Rapid SSL WildCard

The Rapid SSL WildCard is a domain-validated (DV) wildcard certificate. It secures a domain and every subdomain beneath it with a single certificate, and because validation is done automatically against the domain rather than against company paperwork, it issues in roughly 1 to 10 minutes. It is aimed at entry-level sites that need working HTTPS quickly and cheaply rather than a visible business identity in the certificate.

What "wildcard" actually covers

A wildcard is issued to a name such as *.example.com. That one certificate then secures an unlimited number of first-level subdomains, so www.example.com, shop.example.com, blog.example.com and mail.example.com are all covered without buying a separate certificate for each. This is the reason a wildcard is worth the extra cost when you run several hostnames on one domain, which is common in multi-site and agency setups. Note the usual limit: a single-level wildcard covers *.example.com but not deeper names like a.b.example.com, and it does not cover a different registered domain.

Rapid SSL WildCard at a glance

• Validation type: Domain (no paperwork). You prove control of the domain, not the identity of a company.
• Subdomains: Unlimited first-level subdomains on the covered domain.
• Green address bar: N/A. DV certificates never show a company name in the browser; that only ever applied to EV certificates, which modern browsers no longer surface either.
• Reissue: Unlimited, free reissues within the certificate term.
• Issuance: 1 to 10 minutes, because validation is automated.
• Warranty: $5,000 relying-party warranty from the certificate authority.
• Site seal: Static.
• Encryption: 128/256-bit.
• Browser compatibility: Recognised by 99+% of all browsers, an ideal solution for entry-level websites.
• Mobile friendly: Mobile compatibility is not a strong point of this basic certificate, although some newer mobile devices and browsers do recognise it by default.
• Money back: 15-day money-back guarantee.

DV versus OV and EV: what you are and are not buying

Domain validation confirms one thing: that whoever requested the certificate controls the domain. It says nothing about who owns the business behind it. That is fine for the great majority of sites, because the padlock and the encryption are identical to those on a more expensive certificate. If you specifically need a vetted organisation name embedded in the certificate, for example for a payment brand or a compliance requirement, you would step up to an organisation-validated (OV) product instead. For most blogs, brochure sites and network properties, DV is the right and cheaper choice. You can compare the full range on our SSL certificates page.

Where a wildcard fits an SEO hosting setup

If you host a network of sites, each on its own dedicated Class C IP, a wildcard is handy when a single domain fans out into many subdomains that all need HTTPS. It keeps certificate management down to one renewal per domain rather than one per hostname. It is worth being clear that an SSL certificate is not a footprint problem in the way a shared IP can be: HTTPS is expected on every site now, so having a certificate is neutral, not a signal you need to diversify. For the IP-diversity side of a network, see our guidance in the SEO hosting and Class C IPs hub. For more SSL questions, the SSL certificates hub collects the rest.

Free versus paid certificates

You do not strictly have to pay for DV coverage. Free automated authorities such as Let's Encrypt also issue DV wildcards, as described in the Let's Encrypt documentation, though those need DNS-based renewal automation and carry no monetary warranty. A paid Rapid SSL WildCard is the simpler route when you want a longer hands-off term, a $5,000 warranty and a static site seal without setting up renewal tooling yourself. Both deliver the same in-browser padlock and the same encryption strength.

Ordering and refunds

Because validation is automated, ordering is quick: you generate a signing request, place the order, complete the domain-control check and the certificate is normally ready within 1 to 10 minutes. Reissues during the term are unlimited and free, which is useful if you rotate keys or move servers. If it turns out not to be the right fit, the 15-day money-back guarantee applies. Any questions about installation on your account can go through our support team.