🏦 Now Banks Will Use the “.bank.in” Domain for Their Official Portals — RBI’s New Move for Safer Digital Banking

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a major step toward strengthening cybersecurity in the Indian banking system — all banks in India will now host their official websites and online portals under the new “.bank.in” domain.

🔍 What Does This Mean?

Until now, most banks used generic domains like .com, .co.in, or .in — for example, hdfcbank.com or sbi.co.in.
But under the new RBI directive, every bank will be required to shift to a verified, secure domain ending with “.bank.in”.

For example:
✅ Old: www.icicibank.com
✅ New: www.icici.bank.in

This makes it easier for customers to identify genuine bank websites and stay safe from fake or fraudulent links.

🧭 Who Will Manage These Domains?

The new “.bank.in” domains will be issued and managed by the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) — an institution established by the RBI to advance secure banking technologies.

IDRBT will work closely with:

• NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India), and

• MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and IT)

to ensure that only verified banks can obtain and use these domains.

📅 Deadline for Migration

All banks must complete their migration to the “.bank.in” domain by October 31, 2025.
Until then, both old and new websites may run in parallel, with automatic redirects to ensure a smooth transition for customers.

💡 Why This Matters

This initiative is part of RBI’s broader mission to make India’s digital banking ecosystem safer, stronger, and more transparent.

Key objectives include:

• 🔐 Preventing phishing and fake websites that mimic bank portals.

• 🧩 Building a uniform, verified online identity for all Indian banks.

• 🤝 Increasing customer trust in digital and online banking transactions.

✅ Benefits of the “.bank.in” Domain

For Customers:

• Easy to recognize genuine bank websites.

• Reduces chances of falling prey to online banking scams.

• Improves confidence while making digital payments or using net banking.

For Banks:

• Strengthens cybersecurity and brand credibility.

• Ensures compliance with RBI’s digital safety standards.

• Builds a unified online presence across the banking sector.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do customers need to change how they log in to their bank accounts?
👉 No. Your username, password, and login process will remain the same. Only the website address (URL) will change to end with “.bank.in”

2. Will my old bank website stop working?
👉 Not immediately. Banks will redirect you automatically from their old domain (like .com or .co.in) to the new .bank.in address.
However, it’s a good habit to update your bookmarks and saved links once your bank completes the migration.

3. How can I be sure I’m on a genuine bank website?
👉 Always check that:

• The URL ends with “.bank.in”, and

• It begins with “https://” (showing a secure connection).
  If either is missing, do not enter your login details or personal information.

4. Will the mobile banking app also change?
👉 The app itself won’t necessarily change, but it may be updated to reflect the new domain. Always download apps only from official app stores — never from third-party links.

5. What if I receive an email or SMS with a bank link that doesn’t end with “.bank.in”?
👉 Be cautious. It could be a phishing attempt.
Always type your bank’s website manually in the browser or use your bank’s official app to log in.

. Who can use the “.bank.in” domain?
👉 Only licensed banks approved by the RBI can register and operate under the “.bank.in” domain. This exclusivity ensures customer safety and trust.

🔔 Dhan Shiksha Insight

The introduction of “.bank.in” marks a new era of digital safety in Indian banking.
Just as we verify our UPI handles or check for secure payment gateways, soon checking for “.bank.in” will become a simple, everyday safety habit.

So, next time you log into your bank account —
🖥️ Pause. Check. Confirm — Does it end with “.bank.in”?
That’s your green signal for safe banking online.

🖋️ Author: Dhan Shiksha Editorial Team
Empowering India with Financial Wisdom & Digital Awareness.
💡 Stay Smart. Stay Secure. Stay Financially Aware.

👉 “Stay tuned with Dhan Shiksha for more RBI and financial safety updates.”