Why is ETH typically used instead of stablecoins for purchasing NFTs? Will this change in the future?

Why is ETH Usually Used Instead of Stablecoins When Buying NFTs?

Hey, I've been in the NFT space for a while, so let me break this down for you. Most NFTs (those digital artworks or collectibles) are traded on the Ethereum blockchain, and ETH is Ethereum's "native currency." So, when you buy NFTs on platforms like OpenSea, the default payment method is ETH. It's like using RMB in a local supermarket instead of USD—it's how the system is designed, making ETH more direct and convenient.

Specifically, here are a few reasons:

The Gas Fee Issue: Buying NFTs requires paying transaction fees (called gas fees), which must be paid in ETH. Stablecoins like USDT or USDC maintain a stable value (pegged to ~$1), but they aren't Ethereum's native currency. You’d need to swap them for ETH first, which is cumbersome and may incur extra costs.
Market Conventions: The NFT ecosystem evolved around ETH from the start. Many projects and communities price assets in ETH. While stablecoins have less volatility, ETH remains the norm, especially for popular NFT collections.
Technical Limitations: Stablecoins are tokens built on Ethereum but aren’t its core currency. Some platforms support stablecoins, but it’s less common due to integration complexity.

Using stablecoins isn’t impossible, but it usually requires converting via DeFi tools or finding niche platforms that support them. Overall, ETH is still the mainstream choice.

Will This Change in the Future?

I think it will, but not overnight. The NFT world is evolving: Layer 2 solutions (like Polygon or Optimism) already reduce gas fees and make transactions cheaper. If more NFT projects migrate to chains supporting stablecoins, or if platforms integrate stablecoin payments natively, using USDC for NFTs could become much more common.

For example:

Multi-Chain Trend: Some NFTs on Solana or Binance Smart Chain trade with their native tokens or stablecoins. Ethereum itself is upgrading (e.g., Ethereum 2.0), potentially making stablecoins easier to use.
User Demand: Many dislike ETH’s volatility (e.g., $1000 today, $800 tomorrow). Stablecoins avoid this risk. If demand grows, platforms will adapt.
Regulation & Adoption: If crypto goes mainstream, stablecoins may gain traction as a "safer" option, especially for newcomers.

That said, ETH’s "king" status on Ethereum won’t disappear soon. In the next few years, we might see a mix—ETH still dominant, but stablecoins claiming a larger share. If you’re new, start with ETH to get comfortable, then explore stablecoins. Feel free to ask more questions!