Legal
Escrow & Transfer Policy
Last updated:
Domain Agency uses a straightforward bank transfer process to handle all domain purchases. This policy explains how funds are held, how domain transfers are executed, and what protections are in place for both buyers and sellers.
1. How Our Process Works
- 1
Step 1 — Purchase intent
You initiate a purchase by clicking "Buy Now" on a domain listing and completing the buyer information form. You will receive a unique payment reference and our bank details (Monzo, Sort code 04-00-06, Account 84852473) by email.
- 2
Step 2 — Bank transfer
You send the full asking price by bank transfer using the unique reference provided. This reference is essential — it allows us to match your payment to your order without delay. We do not accept partial payments or deposits.
- 3
Step 3 — Payment confirmation
Once cleared funds arrive in our account, we will confirm receipt by email within one business day. The domain is reserved for you from this point and will not be offered to any other buyer.
- 4
Step 4 — Domain transfer
We initiate the domain transfer to the registrar account you specified. For most domains this takes 1–5 business days depending on the TLD and your registrar. We will keep you updated at each stage and confirm when the transfer is complete.
2. Buyer Protections
Domain reserved on payment
Once we confirm receipt of your payment, the domain is taken off the market immediately. No other buyer can purchase or reserve it while your transfer is in progress.
Full refund if transfer fails
If we are unable to complete the transfer of the domain to you for any reason — including a registrar dispute, technical failure, or loss of ownership — we will refund the full purchase price within 10 business days. No deductions will be made.
Direct communication
You will deal directly with Domain Agency throughout the process. We will contact you by email at each stage and are available at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.
3. The Domain Transfer Process
Auth codes (EPP codes)
For generic TLDs (.com, .net, .org, .io, and others), we will provide you with the domain's authorisation (EPP) code once payment is confirmed. You use this code to initiate the transfer at your chosen registrar.
Push transfers
Where supported by the registrar, we may push the domain directly to your account rather than issuing an auth code. We will confirm which method applies to your domain before transfer begins.
Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs)
Some country-code TLDs have specific transfer requirements set by their registry. We will advise you of any additional steps required for your domain's TLD before you complete payment.
Transfer lock period
ICANN rules require that a domain cannot be transferred within 60 days of a registrar change. All domains listed on Domain Agency are free of any such lock at the time of listing. If a lock is discovered after purchase, we will notify you immediately and extend the transfer timeline accordingly.
4. Timelines
Payment confirmation: within 1 business day of cleared funds arriving. Transfer initiation: within 1–2 business days of payment confirmation. Transfer completion: typically 1–5 business days, depending on TLD and registrar. If your transfer is taking longer than expected, please contact us at [email protected] and we will investigate promptly.
5. Payment Security
All payments are made directly by bank transfer to Domain Agency's Monzo business account. We do not handle card payments, and we will never ask you to pay via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or any informal payment method. If you receive a request to pay by any method other than bank transfer to the details provided in your purchase confirmation email, please contact us immediately — it may be fraudulent.
6. Disputes
If you believe there has been an error or problem with your purchase or transfer, please contact us at [email protected] as soon as possible with your order details and payment reference. We aim to resolve all disputes within 5 business days. If we cannot resolve a dispute directly, it will be subject to the governing law and jurisdiction set out in our Terms of Service.
7. Contact Us
For any questions about a purchase, transfer, or this policy, please email [email protected]. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 2 business days.