You've upgraded to LinkedIn Premium with dreams of networking your way to that perfect job or client connection. But when you log in, you're shocked to find you only have 5 InMail credits for the entire month. Wait, what? How are you supposed to reach out to dozens of potential employers or leads with just 5 messages?

This frustration is incredibly common among LinkedIn users, particularly those new to the platform's premium features. Let's demystify LinkedIn's InMail system, break down exactly how many credits you get with each subscription level, and explore whether they're actually worth the investment.

What Are LinkedIn InMail Credits?

InMail credits are LinkedIn's currency for reaching people outside your network. Unlike regular messages (which you can only send to 1st-degree connections), InMails let you message 2nd and 3rd-degree connections or people completely outside your network.

These messages appear prominently in the recipient's inbox and are marked as InMail, which theoretically helps them stand out from regular messages.

As one frustrated first-year student on Reddit put it: "How on earth you only have 5 'Inmail credits' per month?! They didn't specified that. Like, I bought it because I'm a first year student looking for a summer internship and I wanted to start networking but... by just reaching out 5 people? What is this..."

How Many InMail Credits Do You Get Per Month?

The number of InMail credits you receive depends entirely on your LinkedIn subscription level:

These credits refresh every month, and unused credits can accumulate up to the maximum shown above. For example, if you have Premium Career and don't use any credits for three months, you'll have 15 credits available (not the full 15 you would have received over that period).

Regular Messages vs. InMail: What's the Difference?

Before we go further, it's important to understand the distinction between regular LinkedIn messages and InMails:

Regular LinkedIn Messages:

• Can only be sent to 1st-degree connections (people who have accepted your connection request)

• Completely free and unlimited (though subject to weekly sending limits)

• Can contain up to 8,000 characters

• No subject line

InMail Messages:

• Can be sent to anyone on LinkedIn (with some exceptions)

• Require premium credits

• Limited to 1,900 characters

• Include a subject line (limited to 200 characters)

• More prominently displayed in the recipient's inbox

Message Sending Limits on LinkedIn

Even beyond InMail credits, LinkedIn imposes several restrictions on messaging:

• Free accounts can send approximately 100 messages per week (about 400 monthly)

• Premium accounts can send about 150 messages per week (roughly 600 monthly)

• You can only send one InMail to a person until they respond

• If someone doesn't respond to your InMail within 90 days, your credit is returned

Many users express frustration with these limitations:

"Now? All of a sudden? You're no longer allowed to send a note with your invite unless you use premium," complained one Reddit user about recent changes to personalized connection requests.

Another user bluntly stated: "LinkedIn premium is a scam or worthless. I have very limited in mailing... should be unlimited if paying."

Do InMails Actually Work?

This is the million-dollar question. Are those precious InMail credits actually effective at getting responses?

According to LinkedIn's own data, InMail messages have a 300% higher response rate than cold emails. However, many users remain skeptical:

"Inmails are looked at and treated like spam. Only send linked in messages to people that connect with you first. Otherwise send email," advised one sales professional on Reddit.

Another user questioned: "Can anyone tell me why I should care about that Feature? I mean, I can just try to connect with ppl? Is there some big thing I miss."

The general consensus among many LinkedIn power users is that sending personalized connection requests (which are free) is often more effective than using InMails:

"I never used inmail. My recommendation would be to connect with ppl first. If they connect they will probably be willing to talk. If they ignore the connection they will ignore the inmail," shared one financial professional.

Maximizing Your InMail Credits and Messaging Strategy

If you do choose to use InMails, here's how to make the most of your limited credits:

1. Target the Right People

Be strategic about who receives your precious InMails. Research thoroughly and only message people who are genuinely relevant to your goals.

2. Personalize Your Messages

Generic messages get ignored. Reference something specific from their profile, mention mutual connections, or comment on their recent activity.

3. Be Concise and Clear

Keep your message under 400 characters for optimal response rates. State your purpose clearly in the first sentence.

4. Use an Attention-Grabbing Subject Line

As one user suggested: "When I inMail a job poster I made the subject line something like 'Open to Connect? I applied to [Company]'"

5. Optimize Your Profile First

Before sending InMails, make sure your own profile is complete and impressive: "It helps a lot when your profile is optimized really well too."

Alternatives to Using InMail Credits

If you're frustrated by InMail limitations, consider these alternatives:

1. Send Personalized Connection Requests: Include a brief note explaining why you want to connect.

2. Engage With Their Content First: Comment meaningfully on their posts before reaching out.

3. Find Their Email Address: Tools like Hunter.io can help you find direct email addresses.

4. Use a LinkedIn Message Manager: Tools like Kondo can help organize and prioritize your LinkedIn conversations. Kondo's labeling system allows you to categorize connections (like "Hot Leads" or "Potential Employers"), set reminders for follow-ups, and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your messaging workflow.

The Bottom Line: Are LinkedIn InMail Credits Worth It?

For most everyday users, especially job seekers or those with limited networking needs, the small number of monthly InMail credits provided with Premium subscriptions may not justify the cost.

As one Reddit user bluntly put it: "Don't pay for shit. Look up people and ask to connect."

However, for sales professionals, recruiters, or others who regularly need to reach people outside their network, higher-tier subscriptions with more credits can be valuable – especially when used strategically.

If you're struggling to manage a high volume of LinkedIn messages, consider using tools like Kondo that transform your LinkedIn inbox into an organized communication hub. With labels, reminders, and keyboard shortcuts, you can ensure important messages never get buried, regardless of how many InMails or connections you're managing.

The most effective LinkedIn networking strategy ultimately combines thoughtful connection requests, strategic InMails (when necessary), consistent engagement with others' content, and an organized system for managing your conversations.

What's your experience with LinkedIn InMail credits? Have you found them worth the investment, or do you prefer alternative networking strategies?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are LinkedIn InMail credits used for?

LinkedIn InMail credits are used to send direct messages to LinkedIn members who are not your 1st-degree connections. This allows you to reach out to 2nd-degree, 3rd-degree connections, or individuals completely outside your existing network, which can be crucial for job seeking, lead generation, or expanding professional contacts.

How many InMail credits do I get with LinkedIn Premium Career?

With a LinkedIn Premium Career subscription, you receive 5 InMail credits per month. These credits can accumulate up to a maximum of 15 if unused over consecutive months. Other premium tiers like Premium Business, Sales Navigator, and Recruiter Lite offer a higher number of monthly InMail credits.

Are LinkedIn InMails more effective than connection requests?

LinkedIn claims InMails have a higher response rate than cold emails, but their effectiveness compared to personalized connection requests is debated among users. Many find that sending a thoughtful, personalized connection request (which is free) can be just as, if not more, effective in initiating conversations, as recipients are often more receptive to connecting first.

What happens if my LinkedIn InMail doesn't get a response?

If your InMail message does not receive a response from the recipient within 90 days, LinkedIn will return the InMail credit to your account. This policy helps ensure your limited credits are not permanently lost on unresponsive contacts.

When is the best time to use my limited InMail credits?

The best time to use your InMail credits is strategically, for high-value contacts who are truly relevant to your specific goals, such as reaching out to a hiring manager for a dream job or a key decision-maker for a significant business opportunity. Always personalize your message and ensure your own LinkedIn profile is optimized before sending an InMail.

What are good alternatives if I run out of InMail credits?

If you've used all your InMail credits or find them too limiting, good alternatives include sending personalized connection requests, engaging with a person's content (commenting on their posts) before messaging them directly, trying to find their professional email address through other tools, or using LinkedIn message management tools to better organize your outreach.