Escrow.com, step by step: a first-time buyer's guide

Most first-time domain buyers have never used escrow before. The process is boring — which is the point. Escrow.com is a licensed regulated escrow provider that has handled domain transfers since 1999, and every step is logged on both sides.

The five steps

• Agree the price and terms in email. The seller opens the Escrow.com transaction and shares the link.
• You review the terms in Escrow.com and accept. Nothing has moved yet.
• You fund escrow — wire for larger amounts, card or ACH under $10k. Escrow.com holds the funds; the seller sees 'funds secured'.
• The seller pushes the domain to your registrar account (or transfers via auth code). You confirm receipt inside Escrow.com — typically within 24 hours.
• Escrow.com releases funds to the seller. Full paper trail on both sides.

Who pays the fee

Escrow.com charges 0.89%–3.25% depending on amount and funding method. On premium transactions ($5k+) most sellers absorb it — we do. Under that, it's usually split or paid by the buyer.

What can go wrong

Almost nothing, if you use Escrow.com directly (not a lookalike domain — always type it yourself). The two real risks are chargeback attempts on card-funded escrow and buyers who fund then disappear. Escrow.com handles both.