Wildcard SSL Certificates

A Wildcard SSL Certificate secures an unlimited number of subdomains on a single domain name with one SSL Certificate. Instead of ordering a separate SSL Certificate for each subdomain, you cover them all, including any you add later, under the same Wildcard SSL Certificate.

This removes the need for many standard SSL Certificates, which lowers cost and leaves you with a single SSL Certificate to track, validate and reissue rather than one for every name.

Strong Security on Every Subdomain

Every subdomain receives the same level of protection. Each Wildcard SSL Certificate uses a 2048-bit RSA key as a minimum, together with the SHA-256 signature algorithm and 256-bit session encryption.

The SSL Certificates we provide are recognized by all modern web browsers and operating systems, so your visitors connect securely whichever device or browser they use.

The Apex Domain Is Always Included

A Wildcard SSL Certificate covers every subdomain of the name you order, such as shop.example.com and mail.example.com, and it also secures the apex domain, example.com itself. The apex is always included at no extra cost.

When an order for a Wildcard SSL Certificate license is processed, a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) is added to the license for the apex domain, free of charge.

This holds even where a wildcard forms part of a Multi Domain SSL Certificate, where each wildcard you include brings its own apex with it. Learn About Multi Domain SSL Certificates 🔗

The names included free with each kind of SSL Certificate, and how they are applied, are set out in full on a dedicated page. Learn About Domain Names Secured Free 🔗

Fast Issuance and Validation

Most Wildcard SSL Certificates are Domain Validation (DV) products and are issued within minutes of Domain Control Validation (DCV) completing, which itself usually completes within minutes. You can secure new subdomains quickly, without validating a separate SSL Certificate for each one.

A Wildcard SSL Certificate cannot be validated using the file-based method. Validation is completed using the Domain Name System (DNS) method or by e-mail instead. Find Out More About Wildcard Validation Methods 🔗

Real Business Benefits

A Wildcard SSL Certificate is most useful where a single domain runs many subdomains. Two common examples show where it helps :

A growing online store might run its shop on store.example.com, discounted lines on outlet.example.com, wholesale ordering on wholesale.example.com and returns on returns.example.com. One Wildcard SSL Certificate secures all of them, and any further subdomains you add, without buying more SSL Certificates.

A business might run e-mail on mail.example.com, remote access on vpn.example.com, an intranet on intranet.example.com and a staff portal on hr.example.com. A single Wildcard SSL Certificate protects every one of these systems with consistent security across the organization.

Ordering Your Wildcard SSL Certificate

Consolidating onto a single Wildcard SSL Certificate lowers cost, simplifies management and keeps protection consistent as you add services. New subdomains are covered the moment you create them, with no further purchase or validation.

Ordering takes only a few minutes, and most Wildcard SSL Certificates are issued shortly afterward once Domain Control Validation (DCV) is complete.

Choose From Our Wildcard Products

Trustico® offers a wide range of wildcard SSL Certificates. Choose from the available products below to secure your website.

Trustico® DV Single Site vs Wildcard

Single Site secures just one website or domain, whereas the primary advantage of Wildcard SSL Certificates is their cost-effectiveness and consolidating the need for multiple SSL Certificates into one. Ensure you are logged in to view any custom pricing.

Feature Trustico® DV Single Site Trustico® DV + Wildcard
Coverage Single Domain Unlimited Subdomains
Validation Level Domain Validation (DV) Domain Validation (DV)
Encryption Strength 256-bit SSL Encryption 256-bit SSL Encryption
Dual Domain Coverage Includes Root Domain SAN Free! Includes Root Domain SAN Free!
Certificate Authority Trustico® CA Trustico® CA
Browser Compatibility 99.9% Browser Trust 99.9% Browser Trust
Warranty $500,000 USD $500,000 USD
Issuance Time Very Fast! Issued Within Minutes Very Fast! Issued Within Minutes
Validation Process E-Mail / DNS / HTTP / HTTPS E-Mail / DNS / HTTP / HTTPS
Mobile Ubiquity Full Mobile Ubiquity Full Mobile Ubiquity
Reissues Unlimited Unlimited
Certificate Validity 2 Years Maximum 2 Years Maximum
Price Point Affordable Lower Cost for Single Use Higher Cost with Unlimited Benefits
Best For Website / Blog / Landing Page Multiple Subdomains / SaaS
Examples of Use www.example.com www.example.com, blog.example.com, shop.example.com, api.example.com
Management Complexity Simple - One Certificate Simple - One Certificate
Scalability Limited Automatic Coverage for Subdomains
Information Page Product Information Page 🔗 Product Information Page 🔗
Your Trustico® Price €21,95 EUR €173,95 EUR
Purchase Options Instant - Buy Now 🔗 Instant - Buy Now 🔗

Most Popular Questions

Frequently asked questions covering what a Wildcard SSL Certificate secures, the apex domain included free, issuance speed and validation, security standards, and choosing between a Wildcard and a Multi Domain SSL Certificate

Wildcard SSL Certificates Explained

A Wildcard SSL Certificate secures an unlimited number of subdomains on a single domain name with one SSL Certificate. You can add new subdomains at any time without ordering a further SSL Certificate. Each one uses a 2048-bit RSA key as a minimum and the SHA-256 signature algorithm.

The Apex Domain Included Free

A Wildcard SSL Certificate also secures the apex domain, the bare name such as example.com, at no extra cost. When your order is processed, a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) for the apex is added to the license free of charge. This applies even when the wildcard forms part of a Multi Domain SSL Certificate.

Issuance Speed and Validation

Most Wildcard SSL Certificates are Domain Validation (DV) products and are issued within minutes of Domain Control Validation (DCV) completing. A Wildcard SSL Certificate cannot be validated using the file-based method, so validation is completed using the Domain Name System (DNS) method or by e-mail instead.

Security Standards for Wildcard SSL Certificates

Wildcard SSL Certificates use a 2048-bit RSA key as a minimum, the SHA-256 signature algorithm and 256-bit session encryption. They are recognized by all modern web browsers and operating systems, so every subdomain is protected to the same standard.

Choosing Between a Wildcard and a Multi Domain SSL Certificate

A Wildcard SSL Certificate covers unlimited subdomains of one domain name, together with its apex. A Multi Domain SSL Certificate covers several different domain names on one SSL Certificate. The two can be combined, so each wildcard within a Multi Domain SSL Certificate still includes its own apex.