What Are NFT Trading Cards?

Key Takeaways

• NFT trading cards are digital assets on the blockchain that offer unique ownership and verifiable authenticity, making them distinct from traditional trading cards.
• Types of NFT cards include collectible, sports, gaming, and playable cards, each with unique features. 
• Creating and trading NFT cards involves selecting a blockchain, minting the card as an NFT, and listing it on marketplaces such as OpenSea or Rariblе.
• The popularity of NFT cards stems from their rarity, investment potential, community appeal, and the ability to digitally showcase collections.

The creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has led to new opportunities for collectors, especially for fans of traditional trading cards. NFT trading cards are a digital take on their paper predecessors, bringing traditional collecting online and allowing for 24/7 trading and swapping. In addition, owners can display their collection to others and each NFT card has built-in provenance guarantees. The trading card market is worth roughly a billion dollars and the majority of the assets are digital.

Whether you’re a collector, investor, or just curious about new technologies, non-fungible trading cards are worth understanding a little better. In this article, we’ll dive into what NFT trading cards are, how they work, and why they’re gaining popularity.

What Are NFT Trading Cards?

NFT trading cards are digital versions of traditional trading cards that exist on the blockchain instead of physically. Each one has a unique identifier, meaning it’s not interchangeable with any other digital asset. The famous Crypto Punks NFT collection is a great example of non-fungible trading cards in action: while the collection contains 10,000 tokens, each one is unique due to its identifier.

Since they exist in digital form, NFT trading cards can be displayed online 24/7 and transferred easily between wallets using the underlying blockchain network. This makes for a very liquid market where buying and selling is much faster than with traditional trading cards.

And as programmable, digital tokens, NFT s can also have added functionalities such as token gating, which unlocks special content or grants access to exclusive communities. This feature makes them more than just collectibles, they become keys to a given ecosystem. 

How Do NFT Trading Cards Work?

NFT trading cards use blockchain technology as their foundation. Blockchain is a digital ledger that keeps a permanent record of each NFT’s ownership and transaction histor, and also facilitates trading between different wallets.

ERC-721 Token Standard

Every NFT uses something called the ERC-721 token standard, a protocol that ensures every NFT has a unique identifier, and can be distinguished from all others.

The easiest way to understand this uniqueness is by contrasting it with fungibility(interchageability): coins like Bitcoin, Solana, Dogecoin or Ether, which are interchangeable with other coins on the same blockchain and have no “unique” value. On the contrary, even two NFTs that look exactly the same can be distinguished by their unique identifiers, making them unique. This is a key element of non-fungible trading cards.

Smart Contracts

The rarity – and hence the value – of a given NFT trading card is determined by the collection’s underlying smart contract. NFT collections can vary from a single asset to tens, hundreds, thousands, or even more. The number of NFTs in a collection, and the rarity of particular traits, are key factors in the value of that token as a collectible.

24/7 Trading

Finally, since all NFT trading cards exist on the blockchain (the majority are on Ethereum) they can be traded at any time: unlike traditional trading cards, NFT collectibles are an always-on market.

Popular Use Cases of NFT Trading Cards

NFT trading cards offer a range of applications that appeal to collectors, gamers, and investors alike. In that regard, they’re somewhat similar to physical trading cards (MTG, etc.). Some of the most popular uses include:

• Collectibles: Many NFT cards are purely for collecting. Their rarity, design, and association with famous personalities or events make them valuable digital assets.
• Gaming: Some trading cards are assets in crypto games. Therefore, players can use them to unlock items, participate in battles, or earn rewards.
• Investments: Like traditional art or collectibles, some users view NFT cards as a way to invest in digital assets that may increase in value over time.

Types of NFT Trading Cards

Non-fungible trading cards come in various forms, each tailored to different interests and purposes. Let’s look at some of the main types.

Gaming Assets

Playable NFT trading cards are commonly used in digital card games. In other words, players can collect, trade, and use these cards within the game, often unlocking exclusive features or participating in competitive events. Players can use them as NFT cards for battles, character enhancements, or in-game rewards.

For example, Gods Unchained is a popular NFT card game where players use cards to form a deck.

Collectible Cards

Collectible NFT trading cards are more about collecting than for playing. These cards are often limited-edition releases associated with celebrities, Web3 communities, or brands, making them highly desirable for collectors. Since their primary value lies in rarity and the collection artwork, these cards are more likely to be displayed than used in gaming. In addition, they might offer special benefits to their holders.

For example, NFT collections such as Cryptopunks and the Bored Ape Yacht Club gained popularity as collectibles, forming strong communities around their aesthetic and “persona”.

Sports Cards

Sports NFT trading cards feature athletes, teams, and memorable moments in sports. Collectors and fans of sports franchises find these cards particularly valuable, as they offer a new way to own a piece of sports history. Some notable examples include cards featuring NBA highlights, which are top moments from NBA matches, star football players, or memorable sports events. These cards allow fans to celebrate their favorite moments through blockchain technology.

For example, Ronaldo’s CR7 NFT collection offers fans a glimpse at his biggest achievements and some perks to holders.

What Collectors Love

NFT trading cards have inspired numerous popular collections, each attracting fans with different interests. Here are just a few notable collections that have captured the attention of NFT collectors.

NBA Top Shot

NBA Top Shot is a popular NFT platform featuring highlights from NBA games as collectible moments. As a result, each moment is turned into an NFT, letting fans own their favorite plays from basketball history. With its official NBA partnership, Top Shot offers a unique experience that blends fandom with blockchain technology.

Sorare

Sorare is a fantasy football (soccer) game that uses NFTs as player cards. Consequently, users can collect cards, build teams, and compete in tournaments with real-world football players. In addition, Sorare has attracted attention due to its partnerships with numerous major football leagues (Premier, Bundes, and many others) and clubs.

Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game where players collect and battle with creatures called Axies. Each Axie is represented as a trading card, making it a valuable asset within the game. Furthermore, Axie Infinity has gained a large user base and has popularized the concept of “play-to-earn,” where players earn cryptocurrency through gameplay.

Trump NFT

Political figures have also entered the NFT space. For example, a series of NFTs featuring U.S. President Donald Trump were created, showcasing his image and memorable moments. These cards attracted the attention of collectors and fans, emphasizing the wide range of subjects NFTs can represent.

How to Create Your Own NFT Trading Card

Creating your own NFT trading card is a straightforward process that lets artists, businesses, or individuals create digital collectibles. To create a collection of non-fungible trading cards, you’ll have to:

1. Conceptualize Your Design: Decide what your NFT trading card will represent—whether it’s a game character, art piece, or collectible.
2. Choose a Blockchain: Select the blockchain network to mint your NFT on.
3. Create or Commission Artwork: You can design the card art yourself or hire an artist to create a unique and eye-catching design. The use of AI is also an option.
4. Mint the NFT: Use an NFT marketplace to mint (create) your NFT. You’ll need a digital wallet with some cryptocurrency to cover the associated minting fees.
5. Set the Smart Contract: this will determine how many editions of your trading card will be minted, in other words, how rare it will be.
6. List on a Marketplace: Once minted, you can list your NFT card on marketplaces like OpenSea or Rarible for others to buy or trade.

How to Trade NFT Cards

Anyone can trade NFT cards by using an NFT marketplace. Before you can start trading, you’ll have to create a crypto wallet and fund it with the corresponding currency (ETH for Ethereum, SOL for Solana, etc). Once you’ve done that, you can:

1. Select a Marketplace: Choose a marketplace that supports the blockchain network of your NFT card.
2. List or Search for Cards: If you’re selling, list your NFT card. If buying, browse the marketplace for available cards.
3. Complete the Transaction: Connect your digital wallet to the marketplace and complete the transaction. Once completed, the NFT will transfer ownership on the blockchain.

Showing Off Your NFT Collection

For many collectors, showcasing NFT trading cards is just as important as owning them. There are several ways to display your digital collection:

• Digital Showcases: You can display your collection on NFT platforms that offer digital galleries.
• Social Media: Many collectors share their favorite NFTs in dedicated groups on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Discord to connect with like-minded fans.
• Virtual Galleries: Platforms like Decentraland allow users to create virtual galleries where NFTs can be displayed within a 3D environment.

Why Are NFT Trading Cards So Popular?

NFT trading cards are often seen as the natural evolution of trading cards. Their popularity can be attributed to several factors:

• Unique Ownership: Each NFT trading card is a unique digital asset, verified by the blockchain. This creates a sense of ownership that traditional digital files lack.
• Transparency: NFT trading cards can be easily tracked on the blockchain to confirm legitimacy.
• Rarity: Many NFT cards are part of finite editions, creating scarcity and increasing their value among collectors.
• Community Appeal: NFT cards often come with access to exclusive communities, events, or benefits, creating a sense of belonging.
• Investment Potential: Some collectors view NFT trading cards as an investment, hoping their value will increase over time.

Final Thoughts

NFT trading cards represent an innovative blend of technology and collecting culture. From sports cards to fantasy game characters, these digital assets offer a new way to engage with art, gaming, and fandom. Finally, as with any new technology, it’s essential to approach NFT trading cards with caution and understand their value beyond the initial hype.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are NFT trading cards?

NFT trading cards are digital collectibles stored on the blockchain, providing unique ownership and verification for each card.

How can you make money with NFT trading cards?

You can potentially make money by buying non-fungible trading cards at a lower price and selling them at a higher price. Alternatively, you can collect valuable cards that may appreciate over time.

Can you sell trading cards as NFTs?

Yes, users can sell digital trading cards as NFTs on marketplaces like OpenSea and Rarible.

What is trading in NFTs?

Trading NFTs involves buying, selling, or swapping NFT assets on digital marketplaces.

Are NFT trading cards worth anything?

The value of an NFT trading card depends on its rarity, demand, and the popularity of the collection it belongs to.

About the author

Tasho Tashev

Tasho is a passionate enthusiast of all things blockchain, Web3 and cryptocurrency. With a keen interest in the cutting-edge intersection of technology and entertainment, he loves sharing stories that inform and inspire.

Read more