Tide for new businesses
Just incorporated or registering as self-employed? Here's the cleanest path from 'I have a new business' to 'I've banked up to £200 cashback with REFER200'.
Five-step setup
- Register your business. If you're a sole trader, register for Self Assessment with HMRC. If you're forming a limited company, incorporate through Companies House.
- Gather ID and proof of business. Have photo ID, a UK address and (for limited companies) your certificate of incorporation ready. Tide's KYC asks for these during signup.
- Apply via the REFER200 link. Open the Tide application using the REFER200 referral link so the code is attached automatically. Complete identity verification in-app.
- Set up payments. Add suppliers, set up Open Banking links to your accounting software (FreeAgent, Xero, QuickBooks) and order a Tide debit card.
- Hit the qualifying steps. Complete £100 of Tide card spend within 30 days and, if eligible, deposit £5,000 into Tide Instant Saver within 7 days and hold for 30 days.
What to do in your first week
- Order the Tide debit card and add it to Apple/Google Pay.
- Connect Tide to your accounting software (FreeAgent / Xero / QuickBooks).
- Set up Direct Debits for HMRC, software and rent.
- Plan the £5,000 Instant Saver deposit inside the 7-day window if you're targeting the full REFER200.
Common mistakes new founders make
- Mixing personal and business spend before the account is open — pay business costs from personal card and reimburse later.
- Signing up without the REFER200 code attached — see forgot to enter the code.
- Treating REFER200 cashback as untaxable — it's typically business income; check with your accountant.
Related
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be incorporated to open a Tide account?+
No. Tide accepts both sole traders and limited companies. Sole traders apply with personal ID; limited companies add the certificate of incorporation and director details.
How long does the application take?+
Most applicants finish onboarding inside 10–15 minutes. Approval is usually same-day; some applications need extra checks and may take a few days.
Can a brand-new limited company qualify for REFER200?+
Yes — REFER200 is open to new UK Tide business customers including newly incorporated limited companies. The £5,000 saver portion is independent of company age; what matters is your cash flow.
Should I open Tide before or after my first invoice?+
Before, if possible. Opening early lets you invoice into the business account from day one, separates business and personal money cleanly, and starts the REFER200 qualifying windows.
Where do I find a step-by-step opening checklist?+
See our business bank account checklist for the document list, and the first 30 days guide for the post-signup playbook.
Ready to open a Tide account?
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.