Who can open a Tide account?

We currently offer free business accounts for sole traders, freelancers, GmbH (1 managing director), UG and e.K. To open a Tide business account, you must be at least 18 years old and have a residence in Germany. As Tide is a digital financial platform, you'll need an internet-enabled device with access to the App or Google Play Store. Our mission is to save business owners time and money. There are certain industries and activities that are heavily regulated or come with specific requirements. Unfortunately, we cannot issue an account if you're involved in the following sectors: Third-party fund management Management, use, or control of a third party's assets (e.g., a client or contractor) in a Tide account, including transfer transactions on behalf of a third party Insurance companies (including insurance brokers) Cryptocurrency trading Sale of precious metals and stones Investment activities (including real estate investment) Money trading (such as credit transactions, foreign exchange trading, money transfer) Casinos, lotteries, or gambling industry Sale of unlicensed pharmaceuticals Sale of Cannabidiol (CBD) products Sale of arms, weapons, or explosives Unlicensed trade or processing of scrap metal Unlicensed waste management Sale, import, or export of used cars or heavy machinery Escort or adult entertainment services Auctions with bidding fees Non-profit organizations and associations If you have any questions, please contact us at support.de@tide.co.

Make sure:

• There are no other documents, objects or shadows around the cheque

• It lays flat on a dark, plain surface, under good but not too bright light; preferably, the cheque shouldn’t be placed on wooden surface

• All 4 corners of the cheque must be visible in the frame

When you’re ready to make the deposit:  

• In the app, tap: ‘Get paid’ > ‘Deposit cash and cheques’ > ‘Deposit cheques’. If this is your first deposit - read and agree to the Terms & Conditions.

• Enter the amount and reference, and tap ‘Next’.

• Hold your camera horizontally over the cheque while the app captures the details. At the ‘Review photo’ stage, you’ll see a black-and-white image of the cheque. Make sure that all details are clearly visible – including the account number, sort code, signature, payee name, amount, and date. If any details are unclear, please retake the cheque images.

Once you’ve confirmed that everything is correct, you can submit the cheque deposit.

When will I receive my cheque deposit?

Cheques will normally clear in 2 business days. 

On the back of the cheque itself, make a note of the date you deposited it. Keep the paper cheque for your records.

If you’ve enabled your in-app notifications, you’ll see a message to confirm the cheque payment. It will show on your transactions timeline, and in your monthly statement - as ‘Cheque’.