.bank is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by fTLD Registry Services. It was delegated to the root zone in January 2015, following its approval by ICANN. The TLD was created as a high-security, restricted space specifically for verified entities within the financial sector.
Who can register .bank domain
Registration for a .bank domain is restricted to verified entities within the global banking industry. Eligible registrants include retail banks, savings associations, credit unions, and their related holding companies. Government regulators of eligible institutions and certain industry associations may also qualify, subject to approval by the fTLD board. All applicants must undergo a mandatory verification process to prove their legitimate status.
How to register .bank domain
First, search for your desired domain name through an fTLD-approved registrar to confirm it is available and corresponds to your organization's legal name or branding.
Submit your application through the registrar, which will initiate fTLD's mandatory verification process; you will need to provide documentation proving your eligibility as a banking sector entity.
Upon verification approval, complete the checkout and registration with the registrar, securing the domain for a standard term.
Finally, configure your domain's DNS to point to .bank name servers as required by registry policy, and ensure your contact details remain accurate for ongoing compliance.
Typical uses of .bank domain
The .bank extension is primarily used by verified banking institutions, including retail banks, savings associations, and credit unions, to establish a trusted and secure online presence. These organizations choose .bank to signal authenticity and security to customers, differentiating themselves from potential phishing sites on open TLDs. The domain is also used by related industry associations and holding companies within the financial sector. Its use is almost exclusively reserved for the banking industry to foster a safer namespace.
Tips for registering .bank domain
All registrations require mandatory verification by the registry (fTLD) to confirm the applicant is a legitimate banking sector entity, with renewals subject to biennial reverification.
Domains must be hosted on .bank name servers as a core security requirement set by the registry.
Registrations are only available through a limited set of registrars pre-approved by fTLD Registry Services.
The registry enforces enhanced security standards, including mandatory email authentication and two-factor authentication for registry account access.
Frequently asked questions about .bank domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .bank domain?As of today, .bank domains start from $801.19/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $2,440.62/yr across 4 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .bank domains?NameBeta tracks 4 registrars that support .bank domain registration, with the cheapest option at $801.19/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .bank domain?The registry for .bank domains is fTLD Registry Services, administered by fTLD Registry Services, LLC.Who can register a .bank domain?
Registration is restricted to verified entities within the banking industry, such as banks, savings associations, credit unions, and related holding companies. Government regulators and certain industry associations may also qualify with board approval. The registry conducts a mandatory verification process for all applicants, requiring documentation to prove legitimate status within the sector before a domain can be registered.
Can I transfer a .bank domain between registrars?
Transfers of .bank domains between accredited registrars are permitted but remain subject to the registry's strict eligibility and verification policies. The gaining registrar must also be approved by fTLD to handle this TLD. The domain's status as a verified, legitimate banking entity must be maintained throughout the transfer process, and the registry's security requirements, such as using .bank name servers, continue to apply.
What is the verification process for a .bank domain?
Applicants must submit documentation through an approved registrar to fTLD Registry Services to prove they are a legitimate banking sector entity. This verification checks that the organization's legal name or branding matches the requested domain name. Approved registrations are subject to biennial reverification to ensure ongoing eligibility and compliance with the TLD's security policies.
Can a non-banking financial company, like an insurance firm, register a .bank domain?
No, the .bank TLD is strictly reserved for entities within the core banking industry. Insurance companies, fintech startups, or other financial service providers that are not chartered as banks, savings associations, or credit unions are not eligible. The registry's verification process is designed to enforce this restriction and maintain the TLD's integrity for the banking community.
What happens if a .bank domain registrant no longer meets the eligibility requirements?
If a registrant's status changes and they no longer qualify as a banking sector entity, they would be in violation of the registry's acceptable use policy. fTLD Registry Services has compliance mechanisms to address this, which could ultimately lead to the domain being suspended or revoked to preserve the security and trust objectives of the .bank namespace.
Are there any content or usage requirements for .bank websites?
While the primary focus is on eligibility at registration, the registry's security framework imposes technical requirements such as mandatory use of .bank name servers and email authentication. The overarching purpose is to create a trusted space, so registrants are expected to use the domain in a manner consistent with enhancing online security and consumer trust in banking.
