS-protected in the same way
- International payments are limited
Readers ask2 questions answered
Is Tide a bank?
No. Tide is an e-money provider; balances are safeguarded in separate accounts rather than protected by the FSCS. For large cash balances a licensed bank is the safer home.
Can I open a Tide account as a sole trader?
Yes. Tide serves sole traders and limited companies; you apply in the app with ID and business details.
How it comparesIts standing in 1 comparison
Best for sole traders who want invoicing built in
- Free plan
- Yes 3 of them share this
- Is a bank
- No (e-money account) 1 provider in this comparison
- Multi-currency
- Limited 1 provider in this comparison
- Accounting sync
- Yes 4 of them share this
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