Tide questions hub
Concise, factual answers to the most common questions about Tide business accounts, REFER200, eligibility, fees, safety and comparisons. Each answer links to a deeper guide page.
Referral code
What is the current Tide referral code?
The current Tide referral code promoted on this site is REFER200. It is valid for new eligible UK Tide business account applicants and offers up to £200 cashback, subject to Tide's terms and eligibility criteria.
Full referral code guide →Does REFER200 still work in 2026?
Yes, REFER200 is the current active Tide referral code as of June 2026. The offer is checked regularly. See the offer verification log for the latest status.
Does REFER200 still work? →How much cashback does REFER200 give?
Up to £200 cashback, split into two rewards: £75 for spending £100 on your Tide card within 30 days, and £125 for depositing £5,000 into Tide Instant Saver within 7 days and holding it for 30 days. Both are subject to Tide's terms.
REFER200 full details →Where do I enter the Tide referral code?
Enter the code during the Tide account sign-up process in the referral or promo code field. You may also be able to enter it within 7 days of account opening via the Tide app.
Step-by-step guide →What if I forgot to enter the referral code?
You may be able to enter the code within 7 days of account opening via the Tide app settings. After that window, it is unlikely to be applied retrospectively.
What to do if you forgot →Promo code
Is there a Tide promo code?
Tide does not use traditional retail-style promo codes. The closest equivalent is the REFER200 referral code, which gives new customers up to £200 cashback when opening a business account.
Tide promo code guide →What is the Tide promo code for 2026?
The current Tide promo code for 2026 is REFER200. Enter it during sign-up for a new Tide business account to be eligible for up to £200 cashback.
Tide promo code explained →Does Tide have a discount code or voucher code?
Tide does not offer percentage-off discount codes or traditional voucher codes. The REFER200 referral code is the current promotional offer — it gives cashback rather than a discount.
Promo vs referral code explained →Eligibility
Can sole traders use REFER200?
Yes. Eligible sole traders can use REFER200 when opening a new Tide business account, subject to Tide's eligibility criteria and account approval.
REFER200 eligibility details →Can limited companies use REFER200?
Yes. Eligible limited companies can use REFER200 when opening a new Tide business account, subject to Tide's eligibility criteria and account approval.
Check your eligibility →Can existing Tide customers use REFER200?
No. REFER200 is only valid for new Tide business account applicants who have not previously held a Tide account.
REFER200 full details →Can freelancers and contractors use REFER200?
Yes, subject to Tide's eligibility criteria. Freelancers and contractors who qualify for a Tide business account can use REFER200 at sign-up.
Tide for freelancers →Troubleshooting
What if the Tide referral code is not working?
Check that you are entering the code in the correct field during sign-up, that you are a new Tide customer, and that the code is spelled correctly: REFER200. If the problem persists, contact Tide support.
Referral code not working →What if my Tide cashback has not arrived?
Tide typically processes cashback within 6–8 weeks of the qualifying conditions being met. Check that you completed both qualifying steps within the required time windows. If cashback has not arrived after 8 weeks, contact Tide support directly.
Cashback not received →What counts as qualifying Tide card spend?
Qualifying card spend is typically any purchase made using your Tide Mastercard. Cash withdrawals, internal transfers and some specific transaction types may not count. Check Tide's current terms for the exact definition.
What counts as card spend →Review and account quality
Is Tide a good business account?
Tide is the most widely used business financial platform in the UK with over 500,000 members. It is strongest for new sole traders and limited companies who need free invoicing, expense tools and accounting integrations. It has limitations for large-balance holders, international businesses and those who need branch banking.
Full Tide review →What are the pros and cons of Tide?
Pros: free plan, fast onboarding, strong invoicing and expense tools, Xero/QuickBooks integration, Tide Instant Saver, REFER200 cashback offer. Cons: not a full bank, cash deposit fees, no branch access, limited international payment support.
Pros and cons in full →How much does Tide cost?
Tide has a free plan with no monthly fee. Paid plans range from approximately £9.99 to £49.99 per month. Additional fees apply for cash deposits, some transfers and international payments.
Full Tide fees guide →Safety and regulation
Is Tide safe?
Tide is FCA-authorised as an e-money institution. Business bank accounts are issued by ClearBank, a UK-licensed clearing bank. Eligible deposits held with ClearBank are protected by the FSCS up to £85,000 per eligible person.
Is Tide safe — full guide →Is Tide a bank?
No. Tide is an FCA-authorised e-money institution, not a bank. Business bank accounts are issued by ClearBank. This distinction matters for understanding FSCS protection and for decisions about holding large balances.
Is Tide a bank — explained →Is Tide FSCS protected?
Eligible deposits held in Tide business accounts (issued by ClearBank) are protected by the FSCS up to £85,000 per eligible person. Tide's own e-money accounts use safeguarding rather than FSCS. Check the safety page for the full explanation.
FSCS and safety details →Comparisons
Is Tide better than Starling?
It depends on your needs. Tide has stronger invoicing and expense tools and the REFER200 cashback offer. Starling is a fully licensed bank with stronger FSCS protection on its own balance and a longer track record. For most new sole traders, either is a strong choice.
Tide vs Starling full comparison →Is Tide better than Monzo Business?
Tide and Monzo Business serve similar markets. Tide has stronger invoicing tools; Monzo has a more polished consumer app experience. Both are e-money institutions rather than full banks.
Tide vs Monzo full comparison →What are the best alternatives to Tide?
The main alternatives are Starling Bank, Monzo Business, Revolut Business, Mettle (NatWest), and traditional high-street banks. The best choice depends on your business type, transaction volume and whether you need branch access.
Best Tide alternatives →Can't find your question?
If your question isn't answered here, try the full FAQ page, the referral code FAQs, or contact us directly. We also maintain a Tide glossary for definitions of key terms.
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.