How to buy NFTs on Cardano

The digital world is buzzing with excitement over NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, which are like unique digital collectibles that you can own and trade on a blockchain. A blockchain is a digital ledger that records transactions across many computers securely, making it nearly impossible to alter or cheat the system. It's the technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and the newer, greener Cardano.

Cardano is designed to be more eco-friendly and cheaper to use, making it a popular choice for both artists and collectors. Think of it as a big digital art gallery that's open to everyone, where you can find all sorts of digital items: from artwork and music to game items and more. It’s built to be better for the planet and easier on your wallet when you buy and sell. By jumping into this space, you’re not just buying pretty pictures or cool digital items; you're becoming part of a movement that values creativity, innovation, and sustainability.

You can buy your first NFT within minutes, with four easy steps:

1. Set up a Cardano Wallet
2. Fund that wallet
3. Look for an NFT, and
4. Buy it 💫

But before that, it is important that you understand what you’re buying. What really is an NFT?

What is an NFT?

NFTs, short for Non-Fungible Tokens, are one-of-a-kind digital assets. They use blockchain technology, which is a secure, decentralized digital ledger, to prove ownership of a specific item or piece of content. This could be anything digital: artwork, music, videos, in-game items, or even tweets.

The term "non-fungible" essentially means that each NFT is unique and can't be exchanged on a one-to-one basis with another NFT, unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or traditional money where each unit is the same as every other unit. You can exchange a dollar for another dollar, but you cannot exchange an NFT for another NFT. This uniqueness gives NFTs their value and appeal.

Behind most NFTs, there's often a team of creators and developers, plus a dedicated community that supports and believes in the project's vision. This community aspect is a big part of what makes NFTs special. Fans aren't just buying a digital item; they're buying into a culture and often get to be part of an exclusive club.

Owning an NFT can come with perks too. Some NFTs grant their holders access to exclusive content or experiences, like digital art exhibits, music files, or special events. For instance, an artist might release an NFT that offers owners private access to an exclusive online gallery, or a virtual concert. Taylor Swift, we’re looking at you 👀

This unique blend of technology, community, and exclusivity is what makes NFTs an exciting, new frontier in the digital world. Whether you're an artist looking to monetize your digital creations, a collector hunting for unique digital assets, or a fan eager to support your favorite creators and gain access to exclusive content, understanding NFTs is the first step toward engaging with this dynamic ecosystem.

Here are three Cardano NFT projects and their utilities to help you get started. Now, time to buy your first NFT!

Step 1: Set Up a Cardano Wallet

When diving into the world of NFTs on Cardano, the very first step is to set yourself up with a digital wallet that's compatible with the Cardano blockchain. This wallet is essential as it will be where you store your digital assets (NFTs) and the Cardano tokens (ADA) you'll use to make purchases. Among the available options, Eternl, Vespr, Nami, Typhon, and Yoroi are some of the most popular and trusted wallets in the Cardano community. Each of these wallets offers a unique set of features tailored to different user needs, from beginner-friendly interfaces to advanced functionalities for more experienced users.

One of the most critical aspects of managing your digital wallet is security. Your wallet will generate a unique seed phrase when you create it, which is essentially just a bunch of random words. This seed phrase, however, is the master key to your wallet and the assets within it. It's crucial to keep this seed phrase safe and secure—preferably written down in a couple of safe places—because if you lose it, you could lose access to your wallet and its contents permanently. Unlike exchange wallets, there is no way to recover a lost wallet.

Moreover, it's equally important never to share your seed phrase with anyone. Sharing it is like giving someone the keys to your digital kingdom, including all the NFTs and ADA tokens it contains.

By choosing the right Cardano-compatible wallet and following best practices for security, you're laying a solid foundation for your journey into buying, selling, and storing NFTs on the Cardano blockchain. This setup not only ensures that your digital assets are secure but also that you're ready to explore the exciting world of Cardano NFTs with confidence.

Related: Top 3 Cardano Wallets

Step 2: Funding your Cardano Wallet

Once you’ve set up your wallet, the next step is to fund it. Funding your wallet simply means adding ADA to it, much like you would add funds to your bank account. Just like your bank account has an account number that you need to receive money, your cardano wallet has a wallet address that you can use to receive ADA.

If you’re new to Cardano, you will have to buy some ADA first, then transfer them into your wallet.

Purchasing ADA

To buy ADA, you'll need to use a cryptocurrency exchange. Platforms like Binance, Coinbase, OKX, and Kraken are popular choices that offer a user-friendly experience for both newcomers and seasoned traders. These exchanges allow you to purchase ADA using fiat currencies (such as USD, EUR, or GBP) or trade them for other cryptocurrencies you might own.

Here’s a simplified process:

1. Create an Account: Sign up on the exchange of your choice. This step typically involves providing some personal information and, depending on the platform and the amount you wish to trade, may require going through a KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process to enhance security and comply with financial regulations.
2. Deposit Funds: Add money to your exchange account. You can do this through various methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or even PayPal on some platforms. The available options and their processing times can vary between exchanges.
3. Buy ADA: Once your account is funded, navigate to the market or trading section on the exchange, search for the ADA pair that matches your deposited currency (e.g., ADA/USD if you've deposited US dollars), and execute a buy order. You can usually choose between different types of orders, like 'market' (buy immediately at the current market price) or 'limit' (set a price at which you're willing to buy).

Transferring ADA to your Wallet

After purchasing ADA, the next critical step is to transfer your funds from the exchange to your Cardano-compatible wallet. This ensures that you have full control over your ADA, which is important for security reasons and necessary for engaging with NFT marketplaces on Cardano. Here's how:

1. Locate Your Wallet's ADA Address: Open your Cardano wallet and find your ADA receiving address. It's a long string of letters and numbers, essentially your wallet's public key to which funds can be sent, similar to what an account number is to a traditional bank account.
2. Withdraw From the Exchange: Go back to the exchange, navigate to your ADA holdings, and select the option to withdraw. You'll be asked to enter the receiving address from your wallet. Carefully copy and paste your wallet's address, double-checking to ensure it's correct to avoid losing your funds. It is advisable to try out a test transaction with a smaller amount first.
3. Confirm the Transfer: Follow the exchange's procedure to confirm the transfer. This might include email confirmations or two-factor authentication for added security.
4. Wait for Confirmation: After you've initiated the transfer, it will take some time for the transaction to be processed and confirmed on the blockchain. This can vary from a few minutes to several hours depending on network congestion.

As an example, here is a step-by-step guide on how to send and receive ADA in your wallet.

Step 3: Explore NFTs on JPG Store

Connect your wallet to JPG Store, and browse for NFTs that interest you. By connecting your wallet, you’ll be able to transact on the store, as well as manage your profile.

Once your wallet is connected, the homepage can help you quickly find top collections. The homepage is designed to showcase top collections, featured artists, and trending NFTs, providing a curated entry point for newcomers and seasoned collectors alike.

Browsing by Category

JPG Store organizes NFTs into various categories, available at the bottom of the homepage. This categorization helps users navigate through the platform more efficiently, allowing for a more focused exploration of NFTs that align with specific interests or investment strategies. Whether you're passionate about digital art, looking for unique gaming assets, or interested in virtual real estate, browsing by category can help you find your next prized possession or investment opportunity.

Finding NFTs with Specific Traits

For those who have a clear idea of what they're looking for, JPG Store offers robust filtering tools that allow you to search for NFTs based on specific traits. This feature is particularly useful when looking for rare or unique items within a collection. Traits can include visual characteristics, rarity levels, and other attributes that make an NFT stand out. By utilizing these filters, you can refine your search and discover NFTs that not only catch your eye but also have the potential to be valuable additions to your collection.

Leveraging Collection Offers

If you're interested in a particular collection but can't find the exact NFT you want listed for sale, JPG Store provides the option to send a collection offer. This feature allows you to make an offer on any NFT within a collection, even if it's not currently on the market. It's a proactive approach to acquiring specific NFTs, giving you the chance to negotiate directly with the owner. This method can be especially effective for rare or highly sought-after pieces where direct communication with the owner may lead to a successful acquisition.

Step 4: Buy the NFT

After you've pinpointed the NFT that catches your eye, securing it is straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of how you finalize your purchase and some tips on what to do if the NFT you desire isn't readily available for purchase.

Completing the Purchase

1. Connect Your Wallet: If you haven’t done so already, you need to connect your wallet to JPG Store. This is easily done through the “Connect Wallet” button available on the top right of the screen. You’ll select your wallet provider from the options available and follow the prompts to establish a secure connection.
2. Sign the Transaction: Once your wallet is connected and you've selected the NFT you wish to purchase, you’ll proceed to confirm the purchase. This usually involves reviewing the transaction details, such as the price and any applicable fees, and then signing the transaction with your wallet. This digital signature authorizes the transfer of ADA from your wallet to the seller’s, in exchange for the NFT being transferred to your wallet.
3. Transaction Confirmation: After signing, the transaction is broadcasted to the Cardano network for validation and confirmation. This process can take a few minutes, after which you’ll receive a notification that the transaction is complete. The NFT is now yours, stored securely in your Cardano wallet. The transaction can be viewed publicly as well, using blockchain explorers like cardanoscan.

Making an Offer

But what if the NFT you're eyeing isn’t listed for sale, or perhaps it’s priced beyond what you’re willing to pay? JPG Store offers a solution through the ability to send offers directly to the NFT's owner.

1. Sending an Offer: Go to the NFT you’re interested in, and you’ll see a button called “make offer”. Click this, and you’ll be prompted to enter the amount of ADA you’re willing to pay.
2. Owner’s Response: Once you submit your offer, it's a waiting game. The owner will receive a notification of your offer and can choose to accept, decline, or ignore it. It’s important to remain patient during this period, as owners might not check their offers frequently.
3. Offer Acceptance: If the owner accepts your offer, you’ll be notified, and the transaction process will be processed as usual, with your offered ADA being exchanged for that NFT.

Making an offer can be a strategic way to acquire an NFT at a price that works for you, especially in a dynamic market. It opens the door for negotiation and can sometimes lead to acquiring a prized digital asset for less than its listed price.

By understanding how to complete a purchase directly or make an offer on JPG Store, you’re well-equipped to dive into the exciting world of NFT collecting on the Cardano blockchain. Whether you’re adding to an existing collection or making your first foray into digital ownership, these steps ensure a seamless and secure transaction experience.

Optional - Confirm Ownership

This last step is not necessary, but it’s always nice to see the NFT you’ve bought in your possession. You can do this easily by going to your profile's “My NFTs” tab.

Once you've successfully navigated the process of purchasing an NFT on the Cardano blockchain, the final step—while not strictly necessary for the transaction's completion—is certainly the most rewarding. It's the moment when you get to see and appreciate the digital asset you've acquired. Here's how to relish in the ownership of your new NFT and verify it securely:

Viewing Your NFT

After the purchase, the first thing you'll likely want to do is view your newly acquired NFT. You can do this easily by going to the “My NFTs” tab in your profile.

Verifying Ownership

While seeing the NFT in your collection is thrilling, verifying its ownership adds an extra layer of security and satisfaction. After all, this is what web3 is all about.

Here’s how you can confirm that the NFT is indeed yours:

1. Wallet’s Transaction History: The simplest way to verify ownership is by checking the transaction history in your wallet. You should see the recent transaction that transferred the NFT to your wallet. This record serves as proof of the transfer and, by extension, your ownership.
2. Using a Cardano Blockchain Explorer: For an even more detailed verification, you can use a blockchain explorer. These tools allow anyone to view transactions on the blockchain, offering transparency and proof of ownership. By entering your wallet address or the transaction hash into a Cardano blockchain explorer, you can see the recorded transaction of your NFT purchase. This not only confirms that the NFT is yours but also provides immutable evidence of the transaction on the blockchain.

With the NFT securely in your possession and its ownership verified, the next steps are entirely up to you. You can choose to hold onto your NFT as part of your digital collection, display it in virtual galleries or social platforms, or even consider selling it on the secondary market if its value appreciates over time. Many NFTs also come with additional benefits, such as access to exclusive content, events, or communities, enhancing the value of your digital asset beyond the art or item itself.

Purchasing an NFT on the Cardano blockchain is more than just a transaction; it's an entry into the world of digital collectibles and the wider web3 ecosystem. By taking the time to view, verify, and enjoy your NFT, you're not just owning a piece of digital art or content but also embracing a new form of digital ownership and community participation.

Congratulations on your new acquisition—may it bring you joy, connection, and possibly even a return on investment.