diff --git a/jrnl/Journal.py b/jrnl/Journal.py
index b0cadf06..17de129f 100644
--- a/jrnl/Journal.py
+++ b/jrnl/Journal.py
@@ -407,6 +407,12 @@ def open_journal(journal_name, config, legacy=False):
     config["journal"] = os.path.expanduser(os.path.expandvars(config["journal"]))
 
     if os.path.isdir(config["journal"]):
+        if config["encrypt"]:
+            print(
+                "Warning: This journal's config has 'encrypt' set to true, but this type of journal can't be encrypted.",
+                file=sys.stderr,
+            )
+
         if config["journal"].strip("/").endswith(".dayone") or "entries" in os.listdir(
             config["journal"]
         ):
diff --git a/tests/bdd/features/encrypt.feature b/tests/bdd/features/encrypt.feature
index 02bff32f..af141172 100644
--- a/tests/bdd/features/encrypt.feature
+++ b/tests/bdd/features/encrypt.feature
@@ -41,9 +41,16 @@ Feature: Encrypting and decrypting journals
         Then we should be prompted for a password
         And the output should contain "2013-06-10 15:40 Life is good"
 
+
+    Scenario Outline: Running jrnl with encrypt: true on unencryptable journals
+        Given we use the config "<config_file>"
+        When we run "jrnl --config-override encrypt true here is a new entry"
+        Then the error output should contain "this type of journal can't be encrypted"
+
         Examples: configs
-        | config_file        |
-        | basic_onefile.yaml |
+        | config_file       |
+        | basic_folder.yaml |
+        | basic_dayone.yaml |
 
 
     Scenario Outline: Attempt to encrypt a folder or DayOne journal should result in an error