It sucks when something’s locked behind a paywall. News sites, streaming apps—so many corners of the internet want your card details. But what about your love life? If you’ve found your perfect match on Tinder, do you really need to pay just to say “hey”? Short answer: messaging is free once you’ve matched. There are paid extras that speed things up, but the basics still work without spending a cent.
TL;DR
- Messaging on Tinder is free once you’ve matched.
- “See Who Likes You” is included with Gold and Platinum plans only.
- Platinum allows limited message-before-match options.
- Features and pricing vary by location and change over time.
- New 2025 update: Tinder’s “Double Date” feature is rolling out globally.
Missing out on cutting-edge journalism is one thing – but what about the love of your life? When it comes to figuring out how Tinder works, the last thing you want is to find your perfect match only to realize you can’t send a message without getting out the credit card!
So you’ve downloaded the app, but before you invest in crafting the perfect Tinder bio you want to know if you can message without splashing the cash.
You’re wondering: can I send a message on Tinder without paying? Yes – messaging someone on Tinder is completely free, as long as you’ve already matched with that user. If you haven’t matched, you can’t message as a free user; if you’ve both swiped right, you can start the conversation free of charge. Paid tiers don’t change that core rule.
But there’s more nuance now. Platinum adds a limited message-before-match option (called First Impressions or a message attached to a Super Like) so you can include a short opener with your like and, if they like you back, your chat opens. It’s handy, but it’s not unlimited cold messaging to anyone. Free users still need the match first.
Let’s take a deep dive into how to chat on Tinder.
How Do I Message Someone On Tinder?
don’t care if you’ve got a face that could launch a thousand ships – nobody on Tinder is getting a date through their bio alone. To start hooking up on Tinder, you’re going to need to bust out your best lines.
So you’re wondering, how do I message someone on Tinder? First, you have to match with them – unless you’re on Platinum, which lets you attach a message to certain pre-match interactions (see below). For free users, once you’ve matched, hit the speech bubble icon to see your matches, select the person you want to chat with, type your best line, and hit Send!
Here’s how to chat on Tinder:
- First, match: swipe right and hope they right-swipe you back.
- Tap the speech bubble in the top right to see your matches.
- Select the match you want to message.
- Drop your hilarious opener and tap Send.
That’s the bare bones of free chat on Tinder – but it’s down to you to keep the conversation going! My advice? Check your spelling, don’t ask yes/no questions, and craft each message to work toward the main goal – a date. Keep an eye out for my upcoming online dating masterclass for the ultimate guide to turning chatting on Tinder into IRL dating.
Who Can Send Messages On Tinder?
It seems like every dating app these days has a new twist. On Bumble, only the girls can make the first move. With Hinge, you interact with social media-style posts. And with Momdar it’s down to people’s moms to do the messaging and matchmaking.
Okay, I made up Momdar. Can you imagine?!So who can send messages on Tinder? Good news: anyone can message anyone once you’ve matched by swiping right on each other. Platinum users can also attach a limited pre-match message with their like to try and spark that match.
Do You Have To Pay For Tinder To See Who Likes You?
On Tinder, if there’s a mutual match you’ll be notified and the chat can get started. But you only get a match if you like each other. If you want to see who likes you before you get trigger-happy with your swipes, do you have to cough up?
With free Tinder, you’ll find out who likes you when you like them back – that’s a match. To see who’s already liked you before you swipe, you need Tinder Gold or Tinder Platinum; that view is not included with Plus. You’ll see your admirers in a Likes You grid and can match or pass from there.
And just like money, likes don’t grow on trees. Tinder limits daily likes for free accounts (they don’t publish exact numbers), which is one reason some people upgrade.
What Do You Get With Tinder Plus?
These days, most of us have a subscription addiction. From Netflix and Spotify to the Financial Times (weird flex) we are increasingly ready to pay for the services we use. So why not Tinder?
Tinder has a three-tier system to encourage upgrades. Tinder Plus is the entry tier. Here’s what you typically get with Plus: Unlimited Likes, Rewind, Passport Mode, and an ad-free experience—plus basic visibility/privacy controls like going incognito. (Features can vary by market and evolve over time.)
If you’re an avid Tinder addict, then unlimited likes and rewinds will appeal.
What Do You Get With Tinder Gold?
When it comes to big spending, it’s all about Tinder Gold vs Tinder Platinum. Naturally, everything in Plus is included, and Gold adds Likes You (see who already liked you), Top Picks, and other discovery perks to speed up matching. It won’t break the bank for most users, but prices change based on age and location—always check your app for current offers.
What Do You Get With Tinder Platinum?
Let’s upgrade to first class! Bring on the champagne. Turn the heating on! If you’re used to living the highlife, then you’ve got one question: what do you get with Tinder Platinum?Tinder Platinum is the top standard tier. You get everything in Plus and Gold plus priority likes (your likes are seen sooner), more Top Picks, and the message-before-match option (e.g., First Impressions or a message with a premium like) to help your opener stand out. It’s powerful—but remember, it’s not unlimited messaging to non-matches; your message rides along with your like and opens if they like you back. Prices vary.
Final Thoughts
Dating can be expensive. From the pre-date haircut to the performative tip you drop the waiter at the end of the evening, there are plenty of opportunities to splash the cash. So I get why you might not want to pay for a dating app in the first place.Fortunately, free Tinder offers a functional platform for you to like, match, message, and meet up. You can pay for added bonuses, but if money’s as tight as those first-date jeans, you’ll be fine with the free version. And if Tinder’s not right for you? My dating app quiz will crunch the numbers and find the app that’s a match made in heaven
FAQ
Can I message on Tinder without matching first?
Not as a free user. Platinum lets you attach a short message to a premium like (First Impressions), but you’ll still need them to like you back to chat normally.
Which tier shows me who liked me?
Gold and Platinum include the Likes You grid so you can see admirers before you swipe. Plus does not include this.
Is Tinder messaging free after we match?
Yes. Matching unlocks the chat, and messaging itself doesn’t cost anything.
What’s the difference between Plus, Gold, and Platinum?
Plus adds Unlimited Likes/Passport/Rewind and removes ads; Gold includes Plus and adds Likes You and Top Picks; Platinum layers on priority likes and message-before-match tools.
Do prices change?
Yes—Tinder uses variable pricing by age, location, and term length. Always check the in-app offer for the current monthly rate in your region.
What new features should I know about in 2025?
Social tools like Double Date are expanding, and Tinder continues to experiment with AI safety features and premium discovery tools across higher tiers.
