What is Sworn?+
Sworn is a financial accountability platform. You create a commitment — like "do 50 pushups by 11pm" — and set a monetary stake. If you complete it, you pay nothing. If you miss it, your card is charged automatically. The financial consequence is what makes it work.
How does the charging work?+
When you sign up, you connect a debit or credit card through Stripe (our payment processor). When a commitment deadline passes without a check-in, Sworn automatically charges the stake amount to your card. No warning, no grace period — the deadline is the deadline.
Are there really no refunds?+
Correct. Zero refunds. Ever. No exceptions for technical issues, medical emergencies, travel, or any other circumstance. This is not a bug — it's the point. A refundable stake provides no real accountability. If you're not ready for that, Sworn is not for you.
What happens if the app crashes or I can't check in due to a technical error?+
You are charged. We have designed our systems to be highly reliable, but no software is perfect. By signing up for Sworn, you accept that technical issues do not exempt you from charges. This is explicitly stated in our Terms of Service and Membership Agreement, which you agree to at signup.
How does Sworn verify I actually completed my commitment?+
It doesn't. Sworn operates on the honor system. You self-report completion by clicking "Check In." We have no way to verify whether you actually did 50 pushups or ran 3 miles. The financial stake is designed to make you honest with yourself — if you'd lose $25, you're more likely to actually do the thing.
What types of commitments can I make?+
Any specific, time-bound commitment. Common examples: fitness (pushups, running, gym sessions), health (no alcohol, 8 hours sleep, meal prep), work (complete a task by EOD, no social media before noon), and learning (read 20 pages, practice an instrument). The key is that the commitment must have a clear deadline and be something you can self-report.
How much should I stake?+
The amount should cause genuine discomfort if lost, but not create financial hardship. For most people, $10–50 is effective. Too low and you won't care. Too high and the anxiety may be counterproductive. Start with an amount that makes you slightly uncomfortable — that's the sweet spot.
Can I cancel a commitment after creating it?+
No. Once a commitment is created, it cannot be cancelled, paused, or modified. The deadline will arrive, and you will either check in or be charged. This design is intentional — the inability to back out is part of what makes the commitment real.
What is the platform fee?+
Sworn retains 10% of every missed commitment charge as a platform fee. This is how we make money. We only earn revenue when users miss commitments — which means we're incentivized to build tools that actually help you succeed, while still having a real business when you don't.
Is my payment information secure?+
Yes. All payment processing is handled by Stripe, which is PCI DSS Level 1 certified — the highest level of payment security certification. Sworn never sees or stores your raw card numbers. We only store the last 4 digits and card brand for display purposes.
What if my card declines?+
Stripe will retry declined charges automatically over several days. If the charge ultimately fails, your account may be suspended until you update your payment method and settle the outstanding amount. The obligation to pay does not disappear because a charge failed.
Can I use Sworn for free?+
Yes. The free plan allows up to 3 active commitments. You only pay when you miss a commitment (plus the 10% platform fee on those charges). Sworn Pro ($9/month) gives you unlimited commitments and additional features.
What if I file a chargeback with my bank?+
We will contest it. Every account creation, commitment setup, and charge is timestamped and documented, including your agreement to our Zero Refund Policy. We have a strong track record of winning chargebacks because our documentation is thorough. Filing a chargeback also results in permanent account termination.
How do reminders work?+
You choose your reminder schedule when creating a commitment — morning, midday, 1 hour before, or 15 minutes before the deadline. Reminders are sent via email. Pro users also get SMS reminders. Reminder failures do not excuse missed commitments.
Is Sworn right for me?+
Sworn is for people who are serious about keeping their word and want a tool with real teeth. If you struggle with follow-through on commitments and want the motivation of a real financial consequence, Sworn is for you. If you're looking for a gentle habit tracker with no real stakes, there are better apps for that.