Key takeaway: InMail is LinkedIn's messaging feature for contacting members you are not connected to. It is sold as a monthly allotment of credits attached to Premium, Sales Navigator and Recruiter subscriptions; each message to a non-connection consumes one credit, and LinkedIn refunds the credit if the recipient replies within 90 days. For recruiters, InMail is the standard way to reach passive candidates on LinkedIn, and its cost, caps and falling response rates are the main reasons teams add email and SMS channels alongside it.
How do InMail credits work?
- Each paid plan includes a set number of InMail credits per month; Recruiter plans include the most. Unused credits roll over for a limited period, and additional credits can be purchased.
- Sending an InMail to someone outside your network uses one credit. Messaging a first-degree connection is free and does not use InMail.
- If the recipient replies (accepts or declines) within 90 days, the credit is returned. Messages that get no response are the ones that cost you.
- Members with an "Open Profile" setting can be InMailed for free by anyone.
Exact credit counts and prices change; check LinkedIn's current plan pages rather than relying on a third-party number.
What makes InMail different from email?
| InMail | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reaches | LinkedIn members who check LinkedIn | Anyone with a known address |
| Cost model | Credits per message, bundled in a seat | Effectively free per message; cost is finding the address |
| Limits | Monthly credit caps | Deliverability and sender reputation |
| Context | Arrives among other recruiter messages | Arrives in the candidate's inbox |
| Response tracking | Inside LinkedIn | Your own tooling |
Neither is better in every case. InMail carries LinkedIn's context (the recipient can see your profile instantly); email reaches people who rarely log in and is not capped.
Why do InMail response rates fall?
Most in-demand candidates receive many recruiter InMails and ignore the generic ones. Response rates are highest for short, specific messages that name why this person fits this role, sent by a real person with a credible profile, and lowest for templates. Because unanswered InMails consume credits, low response rates are expensive as well as discouraging.
How do recruiters use InMail well?
- Research first; mention something specific about the candidate's work.
- Keep it under 100 words with one clear question.
- Lead with the opportunity, not the company boilerplate.
- Follow up once, then switch channel: a short email or text often gets a reply where a second InMail does not.
- Track reply rate by message, not just by recruiter, and retire templates that underperform.
Where Noon fits
Noon does not send LinkedIn messages. It finds candidates across the open web, ranks them against the role, finds verified contact details, and runs personalized email and SMS sequences, which means no credit caps and no per-message cost. Teams keep LinkedIn for research and relationships and use Noon for scaled, personalized first contact. One unlimited plan (pricing).
Frequently asked questions
Is InMail free?
No. InMail credits come bundled with paid LinkedIn plans (Premium, Sales Navigator, Recruiter). Messaging your own first-degree connections is free and does not use InMail.
Do InMail credits get refunded?
Yes, if the recipient responds within 90 days of the message being sent. Unanswered InMails are not refunded.
Can I send unlimited InMails?
No. Each plan has a monthly credit allotment. Extra credits can be bought, and credits earned back from replies extend your effective reach, but there is always a cap.
What is a good InMail response rate?
It varies a lot by role and seniority. Short, personalized messages to well-targeted candidates do markedly better than templates; measure your own rate per message and improve from there rather than chasing an industry average.