I had a query here Copper member is for paid accounts right? Even for paid accounts need to get merits? I do not know much just trying to understand.
You can find all info about "Copper Member"
here.
You need merits even as Copper Member. Copper Membership allows newbies to post images. There are less restrictions about signatures (styling) too and time between the ability of posting 2 reply is decrease by 75%.