Why RBI’s .bank.in Mandate is number 1 Game-Changing but Demanding Reform for Banks

New ways of Digital banking have transformed the way Indians save, invest, and transact. But with growth comes risk—phishing attacks, fake bank websites, and identity theft are rising every year. To fight these threats, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a major security reform: all banks in India must complete their domain migration by October 31, 2025.

In simple terms, this means your bank’s official website and digital services must move to a verified .bank.in domain. This blog explains in layman’s language why banks must use domains, what it means for you as a customer, and the benefits and challenges of this migration.

What is the .bank.in Domain Migration?

The .bank.in domain migration is an RBI mandate requiring all commercial, cooperative, and rural banks to shift their online presence from generic domains (like .com or .co.in) to a secure .bank.in address.

For example:

• Current domain: www.onlinesbi.com
• New domain after migration: www.sbi.bank.in

This is not just a cosmetic change. Only RBI-regulated banks will be eligible to use this domain, making it a digital trust badge for Indian banking customers. The migration will be managed in coordination with the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), which oversees domain registration for Indian banks.

Deadline for Migration

The RBI has set October 31, 2025 as the final deadline for the .bank.in domain migration. According to The Economic Times, all banks are expected to:

• Register their new .bank.in domain.
• Move websites, internet banking portals, and apps under this domain.
• Notify customers and ensure smooth redirection from old domains.

Why RBI is Mandating .bank.in Domain Migration

Here are the key reasons, explained simply:

1. Stop Phishing and Fraud
   Fake websites trick users with lookalike addresses. The domain migration ensures only licensed banks can use this domain, reducing the chances of scams.
2. Build Customer Trust
   When you see “hdfc.bank.in” or “sbi.bank.in,” you immediately know it’s official. This creates confidence in online banking transactions.
3. Strengthen Cybersecurity
   Migration forces banks to adopt secure practices—DNS security, SSL certificates, and email verification protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
4. Simplify Oversight
   Regulators can more easily monitor fraud attempts when every bank follows a standardized bank domain.
5. Support Digital India
   A unified, verified domain for banks aligns with India’s digital safety mission, ensuring secure online financial infrastructure.

What Banks Need to Do

The bank domain migration is more than just buying a new domain. It requires:

• Domain Registration: Through IDRBT (authorized by RBI).
• Website Migration: Shifting all portals and apps.
• Redirects: From old domains to the new .bank.in addresses.
• Email Security: Updating email systems with anti-spoofing protocols.
• Customer Communication: Announcing changes clearly to avoid confusion.
• Testing & Monitoring: Ensuring smooth function after migration.

Benefits of .bank.in Domain Migration

For Customers

• Easier to spot genuine bank websites.
• Reduced risk of phishing and identity theft.
• More trust in net banking and mobile banking apps.

For Banks

• Enhanced reputation and credibility.
• Stronger defense against cyber threats.
• Compliance with RBI’s cybersecurity norms.

For Regulators

• Easier fraud detection.
• Unified standard for monitoring.

Challenges Banks Will Face

While the benefits are clear, the domain migration has hurdles:

1. Technical Complexity: Migrating portals, APIs, and mobile apps.
2. Email Deliverability: Rebuilding trust for new domain email IDs.
3. Costs: Security certificates, technical manpower, and testing.
4. Customer Awareness: Ensuring users don’t get misled during transition.
5. Tight Deadline: Banks must finish before October 31, 2025.

What Customers Should Do

As a customer, here’s how to stay safe during the migration:

• Always check the bank’s website ends with .bank.in.
• Be suspicious of emails from non-domains after migration.
• Update your saved bookmarks and mobile apps.
• Follow official announcements from your bank.

SEO, Branding & Trust Impact

The .bank.in domain migration is also important from a branding and SEO perspective:

• SEO: With proper redirects, banks won’t lose rankings; the secure domain may even improve visibility.
• Branding: A standard domain format adds professionalism and reduces confusion.
• Trust Signals: Customers will increasingly treat .bank.in as a seal of authenticity.

Final Thoughts

The RBI’s domain migration mandate is game-changing but demanding. It promises safer digital banking, stronger cybersecurity, and higher customer trust. At the same time, it requires heavy technical work, costs, and clear communication.

For banks, the message is clear: start migrating now to avoid last-minute risks. For customers, the takeaway is simple: from November 2025, always trust websites ending with .bank.in for your financial security.

Key Takeaways

• Deadline: October 31, 2025.
• Benefits: security, trust, fraud reduction.
• Challenges: technical, cost, awareness.
• Customers: check for .bank.in before banking online.

If you would like to read more about such information, you can click here.