Tide referral code: STARTUP200 and how to use it

What is a Tide referral code?

A Tide referral code is a short code you type in when you open a Tide business account. It links your new account to an offer, so Tide knows which reward you're eligible for. The code we share is STARTUP200. Strictly, it's a partner promotion code: Tide publishes its own key terms for it, titled "STARTUP200 – Partnership Promotional Offer". In practice it's entered in the same place as any Tide referral code, which is why people search for it both ways.

Using the Tide referral code doesn't change your account. You get the same Tide business account, the same plans and the same protection as anyone else. The only difference is that you become eligible for the cashback if you meet the conditions.

What the Tide referral code STARTUP200 pays

The reward comes in two parts, and you can claim one or both:

Spending must be genuine card purchases. Transfers, cash withdrawals, gift cards, tax payments and fees don't count. The full list, a worked example and a deadline calculator are on our Tide promo code page.

Where to enter a Tide referral code

You enter the Tide referral code while you're applying, on the screen that asks for a referral or promo code. Tide's own help pages call it the "Add referral code" screen. The steps:

1. Start your application. Use the button on this page, or download the Tide app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Enter your details. Tide asks for your mobile number, email and some information about you and your business.
3. Find the code screen. When you reach "Add referral code", type STARTUP200 exactly as shown.
4. Verify your identity. Tide asks for photo ID and a selfie. Limited companies also confirm their Companies House details.
5. Wait for approval. Once your account opens, note the date. Your Tide referral code deadlines count from that day.

Applying on a computer? The steps are similar. Tide's sign-up is designed around the app, so you may be asked to continue on your phone to verify your identity.

When to enter the Tide referral code

Tide's key terms say the code must be applied "during sign-up or within 7 days of sign up". The best time is during sign-up, because you don't have to rely on anyone adding it later. If you miss it, you still have 7 days, but act quickly: contact Tide support in the app, give them the Tide referral code STARTUP200 and ask them to add it to your account.

The 7-day window for the code and the 7-day window for funding the Instant Saver are separate deadlines. Even if your code is added on day 6, the £5,000 still needs to be in the saver within 7 days of your account opening.

How to check your Tide referral code has been applied

Tide doesn't publish a single place in the app where every applied code is listed, so we suggest two simple habits:

• Screenshot the code screen before you move on. It's your proof that you entered the Tide referral code.
• Ask Tide support in the app to confirm the code is on your account, ideally in your first few days and always within the 7-day window.

Keep your screenshot and card receipts until the cashback arrives. If anything goes wrong, they're the evidence Tide will need.

Tide referral code not working? Eight things to check

1. Typing error. STARTUP200 has a zero-zero at the end, not the letter O. Copy and paste if you can.
2. Spaces. Make sure there's no space before or after the code.
3. You're not a new member. The Tide referral code is for new Tide members only.
4. It's been more than 7 days. The code has to be applied within 7 days of signing up.
5. You used another code. Tide's promotion terms say offers can't be combined unless the terms allow it.
6. Your spending didn't count. Only genuine card purchases count towards the £100.
7. The saver dipped below £5,000. Keep at least £5,000 in the Instant Saver for the first 30 days.
8. It's not been 8 weeks yet. Tide says payment can take 6–8 weeks after you qualify.

If none of these apply, contact Tide support in the app with your screenshot. Tide makes the final decision on whether a reward is paid.

Forgot to enter a Tide referral code?

Don't worry if you've only just opened your account. You have 7 days from signing up to get the Tide referral code applied. Message Tide support in the app, say you'd like to add promo code STARTUP200, and keep a copy of the conversation. After 7 days, Tide's terms don't allow the code to be added, so you won't be eligible for this cashback.

After you use the Tide referral code: the next 30 days

Our deadline calculator works out the exact dates for you.

What happens when you apply for a Tide account

Tide's application is quick to start, but there are checks to pass before your account opens. Knowing them helps you plan your deadlines.

• Who can apply: sole traders, freelancers and directors of limited companies, aged 18 or over, with a valid UK mobile number and a phone registered to the UK App Store or Google Play.
• Sole traders need a UK home address and must be registered with HMRC.
• Limited company directors can have a home address in the UK or overseas, and the company must be registered at Companies House.
• Identity checks: proof of identity, address and business, including a selfie.

Tide doesn't accept some kinds of business, including charities, Community Interest Companies, crowdfunding businesses, gambling, crypto exchanges, money service businesses, shell companies and used-car sales. Check Tide's full eligibility list before you apply.

The £100 card spend: what counts

For the £75, you need to spend at least £100 on your Tide card within 30 days*. Tide's promotion terms say rewards are earned on genuine card purchases. These don't count: *T&Cs apply

• bank transfers, deposits and top-ups
• cash withdrawals
• gift cards and cheques
• tax and other government payments
• fees, including currency conversion fees
• subscriptions and repeated purchases
• disputed payments

Put ordinary business costs on the card early in the month, such as supplies, equipment or one-off software, and keep the receipts.

The £5,000 Instant Saver: how it works

The extra £125 depends on Tide's Instant Saver, a separate savings account linked to your Tide business account*. To be safe: *T&Cs apply

1. open the Instant Saver straight after your business account opens
2. pay in at least £5,000 within 7 days of your account opening
3. don't let the balance drop below £5,000 for the first 30 days

Tide words the saver deadline slightly differently in different places. Following the steps above meets every version. The Instant Saver has a variable rate and instant access, with withdrawals going to your nominated account. Rates depend on your Tide plan after an introductory period, so check Tide's current summary box (PDF).

Only use money your business won't need for a month. The £125 isn't worth a missed supplier payment or tax bill*. *T&Cs apply

Should you open a Tide account just for the cashback?

The cashback is a bonus, not a reason on its own. Before you apply, check the account suits how your business works:

• Transfers: the Free plan includes 5 bank transfers a month. If you make many more, look at Tide's paid plans or compare other accounts.
• Paying abroad: the Free plan charges a 2.75% fee on card payments in foreign currencies. Paid plans don't.
• Branches: Tide is app-based, with no branches.
• Protection: eligible deposits are FSCS-protected through ClearBank.

Our Tide review covers the plans in detail, and our comparison table shows how Tide compares with Starling, Monzo Business, Mettle, Zempler and others.

The Tide referral code for different businesses

Sole traders and freelancers

Sole traders and freelancers can use the Tide referral code if they're 18 or over, live in the UK and are registered with HMRC. Most sole traders can reach the £100 card spend quickly with everyday business costs. See GOV.UK: set up as a sole trader.

Limited companies

Directors of limited companies registered at Companies House can use the Tide referral code. Directors can live in the UK or overseas, according to Tide's eligibility guidance. Companies with £5,000 of reserves can claim the full £200*. *T&Cs apply

Starting a new company

Registering a new company? Tide's company formation service costs £14.99 and includes a Tide business account. Use the Tide referral code STARTUP200 when you register and the same cashback conditions apply. Our Tide company formation guide explains what's included.

Using the Tide referral code with company formation, step by step

1. Check your company name is available on Companies House and decide who the directors and shareholders will be.
2. Register through Tide's company formation page. The one-off fee is £14.99 and includes your Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles, share certificates and a Tide business account.
3. Enter STARTUP200 when you're asked for a code.
4. Once the company is registered and the Tide account opens, the same 7-day and 30-day windows start.
5. Spend £100 on the card and, if you can, fund the Instant Saver with £5,000 for the first 30 days.

Optional extras, such as Tide's company secretary service or a virtual office address, cost more and aren't needed for the cashback. See what each extra costs.

How Tide pays the cashback

Tide pays the cashback into your Tide business account, not to another bank. Tide's key terms say it can take 6–8 weeks after you've met the conditions. If you qualify for both parts, you may see them arrive separately, because each has its own deadline. Tide can withhold or reverse a reward if a qualifying purchase is refunded, if there's suspected fraud, or if the account is closed, so keep the account open and in good standing until both payments arrive.

Tide referral code checklist

• I'm new to Tide and my business type is accepted.
• I've entered STARTUP200 on the code screen and taken a screenshot.
• I've noted the date my account opened.
• I've funded the Instant Saver with £5,000 within 7 days, if I'm claiming the £125*. *T&Cs apply
• I've spent £100 on genuine purchases with my Tide card within 30 days.
• I've kept £5,000 in the saver for the first 30 days.
• I'm keeping receipts until the cashback arrives.

Which Tide plan do you need for the Tide referral code?

Any plan. You can claim the cashback on Tide's Free plan, which has no monthly fee. Paid plans add more transfers and features:

Tide's pricing page doesn't say whether prices include VAT. Check Tide's current pricing before you choose.

You also don't need to use Tide's company formation service, pay anything up front, or keep a paid plan to get the cashback. You just need to meet the card spending and, for the extra £125, the savings conditions*. *T&Cs apply

Is it safe to use a Tide referral code from a website?

Yes, as long as you apply through Tide itself. A Tide referral code only tells Tide which offer you're signing up for. It doesn't give anyone access to your account or your details.

• Apply only in the Tide app or on Tide's own website. The link on this page goes to Tide's partner page.
• Never share login details, one-time passcodes or your card PIN with anyone offering a code.
• Check the reward against Tide's own terms. We link to them so you can.

Tide is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an e-money institution, and its accounts are powered by ClearBank, so eligible deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000. Our Tide review explains the details.

Referral codes for other business accounts

Tide isn't the only business account with a referral scheme. Mettle, for example, runs a Refer a Business scheme that pays £50 to both sides. Its rules work differently: the code comes from an existing Mettle customer and is entered in the Mettle app after your first card payment, within 30 days of opening. Mettle's terms say codes must not be published, so you'll need one from someone you know.

Compare the accounts themselves before choosing on the bonus. Our business account comparison shows fees, protection and offers side by side.

Tide referral code FAQs

Sources

Checked on 25 October 2026. If Tide's terms differ from this page, Tide's terms apply.

• Tide: STARTUP200 key terms
• Tide: promotion terms and conditions
• Tide: who can open a Tide account
• Mettle: Refer a Business terms (PDF)
• Financial Services Compensation Scheme