When each option usually fits
When Starling Bank usually fits
- Signal
- — You want lending decisioned by the same UK bank holding your business account.
- Signal
- — You value a single relationship for current account, lending and overdraft.
- Signal
- — You prefer dealing with one regulated entity from end to end.
- Signal
- — Existing Starling account conduct can support a lending decision.
When Tide usually fits
- Signal
- — You like the Tide banking experience and want credit options surfaced inside the app.
- Signal
- — You are open to applying through partner lenders for a wider product mix.
- Signal
- — Sole-trader status or limited filed history rules out some bank-led routes.
- Signal
- — You want quick visibility on indicative offers from multiple providers in one place.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | Starling Bank | Tide |
|---|---|---|
| Account model | UK bank current account on Starling's own licence | Banking platform; e-money or partner-bank account depending on plan |
| Lending model | Loans originated by Starling itself | Credit products surfaced from partner lenders |
| Typical loan size | From a few thousand up to mid-six figures, subject to underwriting | Varies widely by partner lender |
| Eligibility focus | Account history, trading evidence, affordability | Partner-specific criteria; broader set of profiles |
| Sole traders | Some lending products limited to limited companies | Often more partner options for sole traders |
| Decision speed | In-app application with bank-led underwriting | Depends on the partner lender |
| Pricing | Stated APR on Starling products | Pricing set by each partner lender |
| Regulator | PRA / FCA authorised bank | Account partner regulated separately; lending via authorised partners |
| Typical fit | Established SMEs wanting bank-led lending | Newer or smaller businesses comparing partner options in-app |
Shared considerations
- Both expect clean account conduct and reasonable directors' credit.
- Personal guarantees are common on any limited-company facility.
- Compare total cost across providers — same-app convenience is not the same as best fit.
- Verify the regulator status of any credit provider before signing an agreement.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Tide a bank?
- Tide is a UK business banking platform, not itself a bank. Current accounts are provided in partnership with regulated providers, and credit products are surfaced through partner lenders. Check the specific provider for any product before signing.
- Can I take a loan from one and bank with the other?
- Generally yes. UK SME lenders rarely require you to hold a current account with them. Some products require open banking access during underwriting regardless of where you bank.
- Which has lower pricing?
- Neither publishes a single rate that applies across the board. Starling prices each loan individually; Tide surfaces partner offers with their own pricing. Compare total amount repayable on like-for-like amounts and durations.
- Are sole traders served on either?
- Tide is generally more accommodating to sole traders both on banking and partner credit. Starling supports sole-trader banking and some sole-trader lending, but appetite varies by product. Verify current eligibility directly.