Currently, there is no top-level domain (TLD) with the extension .AMEX, according to the information available from ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the organization responsible for managing and coordinating the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). ICANN oversees the distribution and registration of top-level domains, which include generic TLDs (gTLDs) such as .com, .net, and .org, as well as country code TLDs (ccTLDs), such as .uk or .us.
A top-level domain is the part of the domain name which follows the final dot, or to the right-hand side, and is a key component of the URL (or website address) we use to navigate the internet. Top-level domains play an essential part in navigating the internet and finding specific websites.
According to the IANA’s (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) Root Zone Database, which provides data on top-level domains, there are more than 1,500 TLDs as of February 2021 including brand-name TLDs like .google and .apple. This can be verified by visiting their webpage (data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt).
It is, however, possible for a company or trademark holder to apply for and register a TLD corresponding to their respective brand name through ICANN’s New gTLD Program. This was the case with Apple Inc., Rolex SA, and other big organizations which applied for and were approved to use .apple and .rolex respectively. They did this primarily to protect their brand name and to increase their customers’ trust as only they can register domains in their branded TLD.
However, as of the date of this response, no information or application has been filed for the registration of .AMEX as a TLD. It is important to note that the process of application and registration of a new TLD with ICANN is comprehensive and can take several years to complete.
The application for a new gTLD with ICANN also comes with a considerable cost (USD $185,000 as of the last application round) and ongoing regulatory requirements. That’s why typically, only larger organizations and companies, that can afford the investment and have a clear strategy on how they would benefit from owning their brand as a TLD, would generally decide to take this step.
In conclusion, while .AMEX is not currently a recognized TLD at this time, it remains a possibility that in the future American Express Company, commonly known and referred to as Amex, might apply for it in a future new gTLD application phase.
Sources:
- ICANN official website (www.icann.org)
- IANA Root Zone Database (data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt)
- ICANN New gTLD Program (newgtlds.icann.org/en)
- “About Top-Level Domains”, Google Registry (https://registry.google/about/domains.html)
