Q: How do I set up my Tide Card Reader?

You can do this in a few simple steps: 1. Power up First, hold down the power button on the side until the display turns on. For Tide Card Reader it’s on the right side, and for the Card Reader Plus, it’s on the left. 2. Charge your reader Using the cable supplied, plug the reader into a wall socket and let the battery charge for at least 4 hours. While the reader charges, you can continue with the next steps. 3. Choose your settings Select your language on the Welcome screen. 4. Get connected Your Card Reader will connect to a 4G network automatically, but if you’d like to use WiFi instead: Turn оn the ‘use Wi-Fi’ option when it pops up on the screen > select a WiFi network > enter the password > ‘Connect'. If you don’t connect to WiFi the first time you turn on your reader, you can head to the ‘Settings’ menu from the home screen and follow the same steps at a later stage. 5. Stay up-to-date If your device requires a software update, it will begin automatically and you won’t be able to use the reader until that’s complete. Please keep your Card Reader plugged in while it’s updating. Now you’re ready to take card payments.

Q: How do I keep my Tide card reader safe?

Visual inspection Verify the payment terminal is the same as shown in our documentation, in the user manual specific for the payment terminal model. After the payment terminal has started up, verify the Adyen logo or your company logo appears on the terminal display. Verify no cameras or skimming equipment are attached to the payment terminal. Check for anything inserted in or attached to the card reader, ports, display, or keypad. Device integrity inspection Verify the payment terminal isn't physically damaged. Check for missing seals or screws, holes in the device, and added wires or labels. Check your camera footage for suspicious activities around the payment terminal. Verify that store staff and camera footage cannot see the customers' PINs when they enter this on a payment terminal. Awareness of suspicious activity Verify the identity of any third-party persons claiming to be repair or maintenance personnel, before granting them access to modify or troubleshoot payment terminals. Always be aware of suspicious behaviour around payment terminals. For example, attempts by unknown persons to disconnect or open devices. Always report suspicious behaviour to Tide.

Question 1

How does a Tide Card Reader work?

Accepted Answer

To take a payment using the Tide Card Reader or Tide Card Reader Plus, you don’t need to do anything in the Tide app, or even have it handy.

Instead, select: ‘Payment’ > enter the price > ‘Continue’, directly on the terminal.

Your customer can tap or insert their card, and the payment will land in your account within 3 business days.

If you prefer, you can use the Tide app to take a payment with your card reader, too.

In the app, tap: Sales > Take a payment > enter the price and a description > Take a payment.

After your customer taps or inserts their card in the terminal, the payment will land in your account within 3 business days.

Question 2

Do you need the internet to use a Tide Card Reader?

Accepted Answer

In order for the Tide Card Reader to work and process payments, you will need internet access. The card reader device comes with a SIM card and WiFi compatibility, so you can use its built-in 4G or connect to a WiFi network.

Question 3

Do I need a Tide business bank account to use a card reader?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Tide Card Reader is only compatible with Tide business bank accounts.

Question 4

How do I get a Card Reader for my small business?

Accepted Answer

It’s easy. Simply sign up for a free Tide business bank account. After that you can order your Card Reader within the Tide app.

Question 5

How safe is a Tide Card Reader?

Accepted Answer

The Tide Card Reader, provided by Adyen, is a PCI PTS-approved Secure Card Reader. When using the card reader as the payment interface, the payment details are encrypted immediately.

If a customer uses Apple Pay, when using an iPhone as the payment interface, transactions are encrypted and handled using Apple's Secure Element.

Question 6

What should I do when I receive my Card Reader delivery?

Accepted Answer

As your Tide Card Reader will process sensitive card data, you must verify that the device you received is the correct one, and hasn’t been tampered with. There are a few ways to do this:

Check that the box containing the machine hasn't been opened and that the security seal is still intact. The security seal is a red label with a barcode and a number, stuck across the lid of the box.
Next, break the security seal and take the device out of the box. Verify that the serial number (S/N) on the device matches the serial number on the box.
Inspect the device for tampering. Check for missing seals or screws, additional wires or labels, holes in the device, and anything inserted in or attached to any part of the device.

If you have any concerns about your package or device then please contact Tide support immediately.

Question 7

How do I set up my Tide Card Reader?

Accepted Answer

You can do this in a few simple steps:

1. Power up First, hold down the power button on the side until the display turns on. For Tide Card Reader it’s on the right side, and for the Card Reader Plus, it’s on the left.

2. Charge your reader Using the cable supplied, plug the reader into a wall socket and let the battery charge for at least 4 hours. While the reader charges, you can continue with the next steps.

3. Choose your settings Select your language on the Welcome screen.

4. Get connected Your Card Reader will connect to a 4G network automatically, but if you’d like to use WiFi instead: Turn оn the ‘use Wi-Fi’ option when it pops up on the screen > select a WiFi network > enter the password > ‘Connect'. If you don’t connect to WiFi the first time you turn on your reader, you can head to the ‘Settings’ menu from the home screen and follow the same steps at a later stage.

5. Stay up-to-date If your device requires a software update, it will begin automatically and you won’t be able to use the reader until that’s complete. Please keep your Card Reader plugged in while it’s updating.

Now you’re ready to take card payments.

Question 8

How do I keep my Tide card reader safe?

Accepted Answer

Visual inspection

Verify the payment terminal is the same as shown in our documentation, in the user manual specific for the payment terminal model.
After the payment terminal has started up, verify the Adyen logo or your company logo appears on the terminal display.
Verify no cameras or skimming equipment are attached to the payment terminal. Check for anything inserted in or attached to the card reader, ports, display, or keypad.

Device integrity inspection

Verify the payment terminal isn't physically damaged. Check for missing seals or screws, holes in the device, and added wires or labels.
Check your camera footage for suspicious activities around the payment terminal.
Verify that store staff and camera footage cannot see the customers' PINs when they enter this on a payment terminal.

Awareness of suspicious activity

Verify the identity of any third-party persons claiming to be repair or maintenance personnel, before granting them access to modify or troubleshoot payment terminals.
Always be aware of suspicious behaviour around payment terminals. For example, attempts by unknown persons to disconnect or open devices.
Always report suspicious behaviour to Tide.

Question 9

How do I turn my Tide Card reader on and off?

Accepted Answer

To turn on the terminal: Press and hold the power button until the display turns on. If necessary, connect the terminal to a power supply to charge the battery.

Turn off the terminal: Press and hold the power button until a dialog box appears, then confirm you want to turn off the terminal.

Question 10

Accepted Answer

Currently, there is a restriction on 1 Tide Card Reader per company registered by Tide. We are working on the ability for our members to connect more than 1 device to 1 company account.

Question 11

How long will delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Normally, you’ll receive your card reader within 5 working days. To track your order in the Tide app, tap: Pay > select your account from stacked accounts > Card Reader > Track Delivery

Question 12

Is there a minimum transaction value?

Accepted Answer

Currently, there is a minimum transaction value of £1 per transaction. This is constantly under review so watch out for updates.

Question 13

Which types of cards can I accept with my Tide Card Reader or Card Reader Plus?

Accepted Answer

With the Tide Card Reader, your customers can pay you with all Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diners Club and American Express cards.

You can also get paid with digital wallets, such as Apple Pay & Google Pay, with an accepted card.

Question 14

Is there eligibility criteria on the Card Reader product?

Accepted Answer

As part of Tide’s ongoing efforts to prevent fraud and protect our existing members, there may be occasions when restrictions are placed on who can use the Tide Card Reader. Access to this feature may be restricted due to factors such as:

Nature of your business
The size of your business
The number and frequency of transactions you undertake with your Tide account

We’re on a mission to help business owners with secure payment acceptance methods. It’s a balancing act though, certain company types are more complex to onboard. We hope to broaden this scope as we grow, but currently, we’re unable to sign up the following types of companies but not limited to:

Fetish products
Content: Books, magazines, audio, videos, websites, streaming services and other content formats deemed offensive or of a sexual nature
Escort services and other services in the adult industry
Financial service or money service business.
E-wallet or e-money that can be monetised, re-sold or converted to physical and digital goods and services or otherwise exit the virtual world
Credit repair and credit protection business
Buy now pay later / Instalment payment methods
Bearer share entities and binary options
Independent or unlicensed financial advisors
Insurance sales and services (life)
Money transfer & remittance businesses
Payroll, invoice & business services
Provider or seller prepaid access/stored value
Marketing related services
Airlines and Cruise Lines
Cloud storage, VPN, file sharing, (high-risk) cyber lockers
Animals and wildlife products classified as endangered or protected
Bail bonds and bankruptcy lawyers
Bidding fee and penny auctions
Certain social media business (e.g. click farms)
Casual dating services
Direct Marketing – Inbound teleservices, outbound telemarketing and travel-related arrangement services, Insurance services, catalog merchants, door-to-door sales, Multi-level marketing
Governmental services, such as embassies or consulates
Hazardous materials (B2B and B2C)
Intravenous therapy or Medical benefit packages
Key-entry telecom merchant
Live-streaming Services with in-app currency and donations
Mail order spouse or international match-making services
Pawn shops
Political, religious or Social Campaigning
Drugs, and tools specifically intended for the production of drugs, drug paraphernalia, illegal drugs, substances designed to mimic illegal drugs and / or other psychoactive products
Gambling services
Products or services specifically offered or intended to be used to create, produce or grow drugs or drug ingredients
Pharmaceuticals, prescription medicine and medical devices (including animal pharmaceuticals)
Tobacco, smoking supplies, e-cigarettes, e-liquids, vaping liquid, vaping accessories
Trade of fireworks, flammable or radioactive materials
Trade of weapons, ammunition, military arms, explosive devices and firearm parts
Cryptocurrency exchange
High-risk securities
Security brokers /investments of any kind including the purchase of Third-party Payment Processing such as aggregators, digital wallets, Payment Fac, Payment service companies.
Decryption and descrambler products and services, devices designed to block, jam or interfere with cellular and personal communications
Sale of used cars and light motor vehicles, including maintenance and repair of motor vehicles

Question 15

Will I get an invoice of my Card Reader purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can give you an invoice for your Card Reader purchase. Tap ‘Support’ in the app to request one, and we’ll supply one.

Question 16

I’ve taken a payment but its not in my Tide account?

Accepted Answer

Payments taken with a Tide Card Reader can take up to 3 working days to settle into your Tide bank account.

Question 17

In which currencies can I accept payments?

Accepted Answer

You can accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express contactless cards from UK or foreign issuers, but all transactions and settlements will be in GBP.

For now, we don’t accept payments with cards issued in these countries:

Afghanistan
Barbados
Belarus
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Congo Democratic Republic
Croatia
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Gibraltar
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Lebanon
Libya
Mali
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Philippines
Russia
Senegal
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine Sanctioned Regions (Donetsk, Crimea, Kherson, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia)
United Arab Emirates
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zimbabwe

* This list is subject to change.

Question 18

Can I cancel my order after it has been placed?

Accepted Answer

Generally, you can’t cancel an order once it’s been placed. However, in case of delivery failures, such as items lost in transit or orders that remain undelivered for more than 30 days, Tide members can choose between re-delivery or a refund. Please refer to our cancellations and returns policy for more details.

Tide Card Reader

Cash flows faster with the Tide Card Reader

Designed to keep your cash flow flowing

Avoid payment delays

No contracts

Enjoy unlimited 4G data

Connect anywhere

Choose the card reader that’s right for your business

Tap to pay

starsTech Specs

reviewsBoth devices

Tide Card Reader

starsTech Specs

reviewsBoth devices

Tide Card Reader Plus

starsTech Specs

reviewsBoth devices

No contract, no monthly fees

Low Upfront Fee

*1.5% fees

£0/month

From box to sales in 3 easy steps

Safe and secure for you and your customers

Take fast customer payments anywhere

Get your funds faster

Tide Card Reader FAQs

How does a Tide Card Reader work?

Do you need the internet to use a Tide Card Reader?

Do I need a Tide business bank account to use a card reader?

How do I get a Card Reader for my small business?

How safe is a Tide Card Reader?

What should I do when I receive my Card Reader delivery?

How do I set up my Tide Card Reader?

How do I keep my Tide card reader safe?

How do I turn my Tide Card reader on and off?

How long will delivery take?

Is there a minimum transaction value?

Which types of cards can I accept with my Tide Card Reader or Card Reader Plus?

Is there eligibility criteria on the Card Reader product?

Will I get an invoice of my Card Reader purchase?

I’ve taken a payment but its not in my Tide account?

In which currencies can I accept payments?

Can I cancel my order after it has been placed?

A business bank account that's free and easy to open