Positives

  • Tide Bank offers a secure and simple way for freelancers and small and medium sized businesses to access business banking.
  • Tide claim to be profitable in the UK, and have over 400,000 customers using their services.

Potential Concerns

  • Tide are not actually a bank – they do not have a direct UK banking license. However, they partner with Clearbank, who are a licensed UK bank, and Clearbank hold the customer deposits. This ensures that customers are covered under the FSCS.
  • Some users on Trustpilot report difficulties in contacting Tide after their account was restricted. As Tide are an app based service, they do not have branches or widely accessible call centres, which may be an issue for some users.

What is Tide Bank Safe?

Tide Bank is a UK-based digital banking provider tailored specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Founded in 2015 by George Bevis, it offers business current accounts designed to simplify financial management for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Tide provides a range of features including online account opening, invoicing tools, expense management, and integration with accounting software, all accessible through its user-friendly mobile app and web platform.

The bank claims to offer fast and efficient services without the bureaucratic hurdles often associated with traditional banks. Tide’s digital-first approach enables swift account setup and streamlined processes, allowing business owners to focus more on running their ventures.

Is Tide Bank Safe – The Details

Regulation

Tide Bank operates under the regulatory oversight of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. As a regulated entity, Tide adheres to strict standards of conduct, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and safeguarding the interests of its customers.

Protection/Insurances

Tide Bank offers protection for its customers’ deposits through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), safeguarding up to £85,000 per eligible depositor in the event of bank insolvency. Additionally, Tide’s funds are held in segregated accounts, providing an extra layer of security and protection for its customers’ money.

However, bear in mind that Tide itself is not a licensed bank in the UK. However, they partner with Clearbank, who are, and customer deposits are held with them, so the above still applies to customer deposits.

Investment Risks

Tide does not offer any investment services.

Company

Tide is a fintech start up that launched in 2017. As of 2024, they claim to be profitable in the UK, and are now looking to launch in other countries across Europe.

Security and Personal Data

Tide Bank uses advanced encryption techniques and robust cybersecurity measures, to ensure the protection of sensitive information from unauthorized access or breaches. Tide complies with all relevant data protection regulations.

Resources:

Trustpilot:

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/tide.co

Tide Look To Launch In Germany:

https://www.boersen-zeitung.de/english/tide-growth

Is Tide Bank Legit?

Tide Bank is a legitimate financial institution operating in the UK. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), adhering to strict regulatory standards. They focus on providing digital banking services for small and medium-sized enterprises, and have gained over 400,000 users in the UK.