Alternatives
stickK alternatives: commitment contract apps compared (2026)
A commitment contract is a promise you make in advance, with a consequence if you break it. stickK popularised the idea online: you set a goal, choose a referee and decide whether to put money on it. Here is how it compares with the alternatives, checked on 20 October 2026.
What is a commitment contract?
Economists call it a commitment device: a choice you make now that makes it harder for your future self to back out. Research reviews describe people using them for saving, exercise and quitting smoking. They do not work for everyone, and the right consequence differs from person to person.
At a glance
| Service | Goals | Who decides if you kept it | If you miss | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| stickKOfficial FAQ | Any goal you can describe. | You report, and an optional referee you choose confirms it. | Optional: money you chose goes where the contract says. | Creating a commitment is free, according to its FAQ. |
| ForfeitOfficial site | Many habits, fitness and non-fitness. | A person or AI reviews photo or video proof; some goals use live data from Apple Health, GPS or Screen Time. | Forfeit charges the amount you set and keeps it, or another consequence you choose. | Free download on the UK App Store; amounts shown in US dollars. |
| FitBondHow FitBond works | Fitness goals: steps, distance, workouts, runs, gym visits and Withings-verified weight goals. | Connected data or a gym check-in by location. You can query a day you think was recorded wrongly. | The deposit is settled under the Bond’s rules after a 15% fee: shared with others who met the goal, given to a charity if the Bond was backed, or settled between two people in Head to Head. | FitBond Pro for paid Bonds. Prize Draw and Product Bond entries do not need FitBond Pro. UK, iOS first, preparing for launch. |
Check each provider's current rules, store listing, eligibility and price before joining. Details were checked on 20 October 2026 and can change.
How to choose
- Choose stickK if you want a free, flexible contract and a person you trust to judge it.
- Choose Forfeit if you want one app for many habits and are happy with photo or video review.
- Choose FitBond if your goal is fitness and you want it verified from your tracker or gym visits rather than reported.
- Or write your own contract for free with our printable commitment worksheet.
Sources
- stickK commitment contract FAQstickK
- stickK referee FAQstickK
- Commitment devicesAnnual Review of Economics (Bryan, Karlan and Nelson, 2010)
- Forfeit: Habit ContractsForfeit
- FitBond Terms of ServiceFitBond
Join the FitBond launch list
FitBond is preparing for launch in the UK, iOS first. Join the list for early access; there is no payment to join.
Join the FitBond launch list