Tide business loan review

Tide is a UK lending marketplace connecting businesses with over 80 lenders. They operate as a platform – not a direct lender themselves – matching your business with appropriate financing partners based on your needs. This review covers how Tide works, the products available, eligibility, costs, and how they compare to applying directly to a lender.

Note: Information based on Tide's website as of July 2026. Lenders and products change frequently, so verify current options directly with Tide before applying.

What is Tide and how do its business loans work?

Tide is a lending marketplace, not a direct lender

According to Tide, Funding Options by Tide operates as the UK's largest credit marketplace. You apply through Tide, they assess your eligibility, and they connect you to lenders from their network of over 80 partners. Your actual loan comes from the lending partner, not Tide.

Tide has helped businesses secure over £1.6 billion in funding across more than 43,000 businesses in the UK.

How Tide matches you with lending partners

You tell Tide how much you need to borrow and basic business information. Tide carries out a soft eligibility check that lets you compare suitable finance options without affecting your credit score. You get a decision in minutes.

If you're matched with a lender and choose an offer, you'll continue the application with the lender, who carries out the final assessment and makes the lending decision.

Types of business finance available through Tide

Business loans

Through its lending partners, Tide provides access to business loans from £1,000 to £20 million for new businesses and established SMEs. These are available to owner-managed companies or larger groups seeking straightforward loans.

Loan types available include unsecured business loans, short-term business loans, limited company loans, working capital loans, bad credit business loans, debt consolidation loans, business VAT loans, and property finance.

Start-up loans

For businesses less than 60 months old, Tide connects you to government-backed Start Up Loans. These are available from £500 to £25,000 at a fixed 7.5% interest rate per year, with repayment terms from 1 to 5 years.

Start Up Loans include free business mentoring for 12 months after approval. There are no application fees and no penalties for early repayment.

If partners co-own the business, each can apply up to £25,000, with a maximum of £100,000 for the business.

Other finance options

Beyond loans, Tide connects you to lenders offering invoice finance (factoring and discounting), asset finance, and other working capital solutions.

How much can you borrow and what are the rates?

Business loans through Tide range from £1,000 to £20 million. Start Up Loans range from £500 to £25,000 per person (maximum £100,000 for the business if partners apply together).

Start Up Loans have a fixed interest rate of 7.5% per year with repayment terms from 1 to 5 years.

For other business loans, rates and terms vary by lender. Tide's business loan calculator helps you understand estimated monthly payments and total costs before applying.

Tide business loan eligibility

Start Up Loan eligibility

To qualify for a government-backed Start Up Loan through Tide, you must be:

• Aged 18 or over
• A current UK resident
• Starting a business or own a business that's less than 60 months old
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Your business must be based in the UK

Applications are subject to credit and affordability assessments

Business loan eligibility

For standard business loans through Tide, you must:

• Be over 18
• Be a UK resident
• Have a UK-based business
• Have a UK bank account

Documents needed

Most applications require basic business information, details of directors and shareholders, and bank statements covering the previous 12 months. Requirements vary by lender, so verify with your matched lender what additional documentation they need.

Pros and cons of Tide business loans

Pros:

• Access to 80+ lenders (wider choice than approaching one bank)
• Free to apply (no fees for using the marketplace)
• Soft eligibility check (doesn't affect credit score)
• Fast decisions (minutes in many cases)
• Can compare multiple lenders' terms before committing
• Suitable for startups (government-backed Start Up Loans available subject to eligibility)
• Start Up Loans include free business mentoring for 12 months
• No early repayment penalties on Start Up Loans
• Quick online application (minutes to complete)

Cons:

• Soft check doesn't guarantee approval (formal application still needed)
• Hard credit check happens when you apply to the lender
• Rates vary by lender (you must compare)
• Ultimately you're borrowing from a partner lender, not Tide
• You must choose which lender to apply with
• Lender terms and availability can change

How to apply for a Tide business loan

Applying through Tide is free and takes minutes. Here's how to apply:

You tell Tide how much you need to borrow and what it's for. Tide carries out a soft eligibility check so you can compare business loans without affecting your credit score. Tide connects you to lenders you're eligible for from their network of 80+ providers.

If you choose an offer, you'll continue the application with the lender, who carries out the final assessment. Once approved, you receive a quote from your matched lender. Depending on the loan type and provider, credit could be available in around 24 hours.

If you're a Tide member with a business account, you can apply for business loans directly within the Tide app.

Alternatives to consider

You can also apply directly to individual lenders without using a marketplace. This lets you discuss terms directly with the lender and potentially negotiate rates.

Applying through Tide can be faster if you want to see options from 80+ lenders at once without making multiple applications.

Because Tide connects you to partner lenders, it's worth also getting a quote for a  business loan direct from another provider to compare terms. Funding Circle offers business loans from £10,000 to £750,000 with fixed rates and terms up to 6 years. You can compare options to see which best suits your situation.

FAQs

Is Tide a bank, and who actually provides the loan?

No. Tide's finance operates as a lending marketplace platform operating with Funding Options. They don't provide loans themselves. When you apply through Tide and match with a lender, that lender (a bank or fintech) provides the actual loan. Tide's role is connecting you with suitable lenders.

How much can I borrow through Tide and what are the interest rates?

Business loans range from £1,000 to £20 million depending on the lender. Start Up Loans range from £500 to £25,000 per person (maximum £100,000 for the business if partners apply together). Start Up Loans are fixed at 7.5% interest per year with repayment terms from 1 to 5 years. Other business loan rates depend on which lender you're matched with. Use Tide's calculator for indicative figures.

Can sole traders and start-ups get a business loan through Tide?

Sole traders may be eligible for business finance through Tide's lending partners. Startups (businesses less than 60 months old) can access government-backed Start Up Loans at 7.5% fixed interest with free business mentoring for 12 months.

Does checking my eligibility with Tide affect my credit score?

No. Tide's soft eligibility check doesn't affect your credit score. Only when you apply formally to a specific lender will they run a hard credit check, which does show on your credit file.

Related reading

• 10 things to know before applying for a business loan

• What is the right finance for your business?

Disclaimer

21/08/2026 – While we want to help as much as we can, the information found here is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Products and lender partners change frequently. Verify all details directly with Tide before applying. If you have any questions, please speak to your professional adviser or seek independent legal advice.