Tide vs Capital on Tap

They aren't really competitors — Tide is a business account for getting paid and managing day-to-day money, Capital on Tap is a credit card for short-term spend and rewards. Here's how to think about both.

Last updated: 21 May 2026By Business Reward Toolkit Editorial TeamReviewed for UK small businesses
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Short answer
Use Tide as your business account to receive customer payments, send invoices and separate business money from personal. Use Capital on Tap as a credit card on top of your account to manage cashflow, control employee spend and earn 1 point per £1 spent. Many UK businesses use both side-by-side.

At a glance

TideCapital on Tap
Product typeBusiness accountBusiness credit card
Main useGet paid, send invoices, hold cashSpend on credit, earn rewards
RewardsNone on the card (cash bonuses for new customers)1 point per £1 on eligible spend
Sign-upUp to £200 with REFER2007,500 points with SETTINGUP
Credit checkNot for the basic account (check current)Yes, subject to status
Most growing UK businesses end up using both — a business account for income and reconciliation, plus a credit card for short-term flexibility and rewards.
Tide offer

Up to £200 free cash with referral code REFER200

£75 card-transaction bonus (£100 of Tide card spend in 30 days) + £125 Instant Saver bonus (deposit £5,000 within 7 days, hold for 30 days).

Get the Tide offer

Terms, eligibility and fees apply. See full offer details.

Capital on Tap offer

7,500 free reward points with promo code SETTINGUP

Apply for the Capital on Tap business credit card and make your first card transaction within the qualifying period.

Get the Capital on Tap offer

Terms, eligibility and fees apply. See full offer details.

FAQs

BRT
Business Reward Toolkit Editorial Team
Editorial

Our editors research UK business banking, credit cards, expense tools and rewards schemes. We test products, read provider terms in full, and update guides as offers change.

  • 10+ years writing about UK small-business finance
  • Independently funded by clearly labelled affiliate links