The .bank domain has strict eligibility criteria and an elaborate verification process. Registrants of this domain must be a bank-related entity (such as a retail bank, national bank, savings association or associated parent company) that is charted and supervised by a government regulatory authority.

You can register a .bank domain name for an initial period of 1-10 years. After this period of time has passed, you will need to renew the domain to continue using it.

Simply use the domain search bar at the top of this page and enter the name of your choice. A new window will open, and you will immediately see if the name you want is still free. If the name of your choice is not available, our system will automatically show you some options that are still free instead.

Yes, this is possible for this extension. You can enable this option when you purchase a domain through the Openprovider control panel.

You can easily renew your domain through the Openprovider control panel. You will receive multiple reminders by email when your domain is due to be renewed. Another option is to turn on the auto-renew feature in the control panel, which ensures that your domain is automatically renewed as long as you have sufficient balance on your account.

.bank domain names should be between 1-63 characters in length. They may contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens. Internationalized domain names are not supported.

Your .bank domain will be renewed automatically if you have the auto-renew feature turned on and if you have enough balance in your account. If your domain is expired, you will have 44 days to restore your domain at no additional costs. After these days have passed, you will have 28 more days to restore your domain at a fee before your domain is deleted.

The .bank domain was introduced in 2015 by fTLD Registry Services, a coalition of banks, insurance companies, and financial services trade associations. It was established to create a trusted and secure space for the banking industry. Unlike generic top-level domains (gTLDs), the .bank domain is restricted to verified financial institutions. This restricted access ensures that only legitimate banks can register a .bank domain, significantly reducing the risk of phishing or fraudulent websites using bank domains. Over the years, the .bank domain has evolved to incorporate advanced security requirements, such as mandatory encryption, multi-factor authentication, and strong email authentication. These measures ensure that the .bank domain remains a robust and secure environment for online banking. The evolution of the .bank domain reflects the growing need for enhanced security in the financial sector, making it a critical component in the fight against cyber threats.

The .bank domain offers distinct advantages over traditional domains like .com or .net, especially in the context of financial security. Unlike traditional domains, which are open to any registrant, the .bank domain is strictly regulated. Only approved and verified banks and financial institutions can obtain a .bank domain, reducing the risk of malicious entities creating fraudulent banking websites. Additionally, the .bank domain comes with mandatory security measures such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, which are not required for traditional domains. This ensures higher protection for sensitive financial transactions and data. Traditional domains can be easily spoofed, making them more susceptible to phishing attacks. In contrast, the stringent verification process for the .bank domain provides an added layer of trust. For consumers, this means greater assurance when interacting with online banking sites, knowing that the site is genuinely associated with a legitimate financial institution.

- Built-in security measures: The .bank domain comes equipped with a suite of built-in security measures designed to protect both financial institutions and their customers. One of the .bank domain's primary features is mandatory encryption, which ensures that data transmitted between a user and a bank's website is secure. This encryption prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information. Additionally, the .bank domain requires a valid DMARC record to combat email spoofing, a common tactic used in phishing attacks. Another essential measure is multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of verification during the login process. This makes it more challenging for unauthorized users to gain access, even if they know a user's password. These built-in security protocols are not optional; they are mandatory for all .bank domain holders. By enforcing these comprehensive security measures, the .bank domain provides a safer online environment, fostering trust and confidence among consumers engaging in online banking activities.
- Protection against cyber threats: The .bank domain plays a critical role in protecting against cyber threats, which are an ever-present risk in the digital landscape. By design, the .bank domain is less susceptible to common attacks such as phishing and spoofing. This is achieved through rigorous verification processes that prevent fraudulent entities from obtaining a .bank domain. Additionally, the mandatory use of advanced security protocols, like encryption and multi-factor authentication, further fortifies defenses against unauthorized access and data breaches. These measures help prevent cybercriminals from intercepting sensitive information during online transactions. Moreover, by implementing domain-based message authentication, the .bank domain helps protect against email-based attacks, ensuring that communications from banks are legitimate and secure. Collectively, these security features create a robust barrier against cyber threats, safeguarding both financial institutions and their customers. By choosing the .bank domain, banks are making a proactive decision to enhance online security and protect against potential cyber attacks.

- Trust and credibility boost: Adopting a .bank domain significantly boosts a financial institution's trust and credibility. When customers see the .bank domain, they immediately recognize that the website adheres to stringent security standards. This recognition instills confidence that the institution is committed to protecting their sensitive financial information. Unlike generic domains, the .bank domain ensures that only verified banks can use it, reducing the risk of encountering fraudulent sites. This exclusivity enhances the perceived legitimacy of financial institutions using the .bank domain. Furthermore, the built-in security measures that come with the .bank domain, such as mandatory encryption and multi-factor authentication, demonstrate a proactive approach to online security. This proactive stance not only protects against cyber threats but also strengthens customer trust. In an industry where reputation is paramount, a .bank domain serves as a powerful tool for financial institutions to differentiate themselves and build a stronger, more credible online presence.
- Streamlining customer experience: The .bank domain not only enhances security but also streamlines the customer experience. When customers interact with a .bank domain, they benefit from a seamless and secure online environment. Advanced security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and encrypted communications, provide peace of mind, allowing customers to focus on their financial tasks without worrying about security breaches. Additionally, the exclusivity of the .bank domain simplifies the process of identifying legitimate banking websites, reducing confusion and the risk of falling victim to phishing scams. This clarity is particularly valuable in an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated. By consolidating trust and security into one recognizable domain name, banks can offer a more user-friendly experience that fosters loyalty and satisfaction. For financial institutions, this means fewer customer service issues related to security concerns and a more efficient pathway to building lasting relationships with their clients.
- Encouraging secure online banking practices: For consumers, secure online banking practices are crucial in maintaining safety and confidence in their financial transactions. The .bank domain provides a foundation for these practices by ensuring that only verified financial institutions can use it. This verification process reduces the risk of consumers interacting with fraudulent websites and falling victim to phishing attacks. Additionally, when banks use the .bank domain, they must adhere to strict security protocols such as encryption and multi-factor authentication. These protocols protect consumers’ sensitive information, such as login credentials and personal data, from unauthorized access. To further enhance security, consumers should regularly update passwords, use unique passwords for different accounts, and enable alerts for unusual account activity. By actively engaging in secure online banking practices, consumers can mitigate risks and feel more confident about their online interactions. The .bank domain thus plays an integral role in fostering a safer digital banking environment for all users.

The adoption of the .bank domain has seen a steady increase as more financial institutions recognize its security advantages. This trend is driven by the growing need to protect against cyber threats and enhance consumer trust. However, the transition to a .bank domain comes with challenges. One significant challenge is the migration process itself, which requires careful planning to avoid disruptions in online services. Financial institutions must also invest in educating consumers about the new domain to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, some smaller banks may face cost-related obstacles in adopting the .bank domain, for example, as it involves not only registration fees but also investments in infrastructure upgrades to meet security requirements. Despite these challenges, the benefits of enhanced security and consumer confidence continue to drive adoption. As the digital landscape evolves, the .bank domain is expected to play an increasingly crucial role in securing online financial interactions and maintaining trust in the banking industry.

The future of the .bank domain is closely tied to ongoing innovations in financial security. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too must the defenses that protect against them. The .bank domain is poised to integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance threat detection and response. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data to identify unusual patterns and potential security breaches more effectively than traditional methods. Furthermore, advancements in blockchain technology offer the potential for creating more secure and transparent transaction processes within the .bank domain. Additionally, biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, are becoming more prevalent, offering enhanced security beyond traditional passwords. As these innovations are adopted, the .bank domain will continue to provide a cutting-edge platform for secure online banking. By staying at the forefront of technology, financial institutions using the .bank domain can maintain robust security and consumer trust in an increasingly digital world.