How it works
A refundable deposit for inbox access
Senders authorize a hold on their card — not an immediate charge. You review on your schedule and decide whether to accept (capture the deposit), release (refund the sender), or let it expire (auto-refund).
The four steps
From link to payout
1
Create your GatePost link
Pick a slug, connect Stripe so you can receive payouts, and choose your minimum deposit and timeout window.
2
Sender writes a message and authorizes a deposit
They visit your link, write their message, and authorize a refundable hold on their card. Stripe handles the card details — we never see them.
3
You review the message
You're emailed a private review link. Open it when you want. Read the message, see attachments, and decide.
4
Accept, release, or let it expire
Accept = deposit is captured and you're paid out (80% of bond to your Stripe account). Release or ignore = deposit is released back to the sender. Only the $0.99 delivery fee is non-refundable.
Two perspectives
What each side experiences
As a receiver
1. Sign up and connect Stripe.
2. Set your minimum deposit and timeout window.
3. Share your link in your bio, signature, or website.
4. Get notified by email when a sender authorizes a deposit.
5. Open the secure review link and decide: accept, release, or ignore.
6. Accepted deposits pay out to your Stripe account on the standard schedule.
As a sender
1. Open the receiver's GatePost link.
2. Write your message and optionally attach files.
3. Authorize a hold on your card (deposit + $0.99 delivery fee).
4. Your card is authorized, not yet charged.
5. If accepted, the deposit is captured. If released, ignored, or expired, the deposit is refunded.
6. The $0.99 delivery fee is non-refundable once the message is delivered for review.
Timeline
What happens, and when
T + 0: Sender authorizes the deposit on their card. Receiver is notified by email.
T + anytime, before timeout: Receiver opens the secure review link and chooses accept or release.
T + timeout (set by receiver): If no action is taken, the deposit is released back to the sender automatically.
After accept: Receiver's share (80% of the deposit) is paid out via Stripe Connect on Stripe's standard schedule.
After release / expire: Deposit returns to the sender's card on the issuer's standard timeline (typically 5–10 business days).