History of the TLD

The .cheap top level domain (TLD) is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) introduced as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. It was delegated to the Domain Name System root zone in 2014. The registry for .cheap is operated by Binky Moon, LLC under the management of Identity Digital Inc. The TLD was created to provide a domain extension that signals affordability and value to consumers and businesses.

Main Use and Industry Position

The .cheap extension is primarily used by businesses, websites, and individuals that want to emphasize low cost, budget pricing, discounts, or value services and products. It is suited for e-commerce sites focused on deals, discount and coupon platforms, budget-friendly service providers, and any online presence where affordability is central to the brand. The extension occupies a niche within new gTLDs that highlight specific themes or attributes rather than broad industry sectors.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to traditional extensions like .com, .net, or .org, the .cheap TLD provides a descriptive meaning directly in the domain name, supporting marketing around affordability. However, unlike widely recognized extensions, .cheap is less familiar to a broad audience, which may affect user trust and recognition. Within the new gTLD space, .cheap competes with similar thematic extensions such as .discount or .deals, which also convey pricing-related messaging.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Enhances brand messaging around affordability and value
  

• Can support SEO by aligning domain keywords with cost-related search queries
  

Cons

• Less widely recognized and trusted compared to legacy extensions like .com
  

• May be perceived as lower quality or associated with low-tier marketing by some audiences
  
  

Registration Criteria

Anyone can register a .cheap domain on a first‑come, first‑served basis without special eligibility restrictions. The naming conventions follow standard ICANN rules, allowing letters, numbers, and hyphens with specific placement rules.

Summary

The .cheap gTLD is an active domain extension created to help businesses and projects signal cost savings and affordability directly in their web address. Managed by Binky Moon, LLC under Identity Digital, it is available globally without special restrictions and supports DNSSEC. It occupies a marketing‑oriented niche within the expanded domain name ecosystem.