Tide for limited companies
Form a UK limited company and open a business account in a single application — then claim up to £200 cashback with REFER200.
Two ways to start
- Already incorporated: apply for a Tide account using your Companies House number and director details. Approval is usually within a working day.
- Not yet incorporated: use Tide's integrated company formation flow. Tide registers your company with Companies House and opens your business account in one process. The standard formation route covers most needs; bespoke share structures may need a separate formations agent.
What you'll need
- Director details (full name, date of birth, residential address) for each director.
- PSC (person with significant control) details — usually the same as directors for small companies.
- Photo ID for each director who'll have account access.
- Registered office address (Tide offers a registered office service as an add-on if you don't want to use your home address publicly).
- Brief description of your trading activity.
The director workflow
For most small Ltd companies — owner-managed, single director, low headcount — Tide is the cleanest day-to-day experience: receive client payments, pay suppliers, run payroll (via Tide's payroll add-on or your existing provider), pay yourself a salary and dividends to your personal account, and submit VAT through your accounting integration.
Multi-director companies get expense cards per director on paid plans, with limits and merchant controls. Each director can have full or restricted account access — useful for separation of duties.
Keeping the corporate veil intact
The single biggest accounting mistake new directors make is mixing personal and company funds. Limited liability depends on the company being treated as a distinct entity. Use the Tide account for company income and expenses only; pay yourself through formal salary and dividends; keep dividend vouchers and board minutes; never use the company card for personal spend. Your future accountant will thank you.
Plans that fit a typical Ltd
Most owner-managed Ltd companies start on Free for a month or two and move to Smart once invoicing volume justifies it. Established Ltd companies with several directors and higher transaction volume usually land on Pro. Max is for high-volume operations. See Tide fees.
REFER200 for limited companies
Limited companies are eligible for REFER200 on the same terms as sole traders. The £125 Instant Saver portion is often easier for Ltd companies than for early-stage sole traders, because most Ltd companies hold a retained-earnings buffer that comfortably covers a £5,000 deposit for 30 days.
Switching an existing Ltd to Tide
There's no formal switching service like the personal Current Account Switch Service for business accounts, but in practice the process is: open the Tide account, redirect client payments and direct debits to the new sort code and account number over a few weeks, keep the old account open briefly to catch stragglers, then close it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I form a new Ltd directly with Tide?+
Yes. Tide's integrated formation flow registers your company with Companies House and opens your business account in one process.
How long does Tide take to approve a Ltd company?+
Most applications clear within one working day. Higher-risk MCCs or unusual ownership structures can take longer.
Can Ltd companies claim REFER200?+
Yes. Limited companies qualify on the same terms — up to £200 across the card spend and Instant Saver rewards.
Does Tide offer a registered office service?+
Yes, as an add-on. Useful if you don't want your home address on the public Companies House register.
Can multiple directors have access to the Tide account?+
Yes — paid plans support multiple directors with full or restricted access, per-user expense cards, limits and merchant controls.
Does Tide handle Corporation Tax payment to HMRC?+
You pay Corporation Tax by Faster Payment from your Tide account to HMRC's published account. Many directors keep the funds in Tide Instant Saver until the payment deadline so they earn a little interest.
Can I open Tide for a dormant company?+
Yes, but if the company isn't trading there's little point — Tide is a working business account. Open it when the company starts to trade so you don't pay for an unused paid plan.
What if my Ltd has overseas directors or PSCs?+
Tide can usually accommodate but verification takes longer and may require additional documentation. Higher-risk jurisdictions can lead to declines.
Does Tide help with statutory accounts and Confirmation Statements?+
Not directly. Tide gives you the transaction data; your accountant or a service like Crunch/FreeAgent prepares statutory accounts and files the Confirmation Statement at Companies House.
Can I claim REFER200 on a newly-formed Ltd?+
Yes — a brand-new Ltd opening its first Tide account qualifies as a new customer. This is the cleanest path to the full £200 if you can fund the £5,000 saver step.
Key facts summary
- The current code promoted on this site is REFER200.
- The offer is described as up to £200 cashback, not a guaranteed reward.
- Eligibility and payout are controlled by Tide and the applicable offer terms.
- This website is independent and is not Tide; we may receive a referral reward.
- Last checked: 16 June 2026.
Open a Tide Ltd account with REFER200
Use referral code REFER200 at sign-up to claim up to £200 cashback when you meet the qualifying steps.
Up to £200 cashback
Use referral code below when opening your Tide business account.
REFER200Up to £200 cashback. T&Cs apply. Tide determines account approval, eligibility and cashback validation. Last checked 16 June 2026.
Independent introducer disclosure: this site is not Tide and is not operated by Tide. If you sign up using our link or the code REFER200, we may receive a referral reward. Tide controls account approval, eligibility and cashback validation. This is not financial advice. Always check the latest Tide terms before applying. Last checked 16 June 2026.