...can I have a domain name without a credit card?

There are several hosting companies that include domain registration in their hosting plans. Others will register domains for you, then bill you for the registration. I do not know what the policy is though, if you cancel your hosting plan after the host pays for the domain.

Karen

Sure. Just use a domain registrar that takes checks or money orders. There are plenty that do.

-t

dude,
there are registrars that take checks online. But we are bordering on the verge of a mistake that literally dozens of my clients have made. So here goes No matter what they tell you... under no circumstances EVER EVER register your domain name through a hosting company!
Now you may say,
"But Sam, don't you offer domain name registration through your assorted web properties?"
Yes. Yes I do.
but I charge an arm and a leg for them. But that's aside from the point. What I'm getting at is that when you register a domain name through a hosting company, they almost always control the administrative contact, and registrant. Without those, you have ZERO control over that domain. Technically, you don't even own it. Doesn't sound like a bad idea if you like your hosting company. But what happens if they get uncool real quick, like many of them do? What then? What happens if they have registered it for two years and you are sick of dealing with them after six months?
Just take my word for it, it's not a good idea.

You're much better off finding a registrar that takes checks. They are out there. http://000domains.com takes money orders. Don't know if that helps.


Good luck to you.

Originally posted by sam.moses
What I'm getting at is that when you register a domain name through a hosting company, they almost always control the administrative contact, and registrant. Without those, you have ZERO control over that domain. Technically, you don't even own it. Doesn't sound like a bad idea if you like your hosting company. But what happens if they get uncool real quick, like many of them do? What then? What happens if they have registered it for two years and you are sick of dealing with them after six months?
Just take my word for it, it's not a good idea.

You're much better off finding a registrar that takes checks. They are out there. http://000domains.com takes money orders. Don't know if that helps.


Good luck to you.

Whoa there sam :)

That's a bit harsh I think.. it's a simple matter of confirming whether the domain is registered to the end user, or as in your example, registered into the hosting company's domain account..

To say that all [or almost all] hosting companies prevent you from having control of your domain when you choose to leave them is bollocks.. in fact it's mostly when they are resellers for a registrar with a thin sort of reseller program.. or of course BulkRegister/Alabanza hosts of old..


bolado...

There are a number of registrars/hosts take cheques for domains, but you may have to wait until they receive it and clear it before getting your domain registered..

buy a money order (from postal office, grocery store, etc), which does not have to clear.

i recommend registerfly.com - which is where i am getting my domain! only $9.99 per domain & with extensive features all included.