LinkedIn message credits allow users to send messages to other members outside of their network for a fee. Each member receives a set number of credits each month to use for messaging non-connections. Once the monthly allotment of credits has been used, members must purchase additional credits in order to continue messaging people outside their network.
What are LinkedIn message credits?
LinkedIn message credits are a form of virtual currency used on the platform to send messages. They allow LinkedIn members to reach out to and communicate with other members who are not already in their direct network. Messaging non-connections often facilitates networking, recruitment, sales prospecting, and other business objectives.
Credits are required to initiate contact with 2nd and 3rd degree connections as well as members outside of your network. Messaging 1st degree connections is free and unlimited.
How many message credits do you get?
The number of free credits you receive per month depends on your LinkedIn account type:
- Basic accounts (free) – 0 credits
- Premium Business accounts – 25 credits
- Sales Navigator Professional accounts – 25 credits
- Sales Navigator Team accounts – 25 credits
- Recruiter Lite accounts – 75 credits
- Recruiter accounts – 175 credits
Credits expire at the end of each month if unused. The allotment resets back to the base amount on the first day of the next billing cycle.
How much do additional credits cost?
If you use up your monthly credits, you can purchase more credits in bundles as follows:
- 25 credits – $10
- 75 credits – $20
- 175 credits – $40
- 500 credits – $100
- 1000 credits – $200
The price per credit decreases as the bundle size increases. Bulk packages offer the best value for frequent users of LinkedIn messages.
How do I buy extra LinkedIn credits?
Purchasing additional message credits is easy:
- Click on the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage and select “Settings & Privacy”.
- Go to the “Communications” tab and find the “InMail credits” section.
- Click “Buy more credits”.
- Select your desired bundle quantity and complete the purchase.
The credits will be added to your account immediately after successful payment processing.
Where can I see my available message credits?
You can view your current message credit balance in two places:
- On your homepage, locate the envelope icon for Messages and hover over it. Your credits remaining for the month will display.
- Go to “Settings & Privacy” then the “Communications” tab. Your monthly credit allotment and balance remaining is shown under “InMail Credits”.
What happens if I send a message without credits?
If you try to send a message to a non-connection without having any credits left, you will get an error notification that additional credits must be purchased to message that member. You can either buy more credits to complete sending the message, or cancel and wait until your monthly credits reset.
Can I reuse expired credits?
No, message credits do not roll over month to month. Any unused credits are lost at the end of the billing cycle and reset back to the base amount. To maintain messaging continuity, make sure to purchase extra credits as needed toward the end of the month.
Who can receive my messages without credits?
You can send unlimited free messages to any 1st degree connections in your network. No credits are needed to communicate with your direct connections.
2nd and 3rd degree connections, as well as LinkedIn members outside your network, will require the use of credits to receive your initial message. Ongoing conversation threads can continue without additional credits after the first message.
Can I share credits or give them to others?
No, LinkedIn message credits are non-transferable. They can only be used by the account that purchased them and are tied to that member’s billing information. Credits cannot be gifted, donated, shared, transferred, or aggregated across multiple LinkedIn accounts.
Are credits refunded if unused?
Purchased credits are non-refundable and will expire at the end of each billing month if not used. To avoid losing credits, only purchase what you expect to use within the next 30 days.
If you cancel your Premium LinkedIn subscription, any remaining credits will be forfeited immediately upon closing the account.
Tips for using credits effectively
To maximize the value of your LinkedIn message credits:
- Purchase larger credit bundles to benefit from volume discounts.
- Track your monthly usage so you know how many credits to buy.
- Avoid stockpiling excessive credits month to month.
- Use credits for targeted outreach to premium prospects.
- Personalize messages to improve response rates.
- Send messages toward the beginning of each month.
- Connect with recipients once they reply to your initial message.
