Tide — fees, features, catches and eligibility
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 is a business banking platform, not a bank. As of 3 October 2026 it had a Free plan plus Smart (£12.49), Pro (£27.49) and Max (£69.99) a month. The Free plan includes five bank transfers a month and charges 2.75% on card spending abroad.
Tide says most accounts are held with ClearBank and FSCS protected, but some older e-money accounts aren’t.
Who it’s for
- Sole traders and limited companies wanting a business account with a free option
- Businesses using Xero (direct feed)
- Savers wanting a business instant-access account
Who should avoid it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You make lots of transfers on a free plan — the Free plan includes five a month
- You spend abroad on the Free plan — 2.75% applies
- You need certainty about FSCS cover — check which type of Tide account you hold
Key features
- Four plans, from free to £69.99 a month
- Direct Xero bank feed (updates every 24 hours)
- Business Instant Saver with a four-month introductory rate
- App and web banking for sole traders and limited companies
Eligibility
- Sole traders and limited companies
- UK-based businesses; Tide runs its own checks when you apply
Fees
| Plan | Monthly fee | Bank transfers | Card spending abroad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | £0 | 5 a month | 2.75% |
| Smart | £12.49 | 30 a month | 0% |
| Pro | £27.49 | Unlimited | 0% |
| Max | £69.99 | Unlimited | 0% |
Figures as of 3 October 2026, from Tide’s pricing page.
The catch
Tide isn’t a bank, so protection depends on where your money is held. New accounts held with ClearBank are covered by the FSCS; some older e-money accounts are safeguarded instead.
Check Tide’s current plans and fees.
These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.
FAQs
Is Tide a bank?
No. Tide is a business banking platform; most accounts are held with ClearBank.
Is my Tide money FSCS protected?
Accounts held with ClearBank are FSCS protected; some older e-money accounts aren’t. Check your account type in the app.
How many free transfers do I get?
Five a month on the Free plan, 30 on Smart, and unlimited on Pro and Max, as of 3 October 2026.
Does Tide offer savings?
Yes — see Tide business savings.
Get our weekly email
The Friday Finance Lowdown — five minutes of the money stuff worth knowing.
Free to join. See our privacy policy for how we handle your email address.