About .cards domain
.cards is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Donuts (Foggy Hollow, LLC). The registry backend is managed by Demand Media. It was delegated to the root zone in February 2014 following ICANN's New gTLD Program. The extension was established as an open, unrestricted domain product intended to provide greater expression on the Internet.
Who can register .cards domain
.cards is an open TLD with no pre-registration verification policies. It is available for registration by anyone globally, without geographic, organizational, or trademark-based restrictions. Donuts' application stated that pre-registration verification would cause more harm than benefit by denying access to legitimate registrants. The registry intends to control abuse through extensive user and rights protection mechanisms instead of eligibility barriers.
How to register .cards domain
- Search for your desired .cards domain name at any ICANN-accredited registrar to check its availability and see if it is a standard or premium name.
- Compare registration prices, term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy protection across different registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration term, which is typically one year or more.
- After purchase, verify your contact details and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting service.
Typical uses of .cards domain
The .cards extension is commonly used by businesses, individuals, and communities related to card games, greeting cards, and digital business cards. It provides a memorable and relevant namespace for hobbyist groups, e-commerce sites selling trading or playing cards, and professional networking services. Users choose this TLD to create a direct, topical connection for their website, distinguishing it from more generic alternatives.
Tips for registering .cards domain
- .cards domains are registered for a minimum term of one year, with the option to register for multiple years upfront.
- WHOIS privacy services are generally available for this TLD through participating registrars, allowing you to shield personal contact details from the public database.
- The registry employs standard ICANN rights protection mechanisms, including a Sunrise period for trademark holders and the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system for clear-cut cases of infringement.
- Standard domain transfer policies apply, allowing inter-registrar transfers subject to a 60-day lock period following initial registration or a previous transfer.
Frequently asked questions about .cards domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .cards domain?
As of today, .cards domains start from $1.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $98.16/yr across 32 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .cards domains?
NameBeta tracks 32 registrars that support .cards domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .cards domain?
The registry for .cards domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .cards domain?
Registration is open to any individual, business, or organization worldwide. There are no specific eligibility requirements, residency restrictions, or mandatory verification documents needed to register a .cards domain. The registry's philosophy is that open access best serves legitimate registrants, relying on post-registration abuse monitoring rather than pre-approval gates.
Can I transfer a .cards domain between registrars?
Transferring a .cards domain to a new registrar follows standard ICANN policy. You must ensure the domain is unlocked at your current registrar, obtain the authorization code (EPP code), and confirm that the domain is more than 60 days old and not within 60 days of a previous transfer or registration. The new registrar will initiate the transfer process, which requires approval from the administrative contact.
Are there any content restrictions for .cards websites?
The registry agreement does not impose specific content restrictions unique to the .cards TLD. Registrants must comply with all applicable laws and ICANN-mandated policies. The registry's abuse prevention focuses on illegal activity or clear violations of rights protection mechanisms rather than policing website content based on its topic or theme.
How are trademark disputes handled for .cards domains?
Trademark disputes are addressed through ICANN's mandatory rights protection mechanisms. These include the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) and the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system for clear cases of trademark infringement. The registry also operated a Sunrise period, allowing trademark owners to register corresponding names before general availability.
What happens if I forget to renew my .cards domain?
Standard renewal grace periods apply. After a domain expires, it typically enters a renewal grace period (often 30-45 days) where you can renew it at the standard rate. If not renewed, it may then enter a redemption grace period, where recovery is possible for an additional fee. After all grace periods lapse, the domain is deleted and becomes available for public registration again.
