Cloudflare Universal SSL

Cloudflare is a global network for DNS, CDN and security. Every domain added to and activated on its Free plan gets a free Universal SSL certificate.

CloudflareUpdated monthly · checked 26 h ago

Cloudflare Universal SSL is a security, legal and HR perk from Cloudflare, offering free SSL on every Cloudflare domain, with no funding required.

Value: Free
Who qualifies: No funding needed
Benefit type: Free plan
Terms: Verified

Apply at Cloudflare

Get new Security, Legal & HR programs by email

Get an email if Cloudflare Universal SSL closes, changes its offer or sets a deadline. Also every new Security, Legal & HR program as it opens. Unsubscribe in one click.

While you apply

Also useful for authentication and security

Applying to Cloudflare takes a few minutes. Referral links, picked for fit and ordered by fit (70%) and what a signup earns us (30%), at no cost to you. They never change this page's ranking.

KindeSign-in, SSO and user management for your appFree up to 10,500 MAUReferral link

ClowdeyFree AWS credits for startups, application handled, subject to AWS approval$25KReferral link

sGTM SpaceServer-side Google Tag Manager hosting on your own subdomainFree planReferral link

What you get

Inside Cloudflare Universal SSL

Cloudflare issues and renews free, unshared, publicly trusted SSL certificates for all domains added to and activated on Cloudflare. Universal certificates are domain validated and have a 90-day validity period, and the auto renewal period starts 30 days before expiration. On a full setup they cover the root domain and first-level subdomains. The Free plan gets an ECDSA certificate only, and the Pro plan costs $20 a month billed annually.

Source: The provider's official program page

Eligibility

Who it's for

Free plan Any startup

Funding / backing: No funding needed
Geography: Global
Recurring / expiry: Free plan with no time limit. Certificates are valid for 90 days and renew automatically.
Other requirements: The domain must be added to Cloudflare and activated before Universal SSL is issued. Deeper subdomains need Total TLS or advanced certificates.

How to claim

How to apply for Cloudflare Universal SSL

What to have ready

A company email on your own website domain (not a personal address)

Steps to apply

1Add your domain to Cloudflare and activate it.
2Universal SSL is issued automatically after activation.

Good to know: Docs read on developers.cloudflare.com and plans read on cloudflare.com on October 28, 2026.

Apply at Cloudflare

Source: The provider's official program page

Value is the headline maximum Cloudflare advertises. What your company actually receives depends on your eligibility and how you use the program, and terms can change. A comparison, not endorsed by the programs listed. A link labeled as a referral link may earn us a commission, and a program labeled Same owner comes from the company that runs StartupPerks. Confirm current terms on the provider's page.

Questions

Cloudflare Universal SSL: common questions

What do you get with Cloudflare Universal SSL?

Cloudflare Universal SSL offers free SSL on every Cloudflare domain.

Who qualifies for Cloudflare Universal SSL?

Cloudflare Universal SSL is open to any startup, with no funding required. The domain must be added to Cloudflare and activated before Universal SSL is issued. Deeper subdomains need Total TLS or advanced certificates.

Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get Cloudflare Universal SSL?

No. Cloudflare Universal SSL is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.

How do I apply for Cloudflare Universal SSL?

Add your domain to Cloudflare and activate it. Universal SSL is issued automatically after activation.

How long do I have to use Cloudflare Universal SSL, and does it expire?

Free plan with no time limit. Certificates are valid for 90 days and renew automatically.

Is Cloudflare Universal SSL available outside the US?

Cloudflare Universal SSL is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.

Free SSL certificates, comparedCloudflare Universal SSL's free plan next to every other free certificate serviceWhat each certificate service gives you free today, its main limit and what the first paid plan costs, read from each provider's own page.