Challenger bank Tide now offers a range of business loans and cash flow finance, an option it plans to expand since acquiring Funding Options in 2022.
But is it worth using?
In this guide to Tide Business Loans, we’ll discuss our verdict and provide tips for applying.
By the end of this article, you’ll better understand whether Tide Business Loans are a good way to obtain finance and what the alternatives might be.
Tide Business Loans Review: Our Verdict
The key feature of Tide’s loan offering relies on open banking services, which allow any business – even those who don’t bank with Tide – to connect to the Tide APP and securely share financial information. Using this technology, Tide can provide quick and efficient access to funding by quickly gathering data and using its algorithms to approve loans quickly.
Tide Business Loans come in several forms, including Start-Up loans, business finance, and invoice factoring. They also offer merchant cash advances, equity loans and grant finance.
Reasons to Use: You won’t find a faster business loan. Open banking helps Tide make loan acceptance speed a key selling point. Tide’s site reports, ‘Our fastest business loan was received in 3 minutes 24 seconds’, making it the fastest on the market.
Tide loans are also flexible, with repayment terms that carry no hidden fees or charges. You can also get smaller loans with only a soft credit check and no personal guarantees.
Overall, Tide’s solid reputation and positive review base make it a competitive offering. The fact that they now own Funding Options means they will have a wealth of finance experience in-house, too.
Reasons to Avoid: As a relatively new offering, it’s difficult to find reviews from users who have used Tide Business Loans specifically or can report on their experience.
What Business Loans Does Tide Offer?
Tide Business Loans offer several financing options designed for small businesses. Here’s an overview of the different types:
Tide Startup business loans
- £500 to £100,000
- 12 to 60 months
- Cashflow forecasting through Tide Connect
Tide Startup loans can be used for various purposes, such as purchasing inventory or equipment, hiring staff, or expanding operations. Loans are typically for a period of up to 5 years or months and can be approved quickly, with funds deposited within hours. Interest rates and repayment terms vary depending on the business’s specific circumstances.
Eligibility:
- Business should have been trading for 36 months or less.
- Must be a UK resident, 18 years minimum.
- Up to £25,000 personal loan per owner or partner in a business (up to a total of £100,000 per business)
Tide Business Loans
Tide Business loans are a more standard offering and will require a personal guarantee. These fixed or variable-rate loans are offered through Tide partners rather than the bank itself but can be applied for via the same easy process within their APP.
- £500 to £15,000,000
- 1 month to 6 years
- No specified minimum turnover or time trading
Tide Invoice finance
Tide offers invoice financing, which is a type of lending where businesses can receive upfront payments on outstanding invoices. This can help businesses improve cash flow by giving them access to the funds they need to pay bills and invest in their operations. Interest rates and repayment terms vary depending on the business’s specific circumstances.
Tide Business Cash Advance
Tide Business Cash Advance is a type of business financing that provides a lump sum of cash to small and medium-sized businesses. The financing is based on the projected future income of the business rather than its credit score or financial history.
What are the Tide Business Loans Interest Rates?
The interest rates for Tide business loans can vary depending on the type of loan, the amount borrowed, and the business’s credit score.
Tide works with a range of finance partners, such as the British Business Bank, Iwoca, You Lend, Liberis and Funding Circle.
Via these lenders, the interest rates for Tide business loans typically range from 6% to 26.6% APR.
What’s the Tide Loan Application Process?
The application process for a Tide Business Loan is designed to be quick and efficient, thanks to the use of open banking technology. Here’s an overview of the application process:
- Eligibility check: Before applying for a loan with Tide, you can use the company’s online eligibility checker to see if you’ll likely be approved. This involves providing basic information about your business, such as your turnover and how long you’ve been in business.
- Apply through the APP: If you’re eligible for a loan, you can complete an online application form. This involves providing more detailed information about your business, such as your financial statements and cash flow projections. You’ll also need to provide personal information, such as your name and address.
- Approval process: Once you’ve submitted your application, Tide will use open banking technology to process your application and make a decision quickly. If approved, you’ll be given a loan offer that includes details of the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment terms.
- Funding: If you accept the loan offer, Tide will deposit the funds directly into your business account within hours. This can be beneficial for businesses that need access to capital quickly.
Overall, the Tide loan application process is designed to be quick and efficient, with most applications being processed within hours. However, it’s important to carefully consider the specific terms and conditions of the loan offer and compare it to other loan providers to determine which option is best for your business.
FAQs about Tide Business Loans
What are the eligibility criteria for connecting an account to Tide via Open Banking?
You must have a business current account with another banking provider and give Tide permission to access the account data. Additionally, you must be the account holder of the aforementioned account, be 18 years of age or older, possess a valid UK phone number, and own a biometric-enabled device.
Will my Tide business loan application involve a credit check?
With Tide Business Loans, pre-eligibility checks are carried out before you apply to reduce the risk of your application being unsuccessful. For larger loans, third-party lenders approved by Tide will run credit checks with the main credit agencies to verify that you can afford to repay your loan.
How long does it take to apply for a Tide business loan
If you have the APP installed, it should take no more than 10-15 minutes to apply for a business loan with Tide.