Honey, the popular browser extension that claims to save users money by hunting for online deals, is under fire for allegedly shady practices. In a new video, YouTuber MegaLag accuses Honey of being a “scam” and claims it has been “stealing money from influencers, including the very ones they paid to promote their product.”
MegaLag alleges that Honey hijacks affiliate revenue meant for influencers. Here’s how it works: if you click on an affiliate link shared by a creator or website, Honey reportedly swaps in its own tracking link when you engage with its pop-up at checkout. Whether or not Honey finds a valid coupon for you, it ends up pocketing the affiliate credit for the sale—cutting out the influencer or site that originally directed you to the purchase.
A PayPal spokesperson, VP of corporate communications Josh Criscoe, responded via email to The Verge, claiming, “Honey follows industry rules and practices, including last-click attribution.” However, this defense hasn’t quieted critics who view Honey’s tactics as exploitative.
More Accusations Against Honey
This isn’t the first time Honey’s practices have been called into question. Back in 2021, a Twitter post suggested using Honey’s discount codes in a separate browser to prevent it from snatching affiliate credit. Similarly, a Linus Media Group employee revealed in a 2022 forum post that Linus Tech Tips cut ties with Honey as a sponsor due to concerns over its affiliate link behavior.
Despite the backlash, Honey remains widely recommended, bolstered by nearly 5,000 sponsored videos across about 1,000 YouTube channels, according to MegaLag. Honey’s core promise is simple: it pops up at checkout and offers to find coupon codes, claiming it “finds every working promo code on the internet.” But according to MegaLag’s investigation, Honey often fails to find good discounts—or promotes its own subpar, Honey-branded codes—even when better options are available with a quick online search. The video further alleges this is by design, as part of Honey’s agreements with retail partners.
PayPal’s Track Record
It’s worth noting that Honey is owned by PayPal, a company already infamous for its questionable practices and poor reputation among consumers. PayPal has long been criticized for its arbitrary account freezes, lack of transparency, and exorbitant fees—earning it a spot on many “worst companies” lists. Honey’s alleged tactics seem to fit right in with its parent company’s track record.
The Bigger Picture
Honey’s convenience has undoubtedly played a big role in its success, but if these claims hold up, it raises significant ethical concerns about how the company operates—and whether users are really saving money, or just getting scammed out of better deals. For influencers and creators, it’s another example of how platforms and extensions can exploit their hard work for profit.
Even I’m using this extension from last 5-6years