The top-level domain (TLD) “.loans” is one of the many specialized domain extensions available for use in the internet’s domain name system. TLDs are the highest level of naming structure in internet addresses and are a crucial part of any web address. The generic TLD “.loans” is intended to provide a distinct, reliable, and easily identifiable online space for all things relating to loans – be it personal loans, mortgage loans, student loans, or automobile loans among others. The “.loans” TLD was delegated as a part of ICANN’s (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) New gTLD Program in 2013 and is managed by Donuts Inc, a major domain name service provider (ICANN, 2013).
A TLD like “.loans” brings multiple advantages. For businesses, it can help them establish an industry-specific online entity, improve search engine optimization, and offer an innovative branding opportunity. For consumers, it helps to locate helpful and relevant information more efficiently (Donuts Inc, n.d.).
Let’s consider an example. A finance company or a bank offering various loan services could use a “.loans” TLD to create domain names like “personal.loans”, “auto.loans”, or “smallbusiness.loans”. Here, the organization is not just carving out separate online identities for each loan service but also helping consumers to navigate their offerings in an easier way. Another example could be an advisory or educational website providing information on how to manage different types of loans. They could use a domain like “understanding.loans” or “loans101”.
The .loans domains are available for registration to the general public and have renewal, transfer & release policies governed by the rules and regulations laid out by Donuts Inc, as listed on InterNetX, a top domain registrar’s website (InterNetX, n.d.).
Sources:
1. ICANN, New gTLD Program, Official website, accessed on 15 September 2021,
https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program
1. Donuts Inc, Official website, accessed on 15 September 2021,
https://donuts.domains/what-we-do/domain-names
1. InterNetX, .LOANS domain: Everything about .loans domains!, Official website, accessed on 15 September 2021,
https://www.internetx.com/en/domains/new-top-level-domains/loans-domain/
