Registrar Setup Guide
Choose the right registrar and learn how to connect it to Domain Collective.
Each registrar has different requirements for API access. Choose based on your current situation.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | GoDaddy | Namecheap | Gandi | Porkbun | Name.com | Cloudflare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | 10+ domains or DDCP ($120+/yr) | 20+ domains or $50 balance/spent | None | Cloudflare DNS required Domains must use Cloudflare nameservers | None | None |
| Approval Time | Instant | Instant | 24-48 hours | Instant | Instant | Instant |
| Setup Difficulty | Medium | Hard | Easy | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Required Fields | 3 fields | 3 fields + IP | 1 field | 2 fields | 2 fields | 2 fields |
| Token Expiry | Never | Never | Expires 7 days to 1 year | Never | Never | Never |
| IP Whitelisting | Not required | Not required | Required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
Which Registrar Should I Choose?
GoDaddy
Best for established portfolios
Choose if you have:
- • 10+ domains with GoDaddy
- • Discount Domain Club membership
- • Need for professional API access
Pros:
- • Instant API access
- • No token expiry
- • Large registrar
Cons:
- • 10+ domain requirement (or paid DDCP)
- • 3 credentials needed
- • May 2024 restrictions added
Namecheap
For high-volume users
Choose if you have:
- • 20+ domains with Namecheap
- • $50+ account balance
- • Static IP address
Pros:
- • No token expiry
- • Affordable pricing
- • Good domain selection
Cons:
- • 20+ domain requirement
- • IP whitelisting required
- • Manual approval (24-48hr)
GandiRecommended
Easiest setup for everyone
Choose if you want:
- • Quick, easy setup
- • No prerequisites
- • To get started immediately
Pros:
- • No domain minimum
- • Instant access
- • Only 1 credential needed
- • Simple setup
Cons:
- • Token expires (7 days to 1 year)
- • Requires renewal management
- • Smaller registrar
Porkbun
Fastest JSON API onboarding
Choose if you want:
- • Simple API key + secret setup
- • No domain minimums
- • Developer-friendly docs
Pros:
- • Instant API access
- • Great for indie builders
- • JSON everywhere
Cons:
- • Smaller registrar
- • Limited enterprise tooling
Name.com
Reliable REST API via Basic auth
Choose if you have:
- • Existing Name.com portfolio
- • Need for quick DNS automation
- • Preference for Basic auth flows
Pros:
- • Simple username + token credentials
- • Instant approval
- • Modern REST responses
Cons:
- • Rate limits (20 req/s)
- • Must generate/store token securely
Cloudflare
Registrar + DNS under one roof
Choose if you have:
- • Domains already using Cloudflare DNS
- • Need wholesale pricing + Cloudflare security
- • Automations built on Cloudflare APIs
Pros:
- • Single API token controls registrar + DNS
- • No token expiry
- • Built-in DDoS + performance tooling
Cons:
- • Nameservers cannot be customized
- • Domains must live on Cloudflare
Need Help Deciding?
We recommend starting with the registrar where you already have the most domains.
First time user? Gandi is the easiest to set up with no prerequisites or waiting time.
Have multiple registrars? You can connect all of them to Domain Collective and manage everything in one place.