About .creditunion domain
.creditunion is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by DotCoop, having been transferred from its original applicant, CUNA. It was delegated as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program and is classified as a community-based or restricted gTLD. Its core purpose as a domain product is to provide a trusted and intuitive namespace specifically for entities connected to a particular sector.
Who can register .creditunion domain
Registration for a .creditunion domain is restricted to entities with a meaningful nexus to the credit union sector. Eligible registrants include credit unions themselves, their trade associations and leagues, credit union service organizations, regulatory bodies, and entities offering products and services primarily aimed at credit unions. The registry validates eligibility, which may be based on organizational membership or other verification processes. It is not open for unrestricted public registration.
How to register .creditunion domain
- First, verify your organization's eligibility by confirming it falls within the credit union sector as defined by the registry's charter. Then, use an accredited registrar's search tool to check if your desired .creditunion domain name is available.
- Compare offers from registrars authorized to sell .creditunion domains, paying close attention to their service terms and support for the required eligibility validation process.
- Complete the checkout, which will involve submitting documentation or information to prove your organization's nexus to the credit union sector as part of the application.
- Finalize the registration by ensuring your contact details are accurate for the mandatory WHOIS validation, and then configure your DNS settings to point the domain to your hosting service.
Typical uses of .creditunion domain
The .creditunion domain extension is primarily used by credit unions and their affiliated organizations to establish a clear, sector-specific online identity. It serves as a trusted marker for members and partners seeking authentic financial cooperatives, distinguishing these not-for-profit institutions from commercial banks. Organizations choose .creditunion to signal their membership in this community and to align their web address directly with their institutional purpose, fostering trust and recognition within their member base.
Tips for registering .creditunion domain
- Registrations are subject to the registry's Name Selection Criteria Policy, which may initially require the domain name to correspond with your organization's official business or trade name.
- The registry enforces an Acceptable Use Policy; prohibited activities can lead to domain suspension or cancellation.
- Given its community-based nature, standard WHOIS privacy services may not be available, as accurate registrant information is a requirement for maintaining the trusted namespace.
Frequently asked questions about .creditunion domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .creditunion domain?
As of today, .creditunion domains start from $166.68/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $167.99/yr across 2 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .creditunion domains?
NameBeta tracks 2 registrars that support .creditunion domain registration, with the cheapest option at $166.68/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .creditunion domain?
The registry for .creditunion domains is dotCoop, administered by DotCooperation, LLC.
Who can register a .creditunion domain?
Eligibility is strictly limited to organizations within the credit union ecosystem. This includes individual credit unions, their national and regional trade associations, service providers (CUSOs), and relevant regulatory bodies. The registry validates each application against its published charter to ensure a legitimate nexus. Sole proprietors or businesses not primarily serving this sector are not permitted to register a .creditunion domain.
Can I transfer a .creditunion domain between registrars?
Transferring a .creditunion domain to a new registrar follows standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer policy, provided the domain is unlocked and you have the correct auth code. The new registrar will also need to confirm your ongoing eligibility for the TLD during the transfer process. Be aware that the registry may have specific terms regarding the transfer of domains during any initial launch phases or special periods.
What happens if my organization no longer qualifies for a .creditunion domain?
If your organization loses its eligibility status—for example, by ceasing operations or changing its business model outside the credit union sector—the registry's policies may allow for the suspension or cancellation of your domain registration. It is important to review the registry's specific terms of service, which outline the consequences for failing to maintain the required nexus. Proactively contacting the registry or your registrar in such a situation is advised.
Are there special rights protection mechanisms for trademark owners?
Yes, beyond the standard Sunrise period and Trademark Clearinghouse requirements, the .creditunion registry proposed an enhanced Rights Protection Mechanism. This process allows trademark owners to challenge domain names that were initially reserved or allocated by the registry, modeled after similar challenge processes used by other community TLDs. This provides an additional layer of protection against potential conflicts within the specialized namespace.
Can I register generic or geographic names in .creditunion?
The registry's initial Name Selection Criteria Policy focused on domains matching a registrant's business or trade name to minimize abuse. However, the applicant's stated intention was to eventually make generic and geographic strings available to eligible entities. The final equitable allocation process for such names is determined by the registry operator and may involve a specific application or allocation framework developed in consultation with the community.
