Does a .info domain affect email deliverability differently than a .com domain?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 30 Jul 2025
Updated 18 Aug 2025
7 min read
The choice of a domain extension, also known as a Top-Level Domain (TLD), is a common concern for many email senders. When considering email deliverability, a .com domain is often seen as the gold standard. This perception isn't without reason, as .com has historically represented established businesses and broad appeal. However, the question of whether a .info domain affects email deliverability differently than a .com domain is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
While there isn't a direct technical mechanism that universally penalizes .info domains, their reputation can be influenced by how they have been historically used. Mailbox providers and internet service providers (ISPs) continuously evaluate domains based on their sending history and the types of content typically associated with their TLD. This is where the distinction often arises, affecting whether your emails land in the inbox or the spam folder.
The perception of TLDs
The primary factor differentiating .info from .com in terms of email deliverability is often the perceived trust and authority associated with each TLD. A .com domain is widely recognized globally and is generally considered more credible by both recipients and email providers. This universal recognition builds an inherent level of trust. When a mailbox provider sees an email from a .com domain, it often starts with a baseline assumption of legitimacy.
Conversely, .info domains, while intended for informational purposes, have sometimes been associated with lower-quality or even spammy content. This historical misuse, even by a minority of senders, can create a slight uphill battle for legitimate senders using a .info domain. Mailbox providers, in their efforts to protect users from unwanted email, may apply a higher level of scrutiny to domains with a less robust or more ambiguous reputation.
It is important to remember that domain extensions do affect how email providers perceive your emails, according to various experts. While the TLD choice directly influences sender reputation, it's not the only factor. A well-managed .info domain can certainly achieve good deliverability, but it requires diligent attention to all aspects of email sending best practices.
Domain reputation and trust
Domain reputation is a critical component of email deliverability, and it's closely tied to your chosen TLD. Email providers assign a reputation score to your domain based on a multitude of factors, including spam complaints, bounce rates, engagement, and whether your emails pass authentication checks. A strong domain reputation signals to ISPs that your emails are legitimate and wanted by recipients. A poor reputation, conversely, can lead to your emails being flagged as spam or outright blocklisted (or blacklisted).
While a .com domain often starts with a cleaner slate reputation-wise due to its widespread adoption and perceived legitimacy, a .info domain might begin with a slightly lower trust score in the eyes of some smaller mailbox providers. This doesn't mean it's impossible to build a good domain reputation with a .info TLD. It simply means you might need to be even more meticulous in your sending practices from day one to establish and maintain trust. Think of it as starting a credit score, where some factors give you a slight head start.
Using a .com domain
Initial trust: Benefits from an inherent level of credibility due to its widespread use and association with established entities.
Lower scrutiny: Less likely to be immediately flagged by email filters based solely on the TLD, assuming other sending practices are good.
Brand recognition: More memorable and recognizable for recipients, which can subtly improve engagement over time.
Using a .info domain
Reputation building: May need to work harder to build initial trust and establish a positive sending history.
Higher scrutiny: Could face more aggressive filtering from smaller or more cautious mailbox providers.
Perception: Some recipients might unconsciously associate it with less professional or less trustworthy senders.
Technical foundation and authentication
Regardless of your TLD, the technical configuration of your email sending infrastructure is paramount. Properly setting up and maintaining your email authentication records like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is non-negotiable for any domain. These records prove to receiving servers that you are a legitimate sender authorized to send emails from your domain, preventing spoofing and improving deliverability. Google and Yahoo's latest requirements highlight the importance of these standards.
A .info domain with correctly configured authentication and a consistent, positive sending history will generally outperform a .com domain with poor or missing authentication. Mailbox providers prioritize adherence to these technical standards, as they are fundamental to security and spam prevention. For example, Google's guidelines emphasize these technical foundations irrespective of the TLD.
While .com domains might have a slight advantage in initial trust, domain reputation often outweighs the TLD when it comes to long-term deliverability. It is your sending behavior, not just your domain extension, that ultimately determines your success. Maintaining a clean sending list, sending relevant content, and avoiding spam traps are crucial for any domain. Less common domain extensions like .info will still require consistent positive engagement.
Managing a .info domain for deliverability
If you are already using a .info domain and experiencing good deliverability, there is often no need to change. Shifting to a new domain can be quite disruptive to your domain reputation and could take months to rebuild trust with mailbox providers. Instead, focus on maintaining your excellent sending practices.
For those just starting out or considering a .info domain, it is prudent to understand the potential challenges. While a .com is generally preferred for its established trust, a .info can be viable with careful management. Consider acquiring a related .com domain even if you primarily use a .info for email. This can serve as a backup or a way to project a more familiar presence to some users, especially in B2C contexts.
Ultimately, your email content, list hygiene, and recipient engagement will have a far greater impact on deliverability than the specific TLD. If your emails are consistently relevant, valuable, and sent to engaged recipients, your domain's reputation will thrive, regardless of whether it's a .com or a .info. If you find your emails consistently go to spam, the TLD might be a minor contributing factor, but broader sending practices are usually the culprit.
The key is proactive monitoring and adaptation. Regularly check your deliverability metrics, monitor any blocklist listings (or blacklist listings), and respond swiftly to any issues. Your domain's health depends more on your ongoing commitment to best practices than its initial extension.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Maintain consistent sending volume and email content to build a reliable domain reputation.
Prioritize email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) for all sending domains.
Regularly monitor your email deliverability metrics and domain reputation.
Common pitfalls
Assuming that a .info domain will inherently lead to poor deliverability without proper management.
Changing domain names frequently, which can disrupt established sending reputations and trust.
Neglecting email authentication or sending inconsistent email campaigns.
Expert tips
Consider a .com domain for primary business operations and a .info for specific informational content.
For B2C sending, a .com often carries more universal recognition and trust.
If currently using a .info domain with good performance, focus on consistent monitoring rather than immediate change.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says generally, it is not recommended to use cheaper TLDs like .info because they are often abused. While major providers might still give a fair hearing, smaller providers are more likely to score such TLDs as spammier.
2019-12-10 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says if a client is performing well with a .info domain, it is best not to change it. Changing domains is often traumatic to reputation and can take months to recover.
2019-12-10 - Email Geeks
Key takeaways for your domain choice
The domain extension you choose can indeed play a role in how your emails are perceived and delivered, but it's rarely the sole determinant. While a .com domain generally offers a built-in advantage of trust and familiarity, a .info domain can achieve strong deliverability provided it adheres to stringent email sending best practices. The core principles of email deliverability, such as building a positive sender reputation, ensuring proper authentication, and maintaining high engagement, apply universally, regardless of the TLD.
Focus on the foundational elements of email security and deliverability. Implement strong email authentication protocols, send valuable content to engaged recipients, and consistently monitor your email performance. By doing so, you can mitigate any potential initial bias against a .info domain and establish it as a trustworthy sender in the long run. Prioritizing these elements will have a far greater impact than the domain extension itself.
