History of the TLD
.cards is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) introduced as part of ICANN’s New gTLD Program. The registry agreement was signed in 2013 and the extension was delegated into the DNS Root Zone in 2014, making it operational worldwide. It was created to provide internet space associated with cards of all kinds and to offer more expressive domain choices beyond legacy extensions.
Main Use and Industry Position
.cards is positioned as a descriptive and open gTLD suitable for a broad range of card-related websites and services. Its intended use covers playing cards, greeting cards, business card services, trading card communities, and similar niches focused on cards and card activities. It is open for registration by individuals and organizations without specific restrictions.
Comparison to Other TLDs
Compared to legacy extensions such as .COM, .NET, and .ORG, .cards offers more specific semantic branding for card-related content and services. It is less widely recognized than legacy extensions but provides a clearer indication of a site’s thematic focus. Its open registration model is similar to other generic extensions like .STORE, .ONLINE, and .TECH, but its niche theme distinguishes it from more broad-purpose TLDs.
Pros and Cons of the TLD
Pros
Provides thematic relevance for card-related businesses and communities
Open registration with no special eligibility restrictions
Supports internationalized domain names and standard DNS features
Cons
Less mainstream recognition than legacy extensions like .COM
May feel limiting for brands that expand beyond cards
Premium pricing at some registrars compared to common TLDs
Registration Criteria
Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis to anyone globally. Domain names must meet standard character requirements and follow general DNS naming conventions.
Summary
.cards is a generic top-level domain delegated in 2014 under ICANN’s new gTLD program. It is managed by a registry associated with Identity Digital (formerly Donuts) and is widely available for entities focusing on any type of card-related content or business. Its niche positioning offers clearer branding for card-related projects compared to more general extensions.
| Domain | New Price | Renew | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
.cards
|
USD
$30.2
1st year
|
USD
$30.2
For 1 year
|
USD $30.2 |
| TLD | Registration (USD $) | Renewal (USD $) | Transfer (USD $) | Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .com | $10.46 | $10.46 | $10.46 | Free |
| .net | $11.11 | $11.11 | $11.11 | Free |
| .co | $26.00 | $26.00 | $26.00 | Free |
| .biz | $16.20 | $16.20 | $16.20 | Free |
| .online |
$2.00*
$27.70
|
$27.70 | $27.70 | Free |
| .org | $10.13 | $10.13 | $10.13 | Free |
| .io | $50.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 | Free |
| .co.uk | $5.55 | $5.55 | Free | NA |
| .info | $21.20 | $21.20 | $21.20 | Free |
| .us | $6.50 | $6.50 | $6.50 | NA |
| .store |
$3.00*
$42.20
|
$42.20 | $42.20 | Free |
| .site |
$2.00*
$27.70
|
$27.70 | $27.70 | Free |
| .website |
$2.00*
$20.20
|
$20.20 | $20.20 | Free |
| .tv | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 | Free |
| .me | $17.37 | $17.37 | $17.37 | Free |
| .cc | $8.00 | $8.00 | $8.00 | Free |
| .xyz | $12.30 | $12.30 | $12.30 | Free |
| .mobi | $40.20 | $40.20 | $40.20 | Free |
| .name | $6.80 | $6.80 | $6.80 | Free |
| .it.com |
$4.50*
$25.20
|
$25.20 | $25.20 | Free |
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