Is Tide right for me?
Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.
Quick answer
Tide could suit a sole trader or small company that wants a free plan to start with and expects to upgrade as it grows. Watch the transfer allowance and the 2.75% fee abroad on the Free plan.
Tide at a glance
| Question | What we found |
|---|---|
| Monthly fee? | £0 to £69.99 by plan |
| Free transfers? | 5 a month on Free; unlimited on Pro and Max |
| Fees abroad? | 2.75% on Free; 0% on paid plans |
| FSCS? | Most accounts via ClearBank; some older e-money accounts not covered |
| Savings? | Instant Saver, 3.25% AER variable for the first four months, or up to 4.25% AER with a full CASS switch of £10,000+ (Tide, 19 Oct 2026) |
Figures as of 3 October 2026, from each provider’s own website. This is general information, not a recommendation.
Who it’s for
- You make few transfers each month, or you’re happy to pay for a plan
- You use Xero
- You want a business savings account in the same place
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You need a bank rather than a platform
- You make lots of transfers but want to pay nothing
- You spend abroad often on the Free plan
Full explanation
Count your monthly outgoing transfers. If you regularly go above five, compare the cost of Smart (30 transfers) with free accounts such as Starling.
The catch
Check whether your account is held with ClearBank (FSCS) or is an older e-money account.
Read the full Tide page or check Tide’s own site.
These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.
FAQs
Is Tide free?
There’s a Free plan with limits. Paid plans cost £12.49, £27.49 or £69.99 a month, as of 3 October 2026.
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