Most domain registrars don't take Monero. But they all take Visa cards. So you can buy a domain with Monero by turning your XMR into a virtual card first. This guide shows you how, and how to keep your domains from running out.
Key takeaways
- Most registrars don't take Monero, but they do take a virtual Visa card.
- Fill a card with XMR, then pay at Namecheap, GoDaddy, Dynadot or NameSilo.
- Turn on domain privacy to hide your name and address from public domain records.
- Keep money on the card around your renewal date, or the domain can expire.
Why pay with Monero?
- Private by design. Monero keeps who sent a payment, who got it and how much private on its network.
- No bank in the middle. You fill the card with crypto, so your bank never sees what you buy.
- The store sees a normal card. It gets a Visa payment with the card's alias name, not your real name.
- Pair it with domain privacy. Most registrars hide your contact details from public records, often for free.
Registrars you can pay this way
- Namecheap
- GoDaddy
- Dynadot
- NameSilo
- Name.com
These are all on our list of accepted merchants. Each registrar and the card issuer still check every payment.
Step by step: buy a domain with Monero
- Make an account. Sign up and open your dashboard.
- Deposit Monero. Choose Deposit, then pick Monero (XMR). The invoice shows an address and the exact amount to send. Send that amount from your Monero wallet before the invoice runs out.
- Wait for confirmations. Monero needs 10 network confirmations. This usually takes about 20 minutes. Then the money shows in your wallet.
- Make a card. Go to Cards and make a Shield 3DS Card.
- Put money on the card. Add the domain price plus a few dollars. Some domains cost more in the first year or when you renew.
- Search for your domain. Find the name you want and add it to your cart. Turn on domain privacy if it is offered.
- Add the card. At checkout, choose to pay by card. Type in the card number, expiry date and CVV. For the billing address, copy the one from your card page exactly.
- Enter the security code if asked. Some payments ask for a one-time code (this is called 3D Secure). Go to your card page. You will find the 3DS password and the latest one-time code there. Type the code in before it expires.
What it costs
| What | Cost |
|---|---|
| Deposit Monero | Shown on the invoice before you pay |
| Make a new card | $12.50, once |
| Monthly card fee | $10 per card, taken from your wallet |
| Add money to a card | 9.5% + $3 each time |
| Payments under 30 EUR | $0.87 per payment |
| Declined payment | $0.87 |
| Take money off a card | $1 or 1% |
| Limit per payment | Up to $5,000 |
| Daily or monthly limit | No limit |
Example: say you pay $12 for a .com domain. You add $20 to the card. The top-up fee is 9.5% of $20 ($1.90) plus $3, so $4.90. The payment is under 30 EUR, so there is also a $0.87 payment fee. You always see the exact fees before you confirm anything.
Don't lose your domain at renewal
- Check the renewal price. It is often higher than the first-year price.
- Turn on auto-renew, and keep enough money on the card in the month your domain renews.
- Renew for more than one year if you want fewer payments to remember.
How to keep it working
- Deposit early. Monero takes about 20 minutes to confirm. Don't wait until the day a payment is due.
- Keep a little extra on the card. A few dollars more than you plan to spend is enough.
- Keep money in your wallet for the monthly card fee. If your wallet can't pay the $10 when it's due, the card is closed for good. Any money left on it goes back to your wallet.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Monero deposit take?
Usually about 20 minutes. Monero needs 10 network confirmations before the money shows in your wallet.
What if I send the wrong amount of Monero?
Always send the exact amount the invoice shows. If you send too little, the deposit may not finish. Contact support with your transaction ID and we will help.
Can I buy a domain on Namecheap with Monero?
Not directly with XMR. Fill a HideTap virtual card with Monero and pay Namecheap by card.
Will my name be public?
Domain records can show the owner's details. Turn on domain privacy at your registrar to hide them. The card itself shows an alias name.
What happens if a renewal payment fails?
Your registrar will usually remind you, then the domain expires if you don't pay. Add money to the card and renew as soon as you can.
Can I buy many domains at once?
Yes. Each payment can be up to $5,000, and there is no daily or monthly limit.
Get started
Make a HideTap account, deposit Monero and buy your domain today. Need a server too? Read how to pay for a VPS with Monero. For every Monero guide in one place, read how to buy a virtual card with Monero.
