Link.com is a domain name marketplace where you can buy, sell, or lease domain names

Link.com is a website that lets people and businesses buy, sell, or rent domain names — the web addresses that appear in your browser's address bar. The site acts as a middleman between buyers and sellers, similar to how eBay works for domain names. You can search for available domains, bid on ones someone else owns, or list your own domains for sale.

The platform handles the transaction and transfer process, though the actual domain registration and management still happens through a registrar (the company that officially records who owns a domain). Link.com connects you to buyers or sellers, but you'll need a registrar account to complete the ownership transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • Link.com is a marketplace for buying and selling domain names, not a domain registrar itself.
  • You can search for domains others own, make offers, or list domains you already own for sale.
  • The platform charges fees for transactions, typically a percentage of the sale price or a flat listing fee.
  • Domain transfers through Link.com still require a registrar account where the domain will ultimately be registered.
  • Link.com also offers domain leasing, where you can rent a domain for a set period instead of buying it outright.

How buying a domain on Link.com works

When you find a domain you want to purchase, you can make an offer to the current owner. Link.com displays the asking price if one is set, or you can submit your own bid. The owner then decides whether to accept, reject, or counter your offer. Once both sides agree on a price, Link.com handles the payment and coordinates the transfer with your registrar.

You'll need an account at a domain registrar (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains) before completing a purchase. The registrar is where the domain will actually be registered in your name. Link.com doesn't register domains — it only facilitates the sale between you and the seller.

Selling or listing a domain on Link.com

If you own a domain and want to sell it, you can list it on Link.com with a fixed price or open it to offers. The platform charges a listing fee to post your domain, and if it sells, you'll pay a commission on the sale price. Fees vary depending on the sale amount and the type of listing you choose.

When someone buys your domain, Link.com coordinates the transfer to their registrar account. You keep the domain registered in your name until the buyer's registrar confirms they've received it. The payment goes to your Link.com account, and you can withdraw it once the transaction is complete.

Domain leasing through Link.com

Instead of buying a domain outright, Link.com lets you lease one for a set period — typically one to five years. This option costs less upfront than purchasing but gives you temporary control of the domain. When the lease ends, the domain returns to the owner unless you renew or buy it.

Leasing works well if you want to test a domain for a business or project before committing to a purchase. The lease terms, price, and renewal options are set by the domain owner and displayed on the listing.

Fees and costs on Link.com

Link.com charges multiple types of fees. If you're selling, there's typically a listing fee to post your domain and a commission when it sells — usually between 10 and 15 percent of the sale price, though this varies. If you're buying, you pay the seller's asking price plus any fees Link.com charges for processing the transaction.

Renewal fees for leased domains depend on what the owner charges. Once you own a domain through Link.com, you'll also pay annual registration fees to your registrar, which are separate from Link.com's fees. These registrar fees typically range from $8 to $15 per year for most domains, though premium or specialty domains cost more.

Link.com versus other domain marketplaces

Several other platforms offer similar services. Sedo is one of the largest domain marketplaces and handles high-value sales. Flippa focuses on buying and selling websites and domains together. Afternic is another major player, especially for premium domains. GoDaddy's own marketplace lets you buy and sell domains if you're already a customer there.

Link.com tends to have a simpler interface and lower fees than some competitors, but the selection and traffic vary. The best choice depends on what type of domain you're buying or selling and which platform has active listings in your price range. Many domain investors list on multiple marketplaces at once to reach more buyers.

How domain transfers work after purchase

Once you and a seller agree on a price through Link.com, the actual transfer requires a few steps. The seller's registrar must unlock the domain and provide an authorization code (sometimes called an auth code or EPP code). You then use that code to transfer the domain to your registrar account.

The transfer process usually takes three to five business days. During this time, the domain remains active and functional. Once your registrar confirms the transfer is complete, you own the domain and can manage it from your registrar's dashboard. Link.com's role ends once the transfer is initiated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a registrar account before buying on Link.com?

You don't need one to browse or make offers, but you'll need an account at a registrar before completing a purchase. The registrar is where the domain will be registered in your name after the sale. You can open a registrar account at any time — it's free to create, and you only pay when you register or transfer a domain.

What happens if a domain transfer fails?

Link.com and the seller's registrar will work to resolve the issue, usually by re-sending the authorization code or unlocking the domain again. If the transfer can't be completed after multiple attempts, Link.com typically refunds your payment. Contact Link.com's support team with your transaction details if this happens.

Can I sell a domain I don't own yet?

No. You must own the domain and have access to the registrar account where it's registered. Link.com verifies ownership before listing a domain for sale. If you want to sell a domain someone else owns, you'd need to purchase it first.

Are there restrictions on what domains I can buy or sell?

Link.com allows most standard domains, but some trademarked or restricted domains may have legal issues. You're responsible for ensuring you have the right to sell a domain and that the buyer won't use it illegally. Link.com's terms of service prohibit domains used for fraud, phishing, or other illegal activity.

How long does it take to receive payment after selling a domain?

Link.com typically releases payment once the domain transfer to the buyer's registrar is confirmed, which usually takes three to five business days after the sale. You can then withdraw the funds to your bank account or payment method. The exact timing depends on your withdrawal method and your bank's processing speed.