Help, without the runaround.Real answers to real questions.
Everything you need to know about stakes, proof, deadlines, and charities. If you don't find your answer here, the team is one email away.
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Quick answers
Stakes & billing
Your card is authorized (a hold placed), never charged unless you miss the deadline. Stakes go from $5 to $500.
Proof & verification
Upload a photo, screenshot, link, or before/after image before the deadline. Optional partners can confirm it.
Deadlines & extensions
Deadlines are firm — that's the whole point. There are no extensions, snoozes, or grace periods.
Charities & donations
You pick the donation category up front. If you miss, your stake is marked for that category minus a small operating fee.
Frequently asked
The details.
When is my card actually charged?+
Only if you miss your deadline. When you start a LockIn, your card is authorized (a hold placed) for the stake amount. Complete on time and the hold is released. Miss it and the stake is captured — the donation portion is marked for your chosen charity category and LockIn keeps a small operating fee (up to 10%, min $1, capped at $10).
What counts as valid proof?+
Anything that clearly shows the goal was met — a gym selfie, a screenshot of your run, a link to the published post, before/after photos. Be honest with yourself: proof is between you and your goal.
Can I extend a deadline?+
No. Firm deadlines are the entire mechanism — extensions would defeat the point. Set a deadline you actually think you can hit.
What happens if I cancel a LockIn?+
You can cancel before you authorize payment or while the hold is still pending. Once your stake is authorized and the LockIn is active, cancellation isn't available — that would remove the accountability.
How do accountability partners work?+
Partners are optional. You share a link with them, and they can review your proof and confirm (or reject) it. Partners never receive money — failed stakes always go to your chosen donation category.
How is the operating fee calculated?+
Up to 10% of the stake, with a minimum of $1 and a maximum of $10. For a $25 stake, LockIn keeps $3 and $22 goes to your chosen category. For a $500 stake, LockIn keeps $10 and $490 goes to charity.
Which charities do you support?+
You choose a donation category when you start a LockIn — mental health, hunger relief, animal rescue, education, veterans, medical aid, environmental causes, or the general donation fund. Each category routes to a vetted charity partner.
I think my proof was rejected unfairly. What can I do?+
Reply to the confirmation email or write to us at support@lockin.app with your LockIn ID and a short explanation. We review disputes case by case.
Is LockIn gambling?+
No. There is no prize, no pool, and no way to win money from other users. LockIn is a personal accountability tool — your stake either comes back to you or funds a charity you picked.
How do I delete my account?+
Email support@lockin.app from the address on your account. We'll close your account and remove personal data, keeping only the minimum records required for financial and legal compliance.
Still need help?
We read every message. Reach out with your LockIn ID (if you have one) and a short description of what's going on. We aim to reply within one business day.
For urgent billing questions, include the last 4 digits of the card used and the approximate time of the charge.
If you're in crisis or need immediate mental-health support, please contact a local helpline. LockIn is not a substitute for professional care.