Tide • EUR
🔒 Secure redirect to Tide, no obligation
Ingrid Schneider · Updated: 3 September 2026
Tide is a purely online business account aimed at freelancers, sole proprietors, GmbHs and Unternehmergesellschaften (UGs) who want simple, mobile-first account management. According to the provider, Tide manages accounts for more than 1.5 million self-employed people, positioning it as one of the larger players in European fintech banking for small businesses. Unlike traditional branch banks, Tide's entire account management runs through the web interface and app — a model that appeals especially to founders and digitally-minded self-employed people who don't need a physical bank advisor.
Account maintenance is, according to the underlying data, completely free — EUR 0 per year, no monthly base fee and no minimum deposit required. According to the stored data, online bookings also carry no fee regardless of volume: whether transaction numbers are low or very high in a given month, the price per online booking stays at EUR 0. This sets Tide apart from many other business accounts that start charging per transaction above a certain booking count.
Tide's website adds to this picture: it mentions 5 free SEPA transfers per month, plus the availability of real-time transfers and direct debit, though without a specific fee figure for transfers beyond this free allowance. Anyone regularly making more than five transfers a month should confirm the exact terms directly with Tide before signing up, rather than relying on the free account maintenance alone. The underlying data shows no interest for a tolerated overdraft (0% p.a.); neither the underlying data nor the provider's website gives a concrete rate for an arranged overdraft facility, so no reliable statement can be made on this point.
No reliable detail is available on deposit protection for this product — the relevant data fields for Tide are empty or not populated. That doesn't necessarily mean no deposit protection exists, only that no verified figure is available in the underlying data. Prospective customers should ask Tide directly about this point before opening an account, or check the current terms and conditions, rather than assuming a specific coverage amount.
A free debit Mastercard is included in the price, issued according to Tide without a SCHUFA credit check — relevant for founders and self-employed people who don't (yet) have a long credit history, or whose personal credit rating is impaired for other reasons. Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported, so contactless payment is possible even without the physical card. The account is managed entirely online and via the mobile app; neither the underlying data nor the provider's page explicitly mentions a phone support channel for account management, which may matter to users who would rather speak to an advisor by phone in case of doubt.
In addition to the five free SEPA transfers per month, Tide states it offers real-time transfers and direct debit functions, which can be useful in daily business — for example for recurring customer payments or collecting invoice amounts. The combination of free card issuance without a credit check and free basic account maintenance makes the offer particularly attractive for newly founded businesses, which often don't yet have a solid business history.
According to the underlying data, there is currently no welcome bonus for this product.
The account is particularly suited to freelancers, sole proprietors and corporations such as GmbHs and UGs looking for a free, purely digital business account with no minimum turnover or minimum deposit. The free debit card without a SCHUFA check also makes the offer attractive to newly founded businesses whose personal credit history isn't yet long enough to easily get a business account with a traditional bank. Businesses with low, predictable payment volumes — up to around five transfers a month — will also find Tide an uncomplicated choice.
Anyone who regularly needs more than five SEPA transfers a month, collects many direct debits, or values a clearly defined, high level of deposit protection should clarify the missing details directly with Tide before signing up, rather than relying on the free basic structure alone.
The specific steps for opening an account are not described in detail on the currently reachable Tide landing page; however, as with most neobanks of this kind, opening an account happens entirely online via the website or the app, typically involving digital identification and uploading the relevant business documents.
The Tide business account impresses above all with its uncompromisingly free basic structure: no account maintenance fee, no minimum deposit, a free card with no SCHUFA check, and five free SEPA transfers a month. Anyone transferring beyond this free allowance, or valuing transparent deposit protection information, should ask Tide directly before opening an account. Overall, for freelancers and small businesses with manageable payment volumes, the account is an uncomplicated, fee-free option.
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