Yes, Bluehost offers a free domain name for the first year when you purchase its hosting plans. This promotion applies to new customers and covers popular domain extensions like .com, .net, and .org. The offer simplifies launching a website by bundling domain registration with hosting, saving users up to $15 annually on domain costs.
How Does Bluehost’s Free Domain Promotion Work?
Bluehost’s free domain promotion activates when selecting annual hosting plans (12+ months). Users choose their domain during signup, and Bluehost waives the first-year registration fee. The domain remains free for 12 months, after which standard renewal rates apply. This offer excludes premium domains and country-specific extensions like .uk or .ca.
The process integrates seamlessly with Bluehost’s onboarding workflow. After selecting a hosting plan, users get immediate access to domain search tools with real-time availability checks. The platform suggests alternative extensions if your preferred domain is taken, helping maintain brand consistency. For businesses planning long-term online presence, Bluehost allows setting automatic domain renewal alongside hosting payments to prevent accidental expiration. Users should note that domain privacy protection isn’t included in the free offer but can be added for $1.99/month to shield personal information from public WHOIS databases.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the Free Domain?
- Must select Basic, Choice Plus, or Online Store hosting plans
- Minimum 12-month hosting commitment required
- Available only to first-time Bluehost customers
- Valid for primary domains only (add-on domains excluded)
Can You Keep Your Free Domain After Canceling Hosting?
No. Bluehost’s free domain remains tied to active hosting service. If you cancel hosting before domain expiration, standard domain renewal fees ($17.99/year) apply to retain ownership. Users must manually renew domains through Bluehost’s control panel or transfer them to another registrar.
This policy emphasizes the importance of understanding domain lifecycle management. If you cancel hosting but want to keep the domain, you have a 30-day grace period to initiate transfer procedures. Bluehost provides detailed transfer authorization codes through its control panel, but the process requires active domain management. Many users opt to transfer domains to dedicated registrars like Namecheap or Google Domains post-cancellation for better pricing and centralized management of multiple domains.
How Does Bluehost Compare to Other Free Domain Providers?
| Host | Free Domain Term | Renewal Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bluehost | 1 Year | $17.99 |
| HostGator | 1 Year | $17.99 |
| SiteGround | No Free Domain | N/A |
What Advanced Domain Management Features Does Bluehost Offer?
- DNS management through cPanel
- Domain forwarding and masking
- WHOIS privacy protection ($1.99/month)
- Subdomain creation tools
- Bulk domain management for multiple websites
“Bluehost’s domain-host bundle offers exceptional value for startups, but users should budget for post-promotion costs. The seamless WordPress integration and 24/7 support make it ideal for beginners, though advanced users might prefer separate domain registrars for long-term flexibility.” — Mark Richardson, Hosting Strategist at Redway
Bluehost’s free domain with hosting provides cost-effective entry for new websites, though long-term costs require strategic planning. Its integration with WordPress and user-friendly tools make it particularly valuable for first-time site owners despite limitations in post-promotion pricing flexibility.
FAQs
- Can I transfer an existing domain to Bluehost?
- Yes, domain transfers are free but don’t qualify for the first-year free promotion
- Does the free domain include SSL certificates?
- Yes, all Bluehost plans include free Let’s Encrypt SSL
- What happens if my desired domain is taken?
- Bluehost suggests alternative extensions or variations during registration