To take a payment using the Tide Card Reader or Tide Card Reader Plus, you don’t need to do anything in the Tide app, or even have it handy.

Instead, select: ‘Payment’ > enter the price > ‘Continue’, directly on the terminal.

Your customer can tap or insert their card, and the payment will land in your account within 3 business days. 

If you prefer, you can use the Tide app to take a payment with your card reader, too.

In the app, tap: ‘Get paid’ > ‘Take a payment’ > enter the price > ‘Take a payment’.

After your customer taps or inserts their card in the terminal, the payment will land in your account within 3 business days.

In order for the Tide Card Reader to work and process payments, you will need internet access. The card reader device comes with a SIM card and WiFi compatibility, so you can use its built-in 4G or connect to a WiFi network.

Yes, the Tide Card Reader is only compatible with Tide business bank accounts.

It’s easy. Simply sign up for a free Tide business bank account. After that you can order your Card Reader within the Tide app.

The Tide Card Reader, provided by Adyen, is a PCI PTS-approved Secure Card Reader. When using the card reader as the payment interface, the payment details are encrypted immediately.

If a customer uses Apple Pay, when using an iPhone as the payment interface, transactions are encrypted and handled using Apple's Secure Element.

As your Tide Card Reader will process sensitive card data, you must verify that the device you received is the correct one, and hasn’t been tampered with. There are a few ways to do this:

1. Check that the box containing the machine hasn't been opened and that the security seal is still intact. The security seal is a red label with a barcode and a number, stuck across the lid of the box.

2. Next, break the security seal and take the device out of the box. Verify that the serial number (S/N) on the device matches the serial number on the box.

3. Inspect the device for tampering. Check for missing seals or screws, additional wires or labels, holes in the device, and anything inserted in or attached to any part of the device.

If you have any concerns about your package or device then please contact Tide support immediately.

Generally, you can’t cancel an order once it’s been placed. However, in case of delivery failures, such as items lost in transit or orders that remain undelivered for more than 30 days, Tide members can choose between re-delivery or a refund. Please refer to our cancellations and returns policy for more details.