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Tide Logo
Tide Logo
Tide Logo

START UP BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT

Start up business bank account built for founders

When starting up a business, you need tools that save time. Our goal is to offer the best small business bank account for UK founders, combining seamless admin with the growth tools you need to succeed:

  • Free online banking: No monthly fees for our standard account

  • Easy tax filing: Built-in, MTD-compatible software that turns your transactions into tax returns

  • Flexible payments: Seamless solutions to run your business anywhere

  • Smart savings: Secure, instant-access account with up to 4% AER

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SMEs trust Tide

+2 million

SMEs trust Tide

Trustpilot rating

4.4/5

Trustpilot rating

UK app downloads

+3 million

UK app downloads

Everything you need from a start up business bank account

With over 1.5 million freelancers, contractors, start ups and scaling businesses trusting in Tide globally, we’re committed to building you the best business bank account for start ups that helps you set up your business smoothly.

£0/month

Only pay for what you use, with 5 free transfers/month and low ATM fees.

Instant setup

Open your account and get your details in minutes, not weeks.

Streamlined accounting

Connect your accounting software to manage your books in one place.

Up to 4% AER on savings

Our Instant Saver Account makes your money work hard, with no  fees on withdrawals.

Team access

Grant one team member view-only access to view your balance and download statements.

Safe and secure

We’re ISO 27001 certified, FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected up to £120,000.

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Open a start up business bank account in minutes

Business banking with Tide is easy.

  1. Download the app

  2. Tell us about your business and verify your identity

  3. Your account is approved and ready to go in minutes - your card will arrive in a couple of days

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Run your start up business from anywhere, from the Tide app

Your business doesn't sit still, and neither should your bank. Whether you’re sending invoices on the go or using virtual debit cards for secure online spending, Tide gives you the tools to operate anywhere.

Payment Links

Generate and send Payment Links for quick online card transactions.

Invoicing

Create, track, and send branded invoices straight from the Tide app to get paid faster. 

Tap to Pay

Accept contactless payments securely on your smartphone - no additional hardware needed.

Apple/Google Pay

Set up a digital wallet to make every payment effortless.

International payments

Access your IBAN number in the app to send and receive international payments in a few taps.

Online Debit Cards

Pay for your online subscriptions and ad expenses with our Online Debit Cards.

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Try Admin Extra for pocket-sized, professional accounting

Spend less time on admin and more time growing your start up business. Get a 2-month free trial* of our complete Admin Extra toolkit when you open your Tide account.

  • Prepare for tax season with dedicated tax pots and submit stress-free, MTD-compliant returns

  • Give your accountant user-access to speed up bookkeeping and collaborate seamlessly in one platform

  • Enjoy powerful financial reporting with insights on profitability, expenses and cash flow

Get the finance you need to scale your start up business

Applying for a business loan doesn’t have to be a daunting step. Open a Tide account to check your eligibility, and we’ll be right there to connect you with a lender that understands your goals.

Here’s how a start up business loan can get your business off the ground safely:

  • Borrow safely with a maximum loan limit of £25,000, ensuring your repayments remain sustainable as you scale

  • Get a fixed interest rate of 6% with repayment terms from 1 to 5 years

  • Following your loan approval, you’ll be matched with a business mentor for 12 months

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Am I eligible for a start up business bank account?

Applying for a start up business account is easy with Tide, but first let's check you’re eligible.

Your business must be UK-based

You can’t be in any business partnership

Your business can’t be managed by another legal entity

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Ready to switch to Tide?

Considering switching your business account provider? We’ll make the move effortless.

  • Wave manual admin goodbye and use the Current Account Switching Service to move your existing business account

  • Switching is completely free and only takes 7 working days from the date you choose to switch

  • All we need from you is your old bank details, the rest is handled automatically, securely and fuss-free

Switch to Tide

Matt HerdBeaucroft Watches

Everything became digital, and Tide just made it so easy. Everything was easy to set up. We didn't need tremendous amounts of paperwork or history to set up an account.

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Start-up account FAQs

A start up bank account is a business bank account specifically designed for new businesses. It provides essential banking services tailored to the needs of start-ups, including managing finances, receiving payments, and paying suppliers.

A business bank account helps you keep your personal and business finances separate, which is crucial for managing your finances, tracking expenses, and simplifying tax filing. It also adds professionalism to your business and builds credibility with customers and suppliers.

The time to open a start up bank account can vary. Some banks offer instant account opening online, while others may take a few days to process the application and verify documents. At Tide, most members have their account set up in minutes, though this process can take up to a few days depending on the complexity of the business.

Some banks offer free start up bank accounts, especially for new businesses. However, others may charge monthly maintenance fees or fees for certain transactions. At Tide, you can open a start up bank account for free, with no monthly charges or hidden fees. You are only charged for your use, such as you get 5 free transactions, then you’re charged 20p per transaction for our free account. You can view a list of our fees here.

We understand businesses, it's all we do

We understand businesses, it's all we do

Tide is built by business owners for business owners. That’s why we’re trusted by over 1.5 million sole traders, freelancers, and limited companies worldwide.

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Tide | Do what you love.
Tide Platform Limited (Tide) designs and operates the Tide website and app. Tide is not a bank. Tide is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 under firm reference number 900843 for the issuing of electronic money and the provision of payment initiation services and account information services under the Payment Services Regulations 2017. Tide is also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to its credit and insurance broking activities (firm reference 718743). Tide is incorporated and registered in England and Wales with company number 09595646 and registered office at 4th Floor The Featherstone Building, 66 City Road, London, EC1Y 2AL. Tide offers bank accounts powered by ClearBank® Ltd (ClearBank) (account sort code is 04-06-05). ClearBank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 754568. Eligible deposits with ClearBank are protected up to a total of £120,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), the UK's deposit guarantee scheme. For further information visit Home. ClearBank Ltd is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number: 754568). Registered Address: ClearBank, Level 27, The Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London, United Kingdom, EC2A 2EW. Eligible deposits held in the Tide Business Current Account (powered by ClearBank) are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (“FSCS”) subject to eligibility. All eligible deposits at the same bank are aggregated to determine the coverage level for each depositor up to £120,000, therefore if you have any other product/services with ClearBank these will be aggregated. To find out more and to check your eligibility please visit: About us . Some of Tide’s members also hold e-money accounts powered by PrePay Technologies Limited (PPT) (account sort code is 23-69-72). PPT is an electronic money institution authorised by the FCA under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 under firm reference number 900010 for the issuing of electronic money. PPT holds an amount equivalent to the money in Tide current accounts in a safeguarding account which gives members protection against PPT’ insolvency. Tide Cards may be issued by both Tide and PPT, who are licensed by Mastercard International for the issuance of cards. The issuer of your Tide card will be identified on your monthly card statement. Tide Capital Limited is an appointed representative of P1 Investment Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 752005 to carry out such regulated activities as are involved in the provision of Tide Investment Account. Seccl Custody Limited is the custodian of assets held in Tide Investment Account and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm reference number 793200) and registered in England and Wales under No. 10430958. Registered office 20 Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1JW. Tide, the Tide logo, the Swell, and Do Less Banking are trademarks and trade names of Tide Platform Limited, and may not be used or reproduced without the consent of the owner.