How does the credit system work on Ashley Madison?

Ashley Madison, a dating site designed for those seeking extramarital affairs, operates on a credit system rather than a traditional subscription model. Users purchase credits in packages, which they can then spend to initiate conversation with other members. For instance, a certain number of credits might be deducted to start messaging someone. The cost per message decreases as more credits are purchased, rewarding users who buy larger packages with a lower per-message price. This system allows for more flexibility and discretion, as users only pay for the services they actively use rather than paying a monthly fee regardless of activity level. Men typically need to use credits to engage with women on the site, while women often have the ability to start conversations without spending credits, which facilitates the engagement and interaction dynamics on the platform.