Tide vs Starling business account
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
Starling’s business account has no monthly fee and no fees on UK payments. Tide has a Free plan with five transfers a month and paid plans from £12.49. Starling is a bank; Tide is a platform whose accounts are mostly held with ClearBank.
Tide and Starling side by side
| Feature | Tide | Starling |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | £0 Free; £12.49 Smart; £27.49 Pro; £69.99 Max | £0 |
| UK transfers | 5 a month on Free; 30 on Smart; unlimited on Pro and Max | No fees |
| Card spending abroad | 2.75% on Free; 0% on paid plans | No fees from Starling |
| Protection | Mostly ClearBank (FSCS); some older e-money accounts not covered | Bank — FSCS protected |
| Accounting | Direct Xero feed | Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent |
Figures as of 3 October 2026, from each provider’s own website. Rates and fees can change.
Who it’s for
- Tide: businesses wanting tiered plans, Xero’s direct feed and a business saver
- Starling: businesses wanting free UK payments and no fees abroad from their bank
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You handle lots of cash — both charge for cash deposits, so compare costs
- You need a relationship manager
Full explanation
Count your monthly transfers and foreign spending. If you’d need a paid Tide plan to avoid fees, compare that cost with Starling’s free account.
The catch
Tide’s Free plan charges 2.75% abroad and limits transfers; Starling charges 0.7% (minimum £3) on cash deposits.
Check each provider’s current terms.
These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.
FAQs
Is Tide or Starling a bank?
Starling is a bank. Tide isn’t; most Tide accounts are held with ClearBank.
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