Tide vs Starling: Business Bank Account Comparison

What Tide is Designed For

Tide is built specifically for modern businesses that want control over features and costs. Rather than bundling everything into one account, Tide allows SMEs to start small and add tools as they grow.

Key Characteristics of Tide

• Designed exclusively for UK businesses

• Free entry‑level account available

• Paid plans unlock higher limits and extra tools

• Optional add‑ons for invoicing, accounting, and expenses

• Cash deposits supported via the Post Office

• Available for sole traders and limited companies

Trade‑Offs to Consider

• Advanced features usually cost extra

• No overdrafts or lending products

• Not a fully licensed bank

• FSCS protection doesn’t apply

Tide tends to appeal to businesses that want flexibility and scalability, particularly in the early stages.

What Starling is Designed For

Starling offers a fully fledged business current account, but delivered through a digital‑first experience. Unlike many fintech competitors, Starling is a fully licensed UK bank, which means it operates more like a traditional high‑street bank - just without branches.

Key Characteristics of Starling

• Fully licensed UK bank

• Free business current account

• FSCS protection on eligible deposits

• Built‑in business tools like invoicing and categories

• Supports overdrafts and lending (subject to approval)

• Suitable for sole traders and limited companies

Trade‑Offs to Consider

• Fewer paid upgrades or modular add‑ons

• Less customisation compared to Tide

• Some services have stricter eligibility criteria

Starling is often chosen by businesses that want high street‑level security, but a seamless digital experience.

How They Charge

Tide Pricing

• Free basic business account available

• Paid plans increase limits and unlock features

• Optional add‑ons priced separately

• Costs can scale as your business grows

Tide’s pricing model suits businesses that want to pay only for what they use.

Starling Pricing

• Free standard business current account

• No monthly account fee

• Charges apply for services like cash handling

• Lending products priced separately

Starling’s model is simpler, with fewer pricing decisions.

Feature Comparison: Tide vs Starling

Everyday Banking Features

• Payments and transfers: Both support UK payments, Faster Payments, and Direct Debits

• Business debit cards: Both provide Mastercard business debit cards

• Account management: Mobile‑first apps with desktop access

Invoicing and Admin

• Tide: Invoicing available via add‑ons or integrations

• Starling: Built‑in invoicing included

Accounting Integrations

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

• Starling: Integrates with accounting tools and provides in‑app bookkeeping

Cash Handling

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

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

Lending and Overdrafts

• Tide: No overdrafts or loans

• Starling: Overdrafts and business loans are available, subject to eligibility

Regulation and Protection

This is one of the biggest differences between the two providers.

• Tide is an E‑Money Institution (EMI)

  • Customer funds are safeguarded

  • FSCS protection doesn’t apply

• Starling is a fully licensed UK bank

  • Eligible deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £85,000

  • Offers bank‑level regulatory protections

For businesses that prioritise deposit protection, Starling often feels like the safer option.

Who Should Consider Tide?

Tide may be a good fit if your business:

• Wants flexible pricing with optional extras

• Prefers external accounting software

• Is cost‑sensitive in the early stages

• Handles cash occasionally

• Expects banking needs to evolve over time

Who Should Consider Starling?

Starling may suit companies that:

• Want a fully licensed bank account

• Value FSCS protection

• Want overdrafts or lending options

• Prefer a simple, all‑in‑one account

• Want banking that feels closer to a traditional provider

Alternatives to Tide and Starling

You may want to explore other business bank accounts if your SME:

• Requires complex international payments

• Needs high cash deposit volumes

• Wants a relationship manager

• Is looking for specialist industry features