Tide formation vs registering directly with Companies House

Cost comparison

The price gap comes from Tide covering the government fee as part of its offer.

Process differences

Both routes collect the same statutory information. Direct filing uses the GOV.UK service and model articles; Tide wraps it in a guided form and links the result to a bank account.

When going direct makes sense

Filing directly is still a sensible choice in some situations.

• You already have a business bank elsewhere and do not want another.
• The company will have more than one shareholder, or shareholders that are companies or trusts (Tide accepts single shareholders only).
• You need bespoke articles at the outset.

When Tide makes sense

For most simple new companies, Tide is the better-value route.

• You want the lowest upfront cost.
• You need a business account straight away.
• You can meet the reward conditions with real business activity.

The full cost comparison

Filing directly with Companies House costs £100 online. Tide's formation costs £14.99 including that fee, which is why it advertises a saving. On price alone, the combined route is cheaper, but the comparison is only fair when you look at the whole first year: address services, a business account, accounting and any optional extras.

For a founder who wants a business account anyway, the Tide route usually wins on headline cost because the account plan carries no monthly fee. For a founder who already has a preferred bank, wants to keep their options open, or needs bespoke articles, the direct route may be better despite the higher filing fee.

Control and flexibility

Filing direct gives you the most control over the details. You can upload bespoke articles of association, choose more complex share structures, and avoid linking the formation to any commercial product. It suits founders who have a lawyer drafting documents, companies with multiple share classes from day one, and people who simply prefer to deal with the registrar themselves.

The Tide route is designed for straightforward companies. It uses model articles, a simple ordinary-share structure and a guided form, then moves you straight into a business account. For most single-founder service businesses, contractors and small trading companies, that simplicity is exactly the point. If your needs are more complex, you can still form through Tide and amend later, but that adds steps.

Time and effort compared

Both routes are online and both can be completed in under an hour with details ready. The difference is what happens next. Filing direct ends with a company and no bank account, so you then apply to a bank separately, which can involve repeating much of the same information. The Tide route combines those steps, so for many founders the total elapsed time to "company plus account" is shorter.

On the other hand, filing direct means Companies House is the only party checking your details. Combined routes include the provider's own checks too, and if the account side raises questions, it can feel like the whole process has slowed even though the company itself is already registered.

1. 1

   Direct: create a GOV.UK One Login and verify identity.

2. 2

   Direct: complete the Companies House incorporation form and pay £100.

3. 3

   Direct: wait for incorporation, then apply to a bank separately.

4. 4

   Tide: complete one guided form including identity checks and pay £14.99.

5. 5

   Tide: wait for incorporation, then finish account opening in the app.

Who should choose which route

Choose Tide if you want a straightforward limited company, you are happy for your business account to be with Tide, and you like the idea of a low formation price with the possibility of a conditional reward. Check you meet Tide's eligibility criteria first.

Choose Companies House direct if you need bespoke articles or share classes, you already know which bank you want, or you would rather not tie your formation to a commercial product. Consider a full-service formation agent instead if you want address privacy, company secretarial support or extra documents bundled into one price. Our comparison of formation agents against Companies House covers those options.

Whichever you pick, the company you end up with is legally identical. The ongoing duties, filings and director responsibilities are the same.

What is the same after formation, whichever route you used

Once the certificate is issued, the route you used stops mattering to the law. The directors have the same statutory duties: to act within the company's constitution, promote its success, exercise independent judgement, use reasonable care and skill, avoid conflicts of interest and declare interests in transactions. The company has the same filing obligations and the same exposure to penalties if it misses them.

What can differ is the support around you. A Tide customer has app-based reminders and integrated tools; a direct filer has only the Companies House service and whatever bank and accountant they choose. Neither route files your accounts, confirmation statement or tax returns for you unless you buy a service that does. Diarise the dates yourself or use our filing calendar.

Common misconceptions about the two routes

Several myths come up repeatedly when founders compare filing direct with a provider route. Clearing them up makes the decision much simpler and helps you avoid paying for things you do not need, or missing things you do.

• Myth: a company formed directly is more official. Both routes produce an identical Companies House registration and certificate.
• Myth: the cheaper route must have hidden conditions. The £14.99 Tide formation price stands on its own; only the reward has conditions.
• Myth: you must keep the Tide account forever. You can change banks later, although closing early may affect any reward still being assessed.
• Myth: filing direct avoids identity checks. Identity verification is mandatory for directors whichever route you use.
• Myth: a provider files your annual returns for you. Ongoing filings remain your responsibility unless you pay for a service that covers them.
• Myth: you cannot use bespoke articles after a provider formation. You can adopt new articles later by special resolution and file them with Companies House.

Worth knowing: Choose the route that fits your banking plans and document needs; the legal result is the same.

Common questions

Official sources & further reading

This guide draws on the official guidance below. Rules, fees and individual circumstances can change; check the relevant source before acting.

• Tide company formation offer (NEW200)
• GOV.UK: Companies House fees
• GOV.UK: Set up a private limited company

General UK information, primarily for private companies limited by shares. This is not personalised legal, tax or financial advice. An accountant or solicitor can help apply the rules to your situation.