How To Buy ICANN Domains With Crypto

While Web 3 has been punted by many as the chance to improve on the current standard of the Internet, it has yet to make any real progress and centralised domains remain the preferred method of web identification.

Web 2.0 domains—those that are registered with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)—remain essential for building websites, blogs, and online businesses.

Very few, if any, are using web3, NFT-supporting browsers, and browsing these sites, which are likely not even indexed by major search engines.

If you want to be visible online, you'll still need to rely on traditional domains. While disruption in the infrastructure has seemingly not happened, the payment section has seen more progress.

Purchasing a domain name with cryptocurrency has become increasingly accessible in recent years. Suppose you're using Bitcoin, stablecoins or altcoins and want to spend it on buying or renewing a domain; that can be done in a few clicks.

If this appeals to you, this guide will walk you through buying a traditional Web 2 ICANN domain using registers like Unstoppable Domains and paying with crypto.

What Are ICANN Domains?

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a nonprofit organisation responsible for managing domain names and ensuring the stability and security of the Domain Name System (DNS).

ICANN domains are the “standard” domain extensions (such as .com, .org, .net, etc.) that most websites use.

Unlike newer decentralised domain services (like those provided by Ethereum Name Service, or ENS), ICANN domains are more widely recognised and used in the traditional internet infrastructure.

The catch is that most domain registrars require payment in fiat (USD, EUR, etc.). But with the growing adoption of cryptocurrency, some registrars now allow you to pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.

Choose a Domain Registrar that Accepts Cryptocurrency

Not all domain registrars support cryptocurrency payments, so you’ll first need to find one that does. Luckily, several ICANN-accredited registrars accept crypto for domain registrations.

Some registrars who have already announced support for Bitcoin or crypto payments include:

1. Namecheap

• One of the most well-known registrars that supports cryptocurrency payments (including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum).
• Website: www.namecheap.com

2. Porkbun

• Another popular choice that accepts a wide range of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
• Website: www.porkbun.com

3. Hostinger

• This hosting provider also offers domain registration services and allows payments through cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin.
• Website: www.hostinger.com

4. Dynadot

• A reputable domain registrar that supports Bitcoin payments.
• Website: www.dynadot.com

5. BitDomain

• A more niche registrar that focuses on cryptocurrency payments and specialises in providing a variety of domain options.
• Website: www.bitdomain.com

Unstoppable Domains adds Web 2 support.

Another registrar option would be Unstoppable Domains, known for its Web3 NFT domains and digital identity services, has officially been accredited by ICANN, expanding its domain offerings beyond Web3-specific domains to include a broader range of top-level domains.

This accreditation allows the company to offer traditional domain extensions, such as generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country code domains (ccTLDs), while integrating blockchain domain options with their own TLD structure.

If you are a customer of Unstoppable Domains, you should be familiar with the process of purchasing a domain from them. The only difference is that you'll select ICANN domains first and then add them to your basket for purchase.

Note: You won't be able to take ownership of an ICANN domain and hold it in your wallet as an NFT.

Prerequisites

• A cryptocurrency wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet)
• Sufficient cryptocurrency funds
• Access to Unstoppable Domains website
• Fully funded wallet
• Valid identification (for domain registration)

Step-by-Step Guide to buying an ICANN domain with unstoppable domains

Create an Unstoppable Domains Account

1. Visit unstoppabledomains.com
2. Click "Sign Up" or "Create Account"
3. Choose your preferred registration method (email, Google, Apple)
4. Complete the account verification process

Search for Your Desired Domain

1. Use the domain search bar on the homepage
2. Enter your preferred domain name
3. Check availability and pricing
4. Select the domain extension you want (.com, .org, etc.)

Prepare Your Cryptocurrency Payment

1. Open your cryptocurrency wallet
2. Ensure you have enough funds in supported cryptocurrencies
3. Verify the wallet is connected to the right network

Complete the Purchase

1. Select the domain
2. Add to cart
3. Proceed to checkout
4. Choose "Cryptocurrency" as your payment method
5. Select your preferred cryptocurrency
6. Confirm the transaction in your wallet
7. Wait for blockchain confirmation

Domain Activation and Management

1. After purchase, verify domain ownership
2. Configure DNS settings
3. Set up domain forwarding if needed

Payment Cryptocurrencies Typically Accepted

• Bitcoin
• Ethereum (ETH) or other L-1 blockchains
• Stablecoins (USDT, USDC or DAI
• Other ERC-20 tokens

Important Considerations

• Transaction fees vary based on network congestion
• Some domains may require additional verification
• Keep your wallet seed phrase secure
• Check domain renewal policies

Potential Challenges

• High network transaction fees
• Cryptocurrency price volatility
• Potential delays in transaction confirmation

Confirmation and Domain Activation

After making the payment, the registrar will confirm the transaction, which may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the blockchain network and the service providers' assurances; some may be willing to issue your domain after one confirmation, others might require a longer settlement time before issuing.

Once the transaction is confirmed, your domain will be registered in your name, and you’ll receive an email confirmation with your domain’s details.

Manage Your Domain

After your domain is activated, you’ll be able to manage it through the registrar’s control panel.

From here, you can:

• Set up DNS records (to point the domain to your web hosting provider). Enable email forwarding.
• Protect your domain with additional services like domain privacy.
• You can also renew the domain as it nears its expiration date, either by using cryptocurrency again or by setting up automatic renewals if the registrar supports it.

Pros of Using Cryptocurrency for Domain Registration

• Privacy: Using crypto allows you to keep your payment details private, as opposed to providing your credit card or bank details.
• Lower Transaction Fees: Many cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin and Ethereum, have relatively low transaction fees compared to traditional payment processors.
• Faster Payments: Cryptocurrency transactions can be processed much faster than traditional bank transfers or even credit card payments.
• Global Accessibility: Cryptocurrency is borderless, meaning you can make payments from anywhere in the world without worrying about exchange rates or banking restrictions.
• Avoid Chargebacks: Once a cryptocurrency transaction is confirmed, it cannot be reversed, providing more security for both you and the registrar.

**Note: Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. Always double-check details before confirming.

Snap up That Domain You've Always Wanted

While this payment option only appeals to a tiny subset of the population, it is growing. If you're already participating in the Bitcoin or cryptocurrency market, it eliminates a point of friction for you.

By choosing a registrar that supports crypto payments and following the simple steps outlined above, you can take advantage of blockchain technology while securing a domain name for your Web 2.0 presence.

Whether you’re building a personal website, a finance blog, launching a business, or creating a blog, the ability to pay with cryptocurrency gives you more flexibility and privacy in managing your online assets.

Contact us

If you're having trouble getting started with purchasing the right domain, then feel free to contact us, and let's see how we can help you get a domain to get started.

Are you looking to promote your business?

Business owners can create their free business listings on nichemarket. The more information you provide about your business, the easier it will be for your customers to find you online. Registering with nichemarket is easy; all you will need to do is head over to our sign-up form and follow the instructions.

If you require a more detailed guide on how to create your profile or your listing, then we highly recommend you check out the following articles. 

• How to create a nichemarketer profile 
• How to create a nichemarket business listing 

Recommended reading

If you enjoyed this post and have a little extra time to dive deeper down the rabbit hole, why not check out the following posts about website domains.

• 9 Steps To Take Before Picking Your Domain Name
• Moz Launches Domain Authority Version 2.0 To Bring SEO Metrics Into 2019
• How To Set Up An Email Address With Your Ethereum Wallet

Tags: Domains, Website, Web domains, Cryptocurrency