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Tide VS Ulster Bank: Business Banking Review & Fee Comparison


By: Ian Wright | Last Updated: May 22, 2025

Is Tide or Ulster Bank better for your small business?



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Below we look at both Tide and Ulster Bank reviews on Trustpilot along with their App reviews from Apple and Google.

We then look at typical fees, business savings rates, foreign currency options and a whole bunch of other account features to help you make up your mind.

Tide Homepage
Tide Homepage


Ulster Bank Homepage
Ulster Bank Homepage
 

Tide vs Ulster Bank Trustpilot Reviews

TideUlster Bank
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5)4.21.5
Percent 5-Star Reviews73%8%
Percent 1- Star Reviews17%86%
Total Number of Reviews18,595114
Sources:
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/tide.co
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.ulsterbank.co.uk

Tide vs Ulster Bank App Reviews

TideUlster Bank
iPhone Review Score (out of 5)4.74.8
Number of iPhone Reviews64,80015,700
Android Review Score (out of 5)3.54.1
Number of Android Reviews16,20015,000
Sources:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/tide-business-banking-app/id1140086177
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ulster-bank-ni-mobile-banking/id469523324

Tide vs Ulster Bank Account Fees & Charges

TideUlster Bank
Free Business Bank AccountYesYes
Free Business Account Term LengthNo Limit24 Months
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee£9.99£8
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee£49.99£12
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out)Free43p
Cash Payments Cost (in/out)£170p per £100
Cheques (in/out)Free40p
CHAPS Payments CostNo£18.75
SEPA Payments Cost€0.70€0.51

Tide vs Ulster Bank Business Savings Rates

TideUlster Bank
Types of Business Savings AccountsBusiness savings accountInstant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts
Lowest Savings Rate (AER)3.55%1.46%
Maximum Savings Rate (AER)3.55%1.92%
Minimum Savings Amount£1No
Interest Paid On Foreign CurrenciesYesYes
 

Tide vs Ulster Bank Account Opening Times

TideUlster Bank
Can You Apply Online?YesYes
How Long Does Opening An
Account Typically Take?
10 to 2880 minutes24 working hours
Do They Check Your Credit?YesYes
Current Account Switch ServiceYesYes

Tide vs Ulster Bank Features & Account Types

Tide Account Types
Tide Features & Account Types


Ulster Bank Account Types
Ulster Bank Features & Account Types


TideUlster Bank
Business Current AccountYesYes
Business Savings AccountYesYes
Business Credit CardNoYes
Business OverdraftNoYes
Accounts For StartupsYesYes
Accounts For CharitiesNoYes
Accounts For Sole TradersYesYes
Joint Business Accounts AvailableNoYes
Card TypeMastercardMastercard
Online BankingYesYes
Mobile BankingYesYes
In Person/Branch BankingNoYes
Branch LocationsNone, online onlyNorthern Ireland Only

Tide vs Ulster Bank Customer Support Options

TideUlster Bank
Phone Support AvailableYesYes
Email Support AvailableYesYes
App Based Support YesYes
Web Based SupportYesYes
In person Customer SupportNoYes

Tide vs Ulster Bank Foreign Currency Accounts

TideUlster Bank
US Dollar (USD) Bank AccountsNoYes
Euro (EUR) Bank AccountsNoYes
Other Currencies Available:No
  • Swiss franc
  • Japanese yen
  • Australian dollar
  • Canadian dollar
  • New Zealand dollar
  • Swedish krona

Other Business Services From Tide and Ulster Bank

Tide Account Types
Other Tide Services


Ulster Bank Account Types
Other Ulster Bank Services


TideUlster Bank
Business LoansYesYes
Commercial MortgagesNoNo
Invoice FinancingYesYes
International PaymentsYesYes
Merchant Payment ServicesNoYes
Card MachinesYesYes
Free Accounting SoftwareYesYes

Tide vs Ulster Bank Banking Basics

TideUlster Bank
Bank TypeChallengerHigh Street
FSCS ProtectionYes, up to £85,000 via ClearBankYes, up to £85,000
FCA Number754568NA
WebsiteTide WebsiteUlster Bank Website

Common Comparison Questions

Does Tide or Ulster Bank have better customer reviews?

Tide scores 4.2 out of 5 based 18,595 Trustpilot reviews. Of these reviews 73% are 5-star and 17% are 1-star.

Whereas, Ulster Bank scores 1.5 out of 5 based 114 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 8% are 5-star and 86% are 1-star.

Does Tide or Ulster Bank have a better App?

Tide’s iPhone App is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 64,800 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 3.5 out of 5 based on 16,200 reviews.

In comparison, Ulster Bank’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 15,700 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.1 out of 5 based on 15,000 reviews.

Does Tide or Ulster Bank have better business savings rates?

Tide offers the following types of business savings accounts: Business savings account with interest rates ranging from 3.55% to 3.55%. (AER)

In contrast, Ulster Bank offers Instant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts accounts with interest rates ranging from 1.46% to 1.92% (AER).

See Other Comparisons:
Tide vs Kent Reliance
Tide vs Cynergy Bank
Tide vs Zempler Bank (formerly Cashplus)
Tide vs Co-operative Bank
Tide vs Aldermore


For other business bank accounts see our guide here.

 



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