Bluehost Free Domain: How It Works and What It Costs to Renew
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Bluehost includes one free domain for the first year with a hosting plan, but there are rules. This guide summarizes Bluehost's own free domain policy, checked on November 3, 2026.
Who gets the free domain
You get one free domain for one year when you buy a web hosting plan on a 12-month or 36-month term. You must redeem it within 90 days of the purchase date.
Which domains qualify
The free domain applies to a domain transfer into Bluehost or to a new domain purchase in one of these extensions: .biz, .info, .com, .net, .org, .uk, .co.uk, .us, .eu, .de, .nl, .co, .space, .website, .blog, .online, .site, .store and .tech. Premium domain names are excluded. Bluehost also notes a value limit of $17.99 for the first year, so a domain that costs more needs a payment at checkout.
What it costs after year one
After the first year, the domain renews automatically at the then-current rate shown in your Renewal Center, until you cancel. We do not list a renewal price here because it depends on the extension. Bluehost keeps a domain price list in its help center at bluehost.com/help/article/domain-name-pricing.
Rules that can cost you money
- Refunds: if you cancel hosting within 30 days and received a free domain, Bluehost deducts a non-refundable domain fee from your refund.
- Cancelling in year one: domains cancelled within the first year are charged a non-refundable fee based on the standard domain cost.
- Transfers: a newly registered domain cannot be moved to another registrar during its first 60 days.
- Expired domains: Bluehost's FAQ describes a 45-day renewal grace period, then a 30-day redemption period with a $99.95 reactivation fee plus the renewal fee. It says the figures were accurate as of September 10, 2025, so check the current rules.
Should you rely on the free domain?
If you want to keep your domain long term, plan for its renewal cost and check the price before you accept it. Our Bluehost renewal cost guide covers hosting renewals, and the Bluehost review covers the plans that include the offer. You can see the offer on the Bluehost pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bluehost domain really free?
It is free for the first year on 12 or 36 month hosting terms, within Bluehost's conditions. It then renews at the regular rate.
Do I have to claim it right away?
You must redeem it within 90 days of buying your hosting plan.
What happens to the domain if I cancel hosting?
If you cancel within 30 days, Bluehost deducts a domain fee from your refund. Domains cancelled in the first year are also charged a non-refundable fee.