The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a major cybersecurity step by directing all Indian banks to migrate their official websites to the new “.bank.in” domain. This move, known as the Indian banks new domain upgrade, aims to reduce online fraud, strengthen digital banking safety, and increase public trust in online transactions. Moreover, it represents a proactive effort to modernize India’s financial ecosystem in response to rising cyber threats.
A devastating tragedy struck on November 11, 2025, when a Turkish Air Force C-130 Hercules military transport plane crashed in Georgia’s Kakheti region, near the Azerbaijan border.
Why RBI Introduced the Indian Banks New Domain
To begin with, RBI’s circular issued on April 22, 2025, mandates that all banks complete migration to the “.bank.in” domain by October 31, 2025. This decision is not merely a technical upgrade; rather, it is a strategic move toward standardizing the online identity of all Indian banks. Consequently, customers will be able to recognize genuine banking websites instantly, thereby avoiding phishing traps and fake domains. Furthermore, this transition highlights RBI’s commitment to fortifying digital banking infrastructure across the country.
How the New Domain Enhances Cybersecurity
The new “.bank.in” domain functions as a digital security badge for verified Indian banks. By creating a uniform and RBI-authorized online identity, fake websites will find it much harder to deceive users. As a result, this initiative will:
- Significantly reduce phishing and spoofing incidents.
- Help customers quickly verify legitimate banking websites.
- Boost user confidence in digital payment systems.
- Ultimately, lower financial losses due to cyber fraud.
In addition, this domain upgrade aligns with global best practices in banking cybersecurity, ensuring that Indian banks stay on par with international standards.
Which Banks Have Switched to the New Domain
Several major banks have already begun adopting their new URLs, marking visible progress in the Indian banks new domain rollout. For instance:
- State Bank of India: sbi.bank.in
- Punjab National Bank: pnb.bank.in
- HDFC Bank: hdfc.bank.in
- ICICI Bank: icici.bank.in
- Axis Bank: axis.bank.in
- Canara Bank: canara.bank.in
As more banks transition, users will gradually notice consistent naming patterns that make official websites easier to identify. Therefore, customers should stay informed and update any saved bookmarks accordingly.
Who Manages the .bank.in Domain
The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) is the authorized registrar of the new domain. In addition, it operates under the supervision of the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), ensuring coordinated governance at multiple levels. Furthermore, this layered oversight guarantees that only verified and approved banks can acquire a “.bank.in” domain. Consequently, the system maintains strict control, enhances trust, and promotes greater transparency within India’s digital banking ecosystem.. Additionally, this system guarantees that all participating banks meet the required security and compliance standards before approval.
What Users Should Do
To stay safe, customers should always verify that their bank’s website ends with “.bank.in.” If a website uses a different ending, such as “.com” or “.co.in,” it may not be official. Moreover, users should report any suspicious or fraudulent websites to their respective banks immediately. By adopting these habits, customers will play an active role in making the Indian banks new domain initiative successful.
Besides, it is essential to update saved links, check HTTPS security certificates, and rely only on URLs provided by the bank’s official communication channels. Over time, these small steps will collectively enhance the country’s digital safety net.
Conclusion
In summary, RBI’s introduction of the “.bank.in” domain marks a crucial turning point in India’s fight against digital banking fraud. Although this initiative alone may not eliminate every type of cybercrime, it will drastically cut down domain-related scams. Furthermore, it symbolizes the beginning of a more secure, unified, and trustworthy online banking environment.
By embracing the Indian banks new domain initiative, both banks and customers are moving toward a safer digital future — one where authenticity is clearer, fraudsters are deterred, and trust in online banking grows stronger each day.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
For more on current events, check out our full coverage of the Tragic Day in Turkish Aviation and stay updated on the latest developments.
