Countingup vs Tide: Business Bank Account Comparison

Countingup positions itself as banking with accounting built in, aiming to reduce admin for small business owners by combining banking and bookkeeping in a single app. Tide takes a different approach, offering a flexible bank account with optional tools that can be bolted on as a company grows.

This guide compares Countingup and Tide across features, fees, regulation, and which types of UK businesses each account is best suited to.

Countingup vs Tide: At a Glance Comparison

Business Bank Account Offers and Fees

What Countingup is Designed For

Countingup is designed to help SMEs stay abreast of their finances without juggling multiple tools. Its key differentiator is built‑in accounting, which automatically categorises transactions and helps estimate tax liabilities.

Rather than focusing on optional add‑ons, Countingup bundles banking and bookkeeping into a single, intuitive platform.

Key Characteristics of Countingup

• Business account with integrated accounting

• Automatic transaction categorisation

• Real‑time tax estimates

• Invoicing included

• Free and paid plan options

• Available to sole traders and limited companies

Trade‑Offs to Consider

• Limited flexibility

• Fewer third‑party integrations

• No overdrafts or business loans

• Not a fully licensed bank

• FSCS protection does not apply

Countingup often appeals to very small businesses that want to minimise their admin burden and avoid investing in separate accounting software.

What Tide is Designed For

Tide is built specifically for UK businesses that want control over features and costs. It offers a core business account, with optional tools for invoicing, expenses, and admin that can be added as needed.

This modular approach makes Tide popular with SMEs that expect their needs to evolve.

Key Characteristics of Tide

• Built exclusively for UK businesses

• Free entry‑level account available

• Paid plans unlock higher limits and features

• Optional add‑ons for invoicing and admin

• Cash deposits via the Post Office (fees apply)

• Available to sole traders and limited companies

• Yes, up to £120,000

Trade‑Offs to Consider

• Advanced features usually cost extra

• No business finance solutions or overdrafts

• Accounting is reliant on external software

Tide tends to suit startups and growing SMEs that want one flexible solution rather than bundled tools.

How They Charge

Countingup Pricing

• Free plan available

• Paid plans unlock additional accounting tools

• Monthly subscription pricing

• Invoicing included across plans

Countingup’s pricing suits businesses that want predictable costs and built‑in bookkeeping.

Tide Pricing

• Free basic business account

• Paid plans increase limits and unlock tools

• Optional add‑ons priced separately

• Costs can scale as your business grows

Tide’s pricing model works well for SMEs that want to pay only for what they use.

Feature Comparison: Countingup vs Tide

Everyday Banking

• Payments and transfers: Both support UK payments and Faster Payments

• Business debit cards: Both provide Mastercard business debit cards

• Account access: Mobile‑first apps with desktop access

Invoicing and Admin

• Countingup: Invoicing included as standard

• Tide: Invoicing available via paid plans or add‑ons

Accounting and Tax

• Countingup: Built‑in accounting and tax estimation

• Tide: Integrates with accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage

Cash Handling

• Countingup: Cash deposits supported via third‑party locations (fees apply)

• Tide: Cash deposits via the Post Office (fees apply)

Integrations

• Countingup: Limited third‑party integrations

• Tide: Wide range of integrations with business tools

Regulation and Protection

Both Countingup and Tide operate as E-Money Institutions (EMIs) rather than fully licensed banks.

• Customer funds are safeguarded, but not FSCS‑protected

• Money is held separately from each provider’s own funds

If deposit protection is vital, a fully licensed UK business bank would be a better fit for you.

Who Should Consider Countingup?

Countingup may be a good fit if your company:

• Is a sole trader or micro‑business

• Wants banking and accounting in one

• Wants minimal setup and admin

• Doesn’t want separate bookkeeping software

• Is comfortable with a subscription‑based model

Who Should Consider Tide?

Tide would suit businesses that:

• Want flexible pricing with optional upgrades

• Prefer to choose their own accounting software

• Are growing quickly

• Need more integrations and tools

• Want a business‑focused banking platform

• Want FSCS protection

Alternatives to Countingup and Tide

You may want to consider other providers if your company:

• Wants the option of overdrafts or lending

• Operates internationally or in multiple currencies

• Requires advanced expense management

In those cases, it would be worth exploring other options until you land on the right solution.