Quota vs stickK and Beeminder: friends or money?
How each one works
stickK
You write a commitment contract: a goal, a deadline, and optionally money at stake that goes to a friend, a charity or an "anti-charity" if you fail. A referee can confirm your progress reports.
Beeminder
You set a goal and a rate, and Beeminder draws a line you have to stay on, often fed by data from other apps. Fall off the line ("derail") and your card is charged, and the next pledge goes up.
Quota
A small group shares one daily goal. Everyone posts a photo or up to ten seconds of video, taken in the app that day, before midnight. Misses break your streak and the group's (one pass a month), and a group can set a forfeit that is never money.
At a glance
| Quota | stickK | Beeminder | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motivation | Friends and a shared streak | Money and a referee | Money, rising each time |
| Proof | Photo or video taken that day | Self-report, confirmed by a referee | Data you enter or sync |
| What failing costs | A streak, and maybe a forfeit like buying coffee | The stake you set | The current pledge |
| Feels like | A team | A contract | A commitment device |
Choose money if
- You've tried doing it with friends and it never stuck.
- The goal is something private that friends can't easily see.
- You respond to a clear financial cost.
Choose friends if
- You have people who want the same habit.
- You'd rather the motivation feel encouraging than punishing.
- You don't want a fight with your bank over a missed day.
Both approaches work for different people. If you're not sure, start with friends; it costs nothing to try. See forfeit ideas that stay friendly.
stickK and Beeminder details checked in October 2026.
Questions
Do money-based accountability apps work?
For some people, yes. stickK and Beeminder rely on loss aversion: paying when you fail. Others find social accountability with friends motivates them more and feels better.
Does Quota charge money if you miss?
No. Quota's optional forfeits are a line of text the group agrees on, like buying coffee, and are never money.
What is the difference between Quota and Beeminder?
Beeminder charges your card when you fall behind on a goal. Quota has a group of friends see your daily photo or video proof and keep a streak together.
Keep your goal with friends.
Quota is a free app for a daily goal with your group: proof before midnight, and a streak you keep together.
Get the app