Why can I message some penpals but not others?

If you see “This member isn’t available on your free plan”, nothing is wrong with your account — and it is nothing personal. Here is how it works.

The 80% rule

Members without Premium can start a new conversation with about 80% of our members. The 80% is spread across the whole club, so it has nothing to do with your age, country, profile or photos — and nobody is picked out or left out for a reason.

What is not affected

• Replying If a penpal writes to you, you can always reply. Replies never cost a credit and are never blocked by this rule.
• Conversations you already have Anyone you are already writing to stays open to you.
• Smiles You can send a free smile to any member, including the ones you cannot message yet. If they smile back, they can always message you, and you can always reply.
• Members under 21 The rule does not apply to you.
• Premium members Premium members can start a conversation with anyone.

What you can do

1. Send a smile. It is free, and the member you smile at can always write to you, even when you cannot write to them first. Once they do, you can reply as much as you like.
2. Write to someone else. With 80% of the club open to you, there are plenty of friendly penpals to choose from — try search or Match Finder.
3. Upgrade to Premium if you would like to message anyone. See what Premium includes.