How to Get a Gold Checkmark on Twitter

The gold checkmark on X, formerly Twitter, has quickly become the ultimate symbol of authenticity for businesses, setting official brand accounts apart from the crowd. If you've been wondering how to trade your account's circular profile picture for that official-looking square and secure that coveted badge, you're in the right place. This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough of the entire process, explaining what the checkmark means, if you're eligible, and exactly how to apply for it.

What is the Gold Checkmark on X (and Why is it Different)?

In the whirlwind of changes across the platform, X has redefined what a "verified" account really means. The classic blue checkmark, once a marker of notable public figures, is now primarily for individuals subscribed to X Premium. This created a need for a new system to clearly identify legitimate organizations. Enter the gold and grey checkmarks.

These new badges are a part of X's Verified Organizations program, designed specifically to bring clarity and trust back to the platform. Here’s how it breaks down:

• The Gold Checkmark: This is reserved for official business and non-profit accounts that have been vetted directly by X. When users see a gold checkmark and a square profile picture, they know they are looking at the genuine presence of that company, not an impersonator or a fan account.
• The Grey Checkmark: This functions similarly to the gold checkmark but is specifically for government organizations, multilateral organizations, and officials associated with them. It signals an official government-related account.
• The Blue Checkmark: This is for individuals who subscribe to X Premium. While it unlocks additional features, it no longer serves the same "official" verification purpose for businesses it once did.

Why should you care? The primary benefit is trust. In an environment where misinformation and impersonation can run rampant, the gold checkmark is a powerful, instant signal to customers, partners, and followers that they are interacting with the real deal. It immediately elevates your brand's credibility, making your announcements more authoritative and your customer service interactions more reassuring.

This badge is more than a status symbol, it's a foundational element for running a professional brand presence on one of the world's most dynamic social platforms.

Are You Eligible? The Checklist for a Gold Checkmark

Before you get started, it's important to understand that the gold checkmark isn't something you can get just by clicking a button. It’s a paid subscription service for established organizations. Here's a quick checklist to see if your business qualifies to apply for X's Verified Organizations program.

1. You Must Be a Legitimate Business or Non-Profit

The program is intended for officially registered organizations. Individuals, fan accounts, or parody accounts are not eligible. You should have a legal business name and formal standing.

2. You Need a Complete and Active X Profile

Your X account should be ready for public representation. X looks for profiles that are complete and in use. This means you need:

• A profile picture (which will be converted into a square).
• A header image.
• A descriptive bio.
• Recent activity on the account. You can't just create an account and apply, it needs to show signs of life.

3. You Must Have Institutional Access

The application requires access to organizational resources. You'll need:

• Access to an official organization email address that matches your company domain. Using a generic Gmail or Outlook address will likely get your application rejected.
• Control over your organization's official website. Your website URL is a key part of the verification process.

4. You Understand It’s a Paid Subscription

This is the most critical point for many brands: getting a gold checkmark isn’t free. As of this writing, the subscription for Verified Organizations in the United States costs $1,000 per month (plus any applicable taxes). Pricing can vary slightly by region. While the cost is significant, many large brands view it as a necessary expense for brand protection and to maintain credibility on the platform.

5. You May Want to Add Affiliates

Besides verifying the main company account, the program allows you to affiliate other accounts under your organization’s umbrella for an additional fee, typically $50 per month, per affiliate account. This is a game-changing feature for companies whose employees, executives, or sub-brands are active on X. We’ll cover how to leverage this feature later on.

If you can check all these boxes, you’re ready to move on to the application itself.

How to Apply for the Gold Checkmark: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for Verified Organizations is streamlined, but it requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to submit your application correctly.

Step 1: Navigate to the Verified Organizations Portal

Log in to the X account you wish to verify. The easiest way to find the application page is by going directly to twitter.com/i/verified-orgs. Alternatively, you can click on your profile picture in the sidebar menu. From there, look for a "Verified Organizations" or a "Premium+" option that leads you to the application portal.

Step 2: Authenticate and Provide Your Details

Once you're on the Verified Organizations page, X will ask you to authenticate your account. You'll then be prompted to provide the following information:

• Legal Organization Name: Enter the official name of your business as it’s legally registered.
• Organization Handle: Your current @handle on X.
• Website: The official website URL for your business. This must be a live, working site that clearly represents your organization.
• Contact Information: You’ll need to provide names and official email addresses for points of contact within your organization.

Be precise and accurate here. Any mismatch between your X profile, your provided details, and your website can delay or jeopardize your application.

Step 3: Await the Vetting Process

After you submit your information, your application moves to a review queue. X’s team will vet the details you provided, verifying that your account is indeed the official presence of the organization you claim to represent. They might cross-reference business registries, check your website's authenticity, and look at your account's history.

This process isn't instant. It can take several days or longer, depending on the volume of applications. Do not be tempted to reach out repeatedly or submit multiple applications. Be patient. X will notify you via email once a decision has been made.

Step 4: Complete Your Purchase

Once your organization has been approved, you'll receive an email prompting you to complete the subscription. You will be asked to enter your payment information to finalize the $1,000/month purchase. The gold checkmark and square profile picture will appear on your account as soon as the payment is successfully processed.

You Have a Gold Checkmark - Now What?

Unlocking the gold checkmark isn't the finish line, it’s the starting line. Now you can have an official, trusted presence to amplify your brand's voice and protect its integrity. Here are some best practices for making the most of your new status.

1. Add Affiliated Accounts to Build Internal Trust

One of the most powerful and often underutilized features of the Verified Organizations program is the ability to affiliate other X accounts with your main brand account. Affiliated accounts get either a blue or gold checkmark along with a small badge of your main account's profile picture next to it. This visibly connects them to your organization.

This is incredibly effective for:

• Key Executives: Affiliating your CEO, CTO, or other public-facing leaders provides them with instant credibility. When they speak, users know it reflects the company.
• Customer Support Channels: Imagine a customer getting help from a support account that is officially badged by your brand. It removes all doubt about its legitimacy and prevents customers from getting scammed by impersonator accounts. (e.g., A support account like @YourBrandSupport could be affiliated with @YourBrand).
• Individual Brand Spokespeople: If you have key marketers, experts, or employees who represent your company online, affiliating their accounts extends your brand's official halo to them.

How to Add Affiliates:

Managing affiliates is done through your organization's portal. You can invite accounts to be affiliated by entering their @handle. They will receive a notification to accept the invitation. Once they accept, their accounts will display the affiliation badge automatically.

2. Engage with Authority and Consistency

Your gold badge communicates authority. Use it. Position your account as the definitive source for news and information about your company. Break news, make official statements, and address industry happenings from a place of credibility. When you respond to customer questions or comments, your verified status lends weight to your answers.

This enhanced authority comes with a responsibility to maintain a consistent output. Brands that invest in verification should also invest in a solid content strategy that keeps their feed active and engaging. A verified but dormant account sends a confusing message.

3. Double Down on Brand Protection

With an official gold badge, it's easier to combat impersonation. Your account is now the clear and obvious source of truth, making fake accounts easier to spot. Proactively monitor the platform for accounts attempting to use your name or likeness. When you find them, your reports to X will carry more weight, leading to faster action. The gold checkmark essentially gives you a leg up in protecting your brand's online reputation.

Final Thoughts

Securing a gold checkmark on X is a clear strategic decision for any business that takes its online presence seriously. It’s an investment in trust, credibility, and security that distinguishes your official brand from a sea of noise. The process involves meeting eligibility criteria and subscribing to the Verified Organizations program, giving you and your affiliated accounts a powerful symbol of authenticity.

An official status is only half the battle, of course - keeping that verified profile active with quality content is what builds a lasting connection with your audience. We built Postbase because we constantly saw brands struggling to manage their official profile, executive accounts, and customer support channels all at once. Our visual calendar lets you see and plan a cohesive strategy across all those profiles from a single view, ensuring everything stays aligned and professional without the chaos of switching between accounts.