The world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) continues to evolve, driven by shifting user preferences, technological advancements, and growing mainstream interest. A recent joint report by DappRadar and Alsomine reveals strong sentiment within the crypto community about the value of owning NFTs—and a clear demand for more accessible purchasing methods. With 92% of respondents seeing tangible benefits in NFT ownership, and over half prioritizing credit card payments, it's clear that usability and utility are shaping the next phase of digital asset adoption.
This article explores the key findings from the survey, unpacking what users truly value in NFTs, how they want to buy them, and why the market remains resilient despite broader crypto downturns.
Why People See Value in Owning NFTs
According to the report, 92% of participants believe there is some form of advantage to owning an NFT. Of these, 65% said they see a "great benefit", while an additional 27% acknowledged "some benefit." This overwhelming consensus highlights a maturing understanding of NFTs beyond speculative hype.
But what exactly do users find valuable?
Top Perceived Benefits of NFT Ownership
- Earning and Saving Money (31%)
The most cited benefit—selected by nearly one-third of respondents—is the financial potential of NFTs. Whether through appreciation in value, staking rewards, or play-to-earn mechanics, users increasingly view NFTs as tools for wealth generation and cost savings. - Digital Asset Ownership (22%)
True digital ownership remains a core appeal. Unlike traditional digital files that can be copied or revoked, NFTs provide verifiable proof of possession on the blockchain. This sense of control resonates strongly with tech-savvy users who value autonomy over their digital lives. - Gaming and Metaverse Functionality (19%)
NFTs are playing a growing role in virtual worlds and blockchain-based games. From customizable avatars to in-game items that retain value across platforms, gamers appreciate the interoperability and real-world value that NFTs bring to immersive experiences. Access and Membership Privileges (18%)
While ranking fourth overall, this use case was the top choice among experienced NFT users. Many high-value NFT projects offer exclusive access to events, private communities, or early product releases—effectively turning digital collectibles into membership cards.👉 Discover how NFTs are unlocking exclusive digital experiences in 2025.
For newcomers, however, the most appealing function was the ticket or pass-like utility—using NFTs as verifiable entry passes to concerts, conferences, or online events. This suggests that as adoption grows, practical applications may drive onboarding more than speculative potential.
How Users Want to Buy NFTs: The Credit Card Demand
One of the most striking findings from the report is that 52% of respondents ranked "ability to purchase with credit card" as one of their top two priorities when buying NFTs.
This signals a major shift toward mainstream accessibility. While crypto-native users are comfortable using digital wallets and swapping tokens, many potential buyers still rely on familiar payment methods.
Who Wants to Pay with Credit Cards?
- 38% of those preferring credit card payments are experienced crypto users—individuals who already own digital wallets or have previously bought cryptocurrencies.
- Interestingly, women appear more likely than men to favor credit card payments, suggesting gender-based differences in payment preferences within the NFT space.
This trend underscores a critical insight: even seasoned users want simpler, faster on-ramps. Frictionless payment options could be the key to unlocking broader adoption beyond early tech adopters.
Simplifying the purchase process isn't just about convenience—it's about inclusion. If NFT platforms make it easy for anyone to buy with a credit card, they open doors to millions of new users who aren't ready to manage private keys or navigate decentralized exchanges.
The Resilience of the NFT Market in Challenging Times
Despite the so-called "crypto winter" that gripped markets in 2022, the NFT ecosystem demonstrated surprising resilience.
Key Market Metrics in 2022
- **On-chain NFT trading volume reached $24.7 billion**, slightly down from $25.1 billion in 2021.
- The number of unique trades increased by 19.75%, reaching 6.9 million by year-end.
- Total NFT sales surged by 67%, hitting 107 million transactions.
These figures reveal a fascinating contradiction: while dollar volumes remained stable, user activity actually grew significantly. This suggests that although high-value sales may have cooled, everyday engagement with NFTs is expanding.
In other words, the market is becoming more decentralized—not just in technology, but in participation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main benefits of owning an NFT?
The top benefits include earning potential (31%), true digital ownership (22%), gaming and metaverse integration (19%), and access to exclusive communities or events (18%). Financial utility and functional use cases are now central to user perception.
Can I buy NFTs with a credit card?
Yes—many platforms now support credit card payments to lower entry barriers. Over half of surveyed users said this feature is a top priority, signaling strong demand for traditional payment integration in Web3 markets.
Is the NFT market still growing?
While trading volume saw a slight dip in 2022, user activity grew significantly. Unique trades rose nearly 20%, and total sales jumped 67%, indicating increased participation even during market downturns.
Who is buying NFTs today?
Both new and experienced users are active. Experts tend to value membership perks and long-term utility, while newcomers often see NFTs as digital tickets or collectibles. Women also show a stronger preference for credit card payments.
Why do people prefer credit cards for NFT purchases?
Credit cards offer familiarity, speed, and consumer protections. For many, they eliminate the complexity of funding a crypto wallet, making NFTs more approachable and less intimidating.
Are NFTs still relevant after the 2022 market drop?
Absolutely. The decline in headline valuations didn’t stop millions from engaging with NFTs daily. With rising use cases in gaming, identity, and access control, NFTs are transitioning from speculative assets to functional tools.
Looking Ahead: Usability Meets Utility
The future of NFTs lies at the intersection of usability and utility. As the DappRadar-Alsomine report shows, users aren't just collecting digital art—they're looking for financial opportunities, verifiable ownership, immersive experiences, and seamless access.
Platforms that integrate familiar payment methods like credit cards will have a competitive edge in attracting new users. At the same time, projects that deliver real-world value—whether through community access, cross-platform gaming items, or event credentials—are more likely to retain them.
👉 See how seamless NFT transactions can work with modern crypto platforms.
As blockchain technology becomes more user-friendly, we’re likely to see a new wave of adoption driven not by hype, but by practical needs. The fact that over 90% of respondents see value in owning an NFT suggests this shift is already underway.
Whether you're a creator, collector, or casual observer, one thing is clear: NFTs are evolving into something more meaningful than digital collectibles—they’re becoming keys to new forms of digital life.
Final Thoughts
The data speaks for itself: NFT ownership is perceived as valuable by a vast majority of users, and demand for accessible purchasing options like credit card payments is stronger than ever. Combined with rising transaction volumes and diverse use cases, these trends point to a maturing ecosystem that’s adapting to user needs.
For anyone interested in digital assets, now is the time to understand not just what NFTs are—but how they’re being used, who’s using them, and where they’re headed next.
👉 Start exploring NFT opportunities with secure, user-friendly tools today.