Is the Ashley Madison dating service free to use?

The Ashley Madison dating service operates on a business model that allows users to sign up for free but requires them to purchase credits or a subscription to engage in communication with other members. This means that while creating an account and browsing profiles is possible without incurring any cost, initiating conversation and accessing many of the site's features necessitate payment. The cost structure is designed to cater to those seeking discreet extramarital relationships, offering various services at different price points. Consequently, while it is technically free to join Ashley Madison, making meaningful use of its services typically involves financial expenditure.