Executive Takeaway
Demystifying LinkedIn's profile badges: how to obtain the gold Premium badge, workplace email verification, and CLEAR government ID verification.
What Is the Golden Tick on LinkedIn?
Many users refer to the "Golden Tick" on LinkedIn when describing either the prestigious gold LinkedIn logo badge (displayed by LinkedIn Premium members) or the official verified profile checkmark. Having a recognized badge establishes instant credibility, proves authenticity, and deters impersonation across the platform.
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LinkedIn Premium Gold Badge vs. Identity Verification Checkmark
There are two primary badges on LinkedIn:
- Golden LinkedIn Premium Badge: A distinctive gold LinkedIn square icon next to your name indicating an active LinkedIn Premium Career, Business, or Sales Navigator subscription.
- Verified Identity Checkmark (Shield Badge): A free verification checkmark displayed on your profile that proves your identity via government ID (CLEAR/Persona) or workplace corporate email.
How to Get the LinkedIn Premium Gold Badge
To display the Golden Premium Badge: Subscribe to any LinkedIn Premium tier. Then navigate to Settings > Account preferences > Subscriptions > Premium features, and toggle "Show Premium badge on profile" to ON.
How to Get the Free LinkedIn Verified Profile Checkmark
To get the Free Verified Profile Checkmark: (1) Open the LinkedIn mobile app on iOS or Android. (2) Tap your profile > Verify now. (3) Verify using your official work email address (for supported employers) or scan your government passport/NFC chip via LinkedIn's identity partner (CLEAR in the US, Persona globally). Verification is 100% free and does not require Premium.
Does Having a Golden Badge Boost Your Profile Ranking?
While the gold badge signals investment in professional tools, the identity verification badge provides a direct algorithmic trust boost. Verified accounts experience up to 60% higher connection acceptance rates and reduced spam filtering.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Optimizing your how to get golden tick on LinkedIn directly influences how recruiter search algorithms rank your profile. Use structured data, clear keywords, and tangible proof of competence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to pay for the LinkedIn verification checkmark?
Why is the gold LinkedIn logo showing on some profiles?
Written by Bhavishya Singla
Founder & AuthorCreator of LinkedInRank. Specializes in ATS keyword calibration, recruiter search psychology, and data-backed profile optimization.
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