What is the difference between NFT and cryptocurrency? A must-read guide for digital assets

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are fungible and used for transactions, while NFTs are unique digital assets representing ownership, often used in art and gaming.

May 08, 2025 at 11:08 am

The world of digital assets has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few years, with two of the most talked-about innovations being Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies. While both fall under the umbrella of blockchain technology, they serve different purposes and have unique characteristics. In this guide, we will delve into the differences between NFTs and cryptocurrencies, helping you understand these digital assets better.

Understanding Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security. They operate on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, but there are thousands of others, including Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin.

Cryptocurrencies are designed to be used as a medium of exchange, similar to traditional currencies like the US dollar or Euro. They can be used to buy goods and services, and their value is determined by supply and demand in the market. One key feature of cryptocurrencies is their fungibility, meaning that one unit of a cryptocurrency is equivalent to another unit of the same cryptocurrency. For example, one Bitcoin is equal to another Bitcoin, just as one dollar is equal to another dollar.

Understanding NFTs

Non-Fungible Tokens, or NFTs, are unique digital assets that represent ownership or proof of authenticity of a specific item or piece of content. Unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs are not interchangeable; each token has a distinct value and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis with another NFT. They are built on blockchain technology, most commonly on the Ethereum network, which provides a secure and transparent way to verify ownership and authenticity.

NFTs can represent a wide range of digital items, including art, music, videos, and even virtual real estate. The uniqueness of each NFT is what gives it value, as it can be used to prove ownership of a specific digital asset. For example, an artist can create a digital artwork and mint it as an NFT, allowing them to sell it to collectors who can then prove they own the original piece.

Key Differences Between NFTs and Cryptocurrencies

While both NFTs and cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology, there are several key differences between them:

• Fungibility: As mentioned earlier, cryptocurrencies are fungible, meaning one unit is equivalent to another. In contrast, NFTs are non-fungible, with each token being unique and not interchangeable with another.

• Purpose: Cryptocurrencies are primarily used as a medium of exchange, similar to traditional currencies. NFTs, on the other hand, are used to represent ownership or proof of authenticity of a specific digital asset.

• Value: The value of cryptocurrencies is determined by supply and demand in the market, similar to traditional currencies. The value of an NFT, however, is based on its uniqueness and the perceived value of the digital asset it represents.

• Divisibility: Cryptocurrencies can be divided into smaller units, allowing for microtransactions. For example, Bitcoin can be divided into satoshis, which are one hundred millionth of a Bitcoin. NFTs, on the other hand, are indivisible, meaning they cannot be split into smaller parts.

How to Acquire NFTs and Cryptocurrencies

Acquiring NFTs and cryptocurrencies involves different processes, depending on the specific asset you are interested in. Here's a brief overview of how to acquire each:

• Cryptocurrencies: To acquire cryptocurrencies, you typically need to set up a digital wallet and then purchase the desired cryptocurrency through a cryptocurrency exchange. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  • Choose a reputable cryptocurrency exchange, such as Coinbase or Binance.
  • Sign up for an account and complete the necessary verification process.
  • Set up a digital wallet to store your cryptocurrencies. This can be a software wallet, such as MetaMask, or a hardware wallet, such as Ledger.
  • Deposit funds into your exchange account using a bank transfer or credit card.
  • Place an order to buy the desired cryptocurrency, specifying the amount and price.
  • Once the order is filled, transfer the cryptocurrency to your digital wallet for safekeeping.

• NFTs: Acquiring NFTs typically involves purchasing them from a marketplace or directly from the creator. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  • Choose an NFT marketplace, such as OpenSea or Rarible.
  • Set up a digital wallet that supports NFTs, such as MetaMask.
  • Connect your wallet to the NFT marketplace.
  • Browse the available NFTs and select the one you want to purchase.
  • Place a bid or buy the NFT at the listed price, using the cryptocurrency accepted by the marketplace (usually Ethereum).
  • Once the transaction is complete, the NFT will be transferred to your digital wallet.

Use Cases for NFTs and Cryptocurrencies

Both NFTs and cryptocurrencies have a wide range of use cases, but they serve different purposes:

• Cryptocurrencies: Cryptocurrencies can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Peer-to-peer transactions: Cryptocurrencies allow for direct transactions between individuals without the need for intermediaries like banks.
  • Investment: Many people buy and hold cryptocurrencies as a long-term investment, hoping to benefit from price appreciation.
  • Remittances: Cryptocurrencies can be used to send money across borders quickly and at a lower cost than traditional methods.
  • Decentralized finance (DeFi): Cryptocurrencies are used in DeFi applications, which provide financial services like lending, borrowing, and trading without the need for traditional financial institutions.

• NFTs: NFTs have a variety of use cases, including:

  • Digital art and collectibles: Artists can create and sell digital art as NFTs, allowing collectors to own unique pieces.
  • Gaming: NFTs can be used to represent in-game items, such as weapons or skins, which can be bought, sold, and traded.
  • Virtual real estate: NFTs can represent ownership of virtual land or property in metaverse platforms.
  • Music and entertainment: Musicians and content creators can tokenize their work as NFTs, allowing fans to own unique pieces of content.

Risks and Considerations

While both NFTs and cryptocurrencies offer exciting opportunities, there are also risks and considerations to keep in mind:

• Volatility: Both NFTs and cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile, with prices fluctuating rapidly. This can lead to significant gains or losses for investors.

• Scams and fraud: The cryptocurrency and NFT markets are not immune to scams and fraudulent activities. It's important to do thorough research and only engage with reputable platforms and sellers.

• Regulatory uncertainty: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies and NFTs is still evolving, and changes in regulations could impact their use and value.

• Environmental concerns: The energy consumption associated with some blockchain networks, particularly those using proof-of-work consensus mechanisms, has raised environmental concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can NFTs be converted into cryptocurrencies?

A: While NFTs and cryptocurrencies are distinct assets, it is possible to sell an NFT for a cryptocurrency on an NFT marketplace. The proceeds from the sale would then be in the form of the cryptocurrency used for the transaction, such as Ethereum. However, the NFT itself cannot be directly converted into a cryptocurrency, as it represents a unique digital asset.

Q: Are NFTs and cryptocurrencies subject to taxes?

A: The tax treatment of NFTs and cryptocurrencies varies by jurisdiction. In many countries, profits from the sale of cryptocurrencies and NFTs are subject to capital gains tax. Additionally, some jurisdictions may impose taxes on the income generated from mining or staking cryptocurrencies. It's important to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific tax implications in your area.

Q: Can NFTs be used as collateral for loans?

A: Yes, some decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms allow NFTs to be used as collateral for loans. These platforms typically assess the value of the NFT and offer a loan based on a percentage of that value. If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the NFT can be seized and sold to recover the funds. However, the use of NFTs as collateral is still a relatively new concept and comes with its own set of risks and considerations.

Q: How do I ensure the authenticity of an NFT?

A: The authenticity of an NFT can be verified through the blockchain on which it is minted. Each NFT has a unique token ID and is linked to a specific address on the blockchain. By checking the transaction history and metadata associated with the NFT on the blockchain, you can confirm its authenticity and ownership. Additionally, reputable NFT marketplaces often provide tools and information to help verify the authenticity of the NFTs listed on their platforms.