Tide Company Formation: Overview, Key Features & Alternative

Tide Company Formation is an all-in-one digital solution for registering a UK limited company and opening a business bank account at the same time. For just £14.99, you can register your company through Tide (an authorised Companies House formation agent), and instantly access a business account with expense tracking, invoicing tools, and more.

It’s a fast, streamlined option especially suited to freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

However, if you’re looking for a Tide alternative, we’ll also compare it with ANNA, including its features, add-ons, and pricing.

How does the Tide Company Formation work?

You start by searching for your company name through the Tide app or website. If it’s available, you complete a short form with your personal and company details. 

Tide then submits this directly to Companies House. Most applications are processed and approved within one business day. 

Once approved, your new business account is activated and ready to use.

Who is Tide Company Formation best for?

Tide is ideal for:

Key features of Tide Company Formation

Fast and simple online registration

Register your company in minutes, right from your phone or laptop. Tide’s interface guides you step-by-step with no confusing legal jargon. The process is optimised for speed, simplicity, and mobile use.

Companies House authorised formation agent

Tide is officially registered with Companies House, so your application is submitted securely and directly. The company formation cost is only £14.99, with the majority of the £50 Companies House fee covered by Tide.

Free Company Formation and Business account

The registration includes a free Tide business account with:

Virtual Office services

Tide offers a virtual address in Central London for a monthly fee. This helps protect your privacy and ensures your company looks professional. Features include:

Integrated business tools and perks

Once registered, you can unlock Tide’s growing range of services:

Types of Tide business accounts

Tide offers four account tiers:

Security and compliance features

Tide accounts are:

Step-by-Step: How to register a company with Tide

To form a company using Tide, you’ll need:

The registration process explained

What happens after registration?

After your company is approved, you:

Pros and cons of Tide Company Formation

Advantages of Using Tide

✅ Low-cost company formation at £14.99

✅ Quick, mobile-friendly registration

✅ Instant access to a business bank account

✅ Add-on accounting, invoicing, and payments tools

✅ FSCS protection for funds

✅ Optional virtual office to protect your home address

Considerations and limitations

❌ Only available to single-shareholder companies
❌ No support for complex company structures (e.g. multiple directors or shares)

❌ Premium features (like tax tools) require paid upgrades

❌ No built-in payroll, company secretary, or multi-user admin unless you upgrade

❌ Limited phone support — most help is via in-app chat

❌ Premium features (like tax tools) require paid upgrades
❌ No built-in payroll, company secretary, or multi-user admin unless you upgrade
❌ Limited phone support — most help is via in-app chat

Alternative to Tide: ANNA Company Formation

ANNA (Absolutely No Nonsense Admin) is a UK-based company offering free company formation, a business account, and a suite of tools for taxes, invoicing, payroll, and admin. It's geared toward startups and small companies that want more hands-on support, especially with tax and compliance tasks.

Key features of ANNA for UK Company Formation

Fast, same-day Company Registration

ANNA offers same-day company formation if your documents are submitted before 3PM. The entire process can be completed online, with identity verification done via app.

Free Company Formation and Business Account

Company registration is free when you choose a paid plan (or costs £19 as a one-off). You also get a free business account with:

Multi-director and multi-shareholder support

Unlike Tide, ANNA supports up to 4 directors or shareholders during setup. Ideal for partnerships, co-founders, or family-run businesses.

Virtual office address

ANNA offers a Central London registered office address you can use for official correspondence with Companies House and HMRC:

+Taxes Compliance Add-On

ANNA’s +Taxes (£24/month) covers all your ongoing HMRC needs:

ANNA Payroll

Optional payroll add-on for £20/month includes:

Bookkeeping and invoicing tools

ANNA includes:

Company secretary support

Available with the Total Support plan:

How to register a company with ANNA

What you'll need:

When to choose Tide

When to choose ANNA

Conclusion: Is Tide Company Formation right for your business?

If you want a low-cost, fast, and simple way to start your business, Tide is a great choice for solo founders. You’ll be trading in a day with a functional business account and invoicing tools.

But if you need multi-director support, tax filing, payroll, or a virtual office, ANNA provides a more complete solution. Especially for growing companies, its bundled admin support may save you time and stress.

🌟 Final tip: Choose based on where you're headed, not just where you are now.

Set up your company today with ANNA  – it’s quick, affordable, and covers everything you need to run legally and professionally in the UK.

FAQ

Can I switch from sole trader to limited company? 

Yes. Both platforms let you register a new LTD. You'll need to inform HMRC of your sole trader status ending.

Do I get official documents?

Yes. You receive a Certificate of Incorporation, company number, and share certificate.

Can I cancel or upgrade plans later? Yes. Both providers allow flexible upgrades or cancellations.

Is support included?

Tide has in-app chat. ANNA offers 24/7 chat and more hands-on admin help.