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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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UK SMEs trust Tide

800,000+

UK SMEs trust Tide

Trustpilot rating

4.4/5

Trustpilot rating

UK app downloads

3M+

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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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.

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.

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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