Can you have LinkedIn premium without the badge?

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 750 million members worldwide. LinkedIn Premium is LinkedIn’s subscription service that unlocks several advanced features such as being able to see who has viewed your profile, unlimited InMail messages, detailed analytics on post performance, and more. One of the most visible indicators that someone has LinkedIn Premium is the blue “Premium” badge that appears next to their name. This has led many LinkedIn users to wonder – can you have LinkedIn Premium without the badge?

What is LinkedIn Premium?

LinkedIn Premium is LinkedIn’s paid subscription service that gives users access to advanced features not available with a free LinkedIn account. Some of the key benefits of LinkedIn Premium include:

• See Who’s Viewed Your Profile – View the full list of who has checked out your profile recently.
• InMail Messages – Send unlimited direct messages to anyone on LinkedIn, even if you’re not connected.
• Profile Badge – Get the blue “Premium” badge on your profile to stand out.
• Post Analytics – Get insights into how your posts are performing through likes, comments, and more.
• Learning Courses – Access over 16,000 expert-led courses to boost your skills.
• Salary Insights – See estimated salary ranges for jobs to help negotiate your worth.

LinkedIn Premium is available on a monthly or annual subscription basis. As of 2023, the pricing options are:

The Premium Badge

One of the perks included with all LinkedIn Premium subscriptions is access to the blue “Premium” badge that appears next to your name on your profile. This verified checkmark-style badge serves as a visible indicator to others that you have a paid Premium account.

The Premium badge not only acts as a status symbol of sorts, but can also help your profile stand out when people are browsing LinkedIn. It signals that you have access to additional insights and features that can potentially make you a more powerful LinkedIn networker.

Many LinkedIn Premium subscribers enjoy the visibility the blue badge provides. However, others may not want the badge for various reasons, leading to the question of whether you can have a Premium account without it.

Can You Have Premium Without the Badge?

The blue Premium badge is automatically enabled when you sign up for any level of LinkedIn Premium subscription. However, it is possible to keep Premium benefits without displaying the badge icon.

To remove the Premium badge:

1. Go to your LinkedIn profile
2. Click on the “Me” icon at the top of your profile
3. Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu
4. Click on “Preferences” in the left sidebar
5. Under “Profile”, toggle off the switch for “Show Premium icon”

Once disabled, the Premium badge will no longer be displayed on your profile. However, you will still retain full access to all the Premium features you signed up for.

The option to hide the badge gives subscribers flexibility. Those who want to flaunt their Premium status can leave it turned on, while others who prefer to keep it private can simply switch it off.

Reasons Some Choose to Hide the Badge

Here are some of the common reasons why some LinkedIn Premium users decide to hide their Premium badge, even though they maintain their Premium subscription:

• Avoid looking pretentious or flaunting Premium status
• Prevent unnecessary recruiting pitches
• Maintain a lower profile and avoid unwanted attention
• Keep their Premium features more private and discreet
• Do not want to be stereotyped as a job seeker

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. The option to show or hide provides the flexibility to choose either way.

Does Hiding the Badge Affect Premium Benefits?

Rest assured that hiding the Premium badge does not in any way affect your Premium account status or the benefits you receive. You will continue enjoying features like seeing profile viewers, sending InMail messages, accessing premium courses, and more.

The only thing that changes is other people will no longer see that blue checkmark icon next to your name. But under the hood, your full Premium access remains intact.

Can Non-Paying Members Get the Badge?

LinkedIn does not allow non-paying members to display the Premium badge on their profile. The blue checkmark icon is only available to paying Premium subscribers, and is automatically removed if you cancel or your Premium subscription expires.

This policy prevents misuse and maintains the badge’s status as an indicator of a verified Premium account. It ensures the icon cannot be replicated by regular free members trying to get some of the prestige of the Premium badge.

Some have wondered if it’s possible to somehow enable the Premium badge temporarily even without a paid subscription. However, LinkedIn’s systems are designed to prevent any circumvention or “hacking” to obtain the Premium badge without actually paying for Premium. Doing so would be considered a violation of LinkedIn’s terms of service.

Is There Any Sign of Premium Without the Badge?

When you hide your Premium badge, it will not be immediately obvious to others that you have a Premium account. However, there are some signs that you likely have Premium access even without the icon displayed:

• You have over 500+ connections
• You have a complete profile with a professional headshot
• You have a customized LinkedIn URL
• You have a lot of posts and content on your profile
• You engage frequently by liking, commenting, and sharing

While none of these are definitive giveaways, they do correlate with experienced LinkedIn users who see enough value in the platform to invest in a paid Premium subscription.

At the end of the day, the lack of a Premium badge doesn’t take away from the underlying Premium features you continue benefiting from. Focus on those values rather than the visual icon.

Do People Judge for Not Having the Badge?

There is sometimes a stigma associated with not having the Premium badge displayed on your profile. Some may see it as a sign that you are unwilling to invest in a paid Premium account and could judge you as less serious about advancing your career.

However, many successful LinkedIn users actively choose to hide their Premium badge to maintain a lower profile. The lack of a badge does not necessarily indicate anything about your career status or willingness to pay. Those who judge you solely on your badge are making misguided assumptions.

The best approach is to focus on putting your Premium features to good use – like connecting with key individuals, sharing valuable content, and showcasing your skills. This will override any assumptions people may make due to lack of a badge.

Tips to Offset any Badge Bias

Here are some tips to offset any potential bias should someone judge you for not displaying the Premium badge:

• Complete your profile 100% to convey professionalism
• Personalize your background photo and profile URL
• Grow your network to 500+ high-quality connections
• Engage consistently through likes, comments, and shares
• Publish regular posts that provide value
• Participate in discussions and groups

Does the Badge Increase Job Prospects?

There has been much debate on whether having the Premium badge can boost your job search and career prospects. Some argue the badge can improve how recruiters and hiring managers perceive you when evaluating profiles. However, there are also strong arguments this impact is negligible.

On the one hand, the Premium badge can potentially signal:

• You are serious and committed to advancing your career
• You have skin in the game and are invested in professional networking
• You likely have a more completed, optimized profile
• You have extra insights (like seeing profile viewers) that free users lack

These factors may make some employers view badge holders in a more favorable light compared to non-badge profiles.

However, there are also reasons the badge may not matter as much:

• The badge is minor and most focus is on skills, experience, and qualifications
• Similarly qualified candidates can have or not have Premium
• Recruiters themselves often lack Premium access
• Premium is not very costly relative to professional pay scales

Overall there are reasonable arguments on both sides of the debate. While some premium features may help, the badge itself is just one minor factor amidst everything else employers evaluate.

Tips to Improve Prospects Without the Badge

If you are concerned lack of a badge could hurt your job search, focus on highlighting your professional strengths through your profile and activity:

• Build a strong network of contacts and references
• Follow and engage with relevant companies to get on their radar
• Establish yourself as an expert through content publishing
• Join high quality professional groups aligned to your industry
• Complete courses to highlight newly attained skills

Should You Display Your Premium Badge?

At the end of the day, the decision of whether or not to display your Premium badge comes down to personal preference. Here are some factors to consider:

Reasons to Show Your Badge

• Demonstrates your investment and commitment to professional networking
• Signals your interest and seriousness in advancing your career
• Stands out and differentiates you from non-Premium profiles
• Gives you a perceived (even if minor) edge in attracting opportunities
• Allows you to publicly showcase your Premium status

Reasons to Hide Your Badge

• Avoids looking pretentious or flaunting paid status
• Maintains a lower profile and reduces unwanted attention
• Keeps your Premium features and insights more private
• Prevents being stereotyped as a “job seeker”
• Downplays you as a target for recruiting outreaches

Weigh your specific priorities, preferences, and career goals. There is no unambiguously right or wrong choice – go with what makes the most sense for your needs.

Conclusion

LinkedIn Premium provides valuable benefits that can advance your career and professional network. The visibility of the Premium badge makes it tempting for subscribers to display it proudly on their profile. However, it is completely possible to hide the badge while retaining full access to Premium features.

Reasons for hiding the badge vary from wanting a lower profile to avoiding looking pretentious. While a lack of a badge can lead to some negative assumptions, you can offset those through a strong profile and activity presence. Ultimately, decide whether displaying or hiding the Premium badge aligns better with your personal preferences and career objectives. Focus on making the most of Premium features rather than the visual badge icon.