Published on TIGM.com — Where Domains Become Headlines
Buying .IO domains? Learn premium renewal rules, transfer steps, redemption timelines, and DNS/email best practices — plus a pre-purchase checklist.
Key terms (first-use meanings)
- TLD: top-level domain (e.g., .io, .com).
- Premium renewal: tiered renewal fee that’s higher every year, not just on first purchase.
- Auth/EPP code: authorization code used to transfer a domain between registrars.
- Redemption (RGP): 30-day post-expiry window allowing paid restoration.
- Pending Delete: last ~5-day stage before a domain is deleted and can be re-registered.
Why .IO is popular
- Tech/dev signal: Favoured by startups, APIs, and dev tools—.IO instantly reads as “tech.”
- Name availability: More short/coined brands remain open compared to .COM.
- Perception: Feels modern, concise, and technical—especially suited for B2D or SaaS.
Bottom line: .IO is a perfect fit for tech-first brands. For broader, non-tech markets or resale liquidity, .COM still wins.
Premium renewals — what to check before buying
Some .IO domains are flagged as premium by the registry or registrar, meaning elevated renewal fees each year.
- Premium = higher annual renewal, not just first year.
- Tiers differ per registrar — check renewal, not registration.
- Transfers keep the same premium tier.
- Restores cost more: restore fee + premium renewal.
Quick checklist before buying:
- Review renewal rate in cart (ignore promo pricing).
- Ask support if domain has a premium renewal tier.
- Budget 3–5 years ahead for hold costs.
Transfers (registrar → registrar)
Steps
- Unlock the domain at the current registrar.
- Obtain the Auth/EPP code.
- Initiate the transfer at the destination registrar.
- Confirm via email links.
- Transfer completes within a few days (adds 1-year term at most registrars).
Tips & quirks
- Confirm renewal price at destination (especially for premium names).
- Keep WHOIS email correct; privacy can block confirmation emails.
- Newly registered or recently transferred domains may face temporary lock (check policy).
Expiry, grace, and redemption (buyer reality)
| Stage | What Happens | Recovery? | Cost Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-renew grace | Registrar holds renewal briefly post-expiry | ✅ Yes | Standard or premium renewal fee |
| Redemption (RGP) | Final recovery window (~30 days) | ✅ Yes (with restore fee) | Restore + premium renewal |
| Pending Delete (~5d) | Domain queued for final deletion | ❌ No | Drops after PD; can be backordered |
Tip: Avoid redemption—it’s expensive and varies by registrar.
Email & DNS hygiene (day-to-day ops)
Email deliverability: .IO is fine for email, provided DNS auth is configured:
- SPF → declares who can send mail.
- DKIM → cryptographic signature for authenticity.
- DMARC → defines policy and reporting for spoofed mail.
DNS essentials:
- Use a reliable anycast DNS host.
- Maintain clean A/AAAA, CNAME, MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC records.
- Enable TLS/HTTPS everywhere.
- Propagation takes minutes–hours depending on TTL.
See related TIGM guides:
DKIM Setup: Selector Checker
Pricing & resale (practical reality)
- Asks: .IO typically priced below .COM, but strong tech-fit names can command Core–Prime levels.
- Liquidity: narrower buyer base → longer hold times.
- Best inventory: short/coined (5–7 chars) or clean two-word tech phrases. Avoid odd spellings.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Renewal verified (standard or premium)
- Transfer-in renewal price known
- Multi-year cost planned (3–5 yrs)
- WHOIS privacy & contact email confirmed
- Grace/redemption policy reviewed
- DNS host & email auth plan ready
- Clear tech/dev use-case fit
Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)
- Surprised by premium renewal?
→ Always confirm renewal rate before checkout. - Lost transfer emails?
→ Check WHOIS contacts and spam folders; disable privacy if blocking confirmations. - Expired into redemption?
→ Renew before expiry. Restore = restore fee + renewal (premium tier applies). - Assumed drop availability?
→ Many .IOs go to expired auctions, not immediate drop. Check registrar flow.
FAQs (fast answers)
Are .IO domains good for SEO/email?
Yes. With proper DNS auth, .IO performs normally. TLD affects perception, not performance.
Do .IO transfers add a year?
Usually yes—but confirm in checkout, especially on premium names.
Why do some .IO names renew higher?
They’re tagged as premium renewals. Fee repeats yearly, not once.
Can I transfer while in redemption?
No. Restore first, then transfer.
Do .IO restore fees run high?
Yes—restore + renewal, and premium names cost more.