How to Buy NFTs in the UK: Simple Guide

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are digital collectibles on the blockchain representing ownership of assets like art, music, wearables, real estate, in-game items, or event tickets. You’ve reached your final stop if you’re looking for where to buy NFTs in the UK. 

You can buy NFT tokens on crypto exchanges like OKX because of its competitive fees and compatibility with various blockchains and NFT collections. After acquisition, you can keep these digital collectibles in secure hardware wallets like Ledger.

This article explores every detail you need to get started with buying NFTs and the best NFT marketplaces in the UK. You’ll definitely find the information helpful whether you’re a newbie to the NFT market or a pro in the field.

How to get started with buying NFTs?

Before embarking on your NFT acquisition, here are essential things you need to have to get you started:

• Choosing the Right Crypto Wallet: The first step to buy non-fungible tokens is selecting the appropriate crypto wallet or exchange. This entails choosing one that allows you to send, receive, and hold crypto and NFTs. It is also vital to ensure that the wallet supports the blockchain housing the NFT collection you intend to purchase or sell.

You may also need to choose between a hot wallet (one that works when you connect it to the internet and is known for its ease of use) and a cold wallet (one that allows private key storage offline and is reputable for its security). Examples of these wallets include Trust Wallet, MetaMask, and Ledger.

• Buying the Proper Cryptocurrency: Before a digital asset can be purchased or sold on the blockchain, the user must own its underlying cryptocurrency to facilitate transactions. This applies to NFTs since they are stored on the blockchain. If, for example, a user wants to send a digital collectible across the Ethereum network, they must own enough ETH to cover transaction fees. In most cases, these NFTs’ prices are denominated in ETH, meaning users will spend ETH to purchase their desired digital collectible.

It is worth noting that most NFT collections are deployed on the Ethereum blockchain. Hence, users must own the underlying crypto. Digital asset platform eToro is a top choice for those who want to buy ETH. These ETH holdings can then be used to facilitate NFT purchases.

• Creating an Account on an NFT Marketplace: Another essential step in embarking on an NFT acquisition is to create an account on an appropriate NFT marketplace. These platforms facilitate the smooth buying and selling of NFTs on one or more blockchains. While selecting an NFT marketplace, consider whether it supports the blockchain housing the NFT you intend to purchase.

Some marketplaces offer advanced features like NFT lending and staking. So, you can weigh this option while choosing which NFT marketplace to use. Examples of NFT marketplaces include OKX, Magic Eden, OpenSea, and Rarible.

4 steps to buy NFTs in the United Kingdom

UK users have various options through which they can buy NFT tokens. This article will focus on buying NFTs using OKX via the Ethereum network. However, the principle applies to every other platform and blockchain. Here is a step-by-step process to buy NFTs in the UK:

Step 1: Choosing and Setting Up a Crypto Wallet

The first step in purchasing an NFT is to select a crypto wallet. Factors to consider when choosing include supported blockchains, security, and NFT integration. OKX, for instance, supports NFTs through its OKX wallet, which is accessible on mobile and desktop versions.

To set up a crypto wallet, you must generate a 12-word or 24-word seed phrase and keep it in a safe location. Some wallets may prompt you to create a passcode or enable a biometric scan for additional security. Your crypto wallet is set up after setting up the added security layer.

Step 2: Funding the Crypto Wallet

The next step is to fund the crypto wallet. By now, you should have decided what NFT you want to buy. If, for example, you want to buy a Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), an Ethereum-based NFT, you need to own sufficient ETH coins to purchase the digital collectible and settle transaction fees.

UK users can directly purchase ETH on crypto wallets via GBP. To do this, navigate to the cryptocurrency section, open ETH, click Buy, and input the amount you intend to buy. You can fund your crypto wallet using third-party options like Revolut Pay, Mercuyo, or PayPal. Alternatively, you can fund your account with crypto from a separate crypto platform.

Step 3: Connecting Wallet to an NFT Marketplace

After funding your wallet, the next thing is to enter an NFT marketplace offering the NFT you intend to purchase. For instance, when buying the BAYC NFT, you should go to an Ethereum-supported marketplace like OpenSea. You can do this by going to the in-app browser feature within the crypto wallet and inputting the NFT marketplace’s website.

You must connect your wallet to the platform when you’re on the website. Before doing so, ensure you are on the right website to avoid falling prey to phishing exploits. This connection occurs within a split second.

Step 4: Purchasing an NFT

The final step to buy an NFT is searching for the NFT collection you are interested in. When the results come up, scroll through the digital collectibles listed and tap Buy for the one with your desired traits. You will be prompted to pay using ETH or any applicable cryptocurrency. Once purchased, the NFT will appear on your crypto wallet’s NFT dashboard.

3 best NFT marketplaces to buy non-fungible tokens in the UK

Here is a list of the three most-used NFT marketplaces for buying, selling, and trading digital collectibles in the UK:

OKX

OKX is a popular crypto exchange founded in 2017. It is reputable for its large user base, around 50 million globally. It serves both centralized and decentralized markets.

OKX’s NFT services are embedded in its Web3 wallet section. Like other crypto wallets, the OKX wallet allows users to create accounts using seed phrases. As of this writing, the Web3 wallet supports over 100 blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Avalanche, and Optimism. Hence, the wallet supports NFTs across these blockchains.

OKX wallet allows users to perform NFT transactions without external wallets due to its built-in browser feature. The fees spent when making these transactions vary from blockchain to blockchain.

OpenSea

OpenSea is often termed the most popular NFT marketplace. This is partly because of its early market emergence. Following its inception in December 2017, OpenSea became home to renowned NFT collections like CryptoPunks, BAYC, and Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC). As of March 2025, the NFT marketplace supports 18 blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Polygon, B3, Blast, Base, ApeChain, Soneium, Unichain, and Ronin.

The NFT marketplace is also accessible on various crypto wallets, such as MetaMask, Coinbase, Trust Wallet, and OKX wallet. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users. To connect their wallets to OpenSea, users employ the wallet's browser feature to open the marketplace’s website. Still, OpenSea has improved by rolling out a mobile app with all its features.

OpenSea allows users to buy, sell, and hold NFTs themed around art, games, PFPs, music, photography, and more. Its trading fees depend on the blockchain housing the NFTs users want to buy or sell. An additional cost that users may pay when trading on the NFT marketplace is creators’ earnings, often called royalties. Before August 2023, OpenSea mandated users to pay royalties’ commission. However, the multi-chain NFT marketplace made it optional, allowing users to decide whether to pay the fee.

OpenSea allows users to settle NFT trades using fiat currencies. The platform facilitates this through third-party payment options like MoonPay.

Nifty Gateway

Nifty Gateway is an NFT marketplace that focuses on digital art, music, and collectibles from well-known brands and artists. In 2024, the platform stepped up its game by revamping its ecosystem, including its name, into Nifty Gateway Studio. Now, the platform runs a digital production studio focused on promoting creative content.

Unlike most NFT trading platforms, Nifty Gateway allows users to perform NFT transactions with fiat, making it easier for newbies to transact. The platform solely supports the Ethereum network. It charges a 5% fee on sales, part of which is used to cover gas fees. Hence, Nifty Gateway boasts a zero-gas fee ecosystem.

3 most secure wallets to store NFTs in the UK

Ledger

Ledger is a hardware wallet that stores your private keys offline for added security. Unlike software wallets, which are connected to the internet and vulnerable to hacking, Ledger keeps your assets safe from cyber threats. These wallets allow you to store, send, and receive NFTs and cryptocurrencies. They also integrate with platforms like MetaMask and Ledger Live, making it easy to manage your digital assets securely.

How Ledger Store NFTs:

• Buy a Ledger hardware wallet to keep your NFTs safe.
• Download the Ledger Live app to view and manage your NFTs.
• Since most NFTs run on Ethereum (ETH), Ledger supports Ethereum-based NFT collections. Users can install the Ethereum app on Ledger Live.

Trust Wallet

Trust Wallet is a crypto wallet that supports multiple blockchains, making it an excellent choice for storing different types of NFTs. It lets you buy, store, and trade NFTs directly from your smartphone. It also has a browser that lets users explore NFT marketplaces.

How Trust Wallet Stores NFTs:

• Download Trust Wallet from the App Store or Google Play store and set up your wallet.
• Access the NFT section by navigating to the collectibles tab to manage your NFTs.
• Fund your account.
• Go to the wallet’s browser section and enter an NFT marketplace to purchase or sell an NFT. Ensure that the digital wallet is connected to the NFT trading platform.
• Once purchased, the NFT will appear in your NFT tab on the app.

MetaMask

MetaMask is a digital and mobile wallet that allows users to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) and NFT marketplaces. It lets users buy, store, send, and swap cryptocurrencies and NFTs. It supports Ethereum-based NFTs and can connect to marketplaces.

How MetaMask Store NFTs:

• Download and install the MetaMask app on your mobile or desktop device.
• Set up your crypto wallet and safeguard your seed phrase.
• Fund your wallet.
• Navigate to the browser section and connect to an NFT marketplace like OpenSea.
• Purchase your desired NFT. It becomes automatically visible on the MetaMask wallet.

FAQs

Are NFTs a good investment in 2025?

NFTs can be a good investment, but their effectiveness depends heavily on their use cases and long-term growth. Projects frequently launching new ideas are bound to help NFT holders yield gains in the long run. Hence, scouting for NFT projects with a sustainable ecosystem is vital. You can do this by searching through their website and social media handles.

What is the best exchange to buy crypto for NFTs in the UK?

There is no exact exchange that is the best to buy crypto for NFTs in the UK. Still, some top options include OKX, eToro, Coinbase, and Kraken. This is because of their competitive fees, intuitive user interface, and number of supported blockchains.

How are NFTs taxed in the United Kingdom?

In the UK, NFTs are taxed under capital gains. However, if you sell an NFT for a profit, you must report it and pay tax based on your income bracket. Businesses or creators selling NFTs may also be liable for income tax or value-added tax (VAT).

What is the fastest and easiest way to buy NFTs in the UK?

The fastest and easiest way to buy NFT tokens is to get them through a crypto wallet like Trust Wallet or MetaMask. This is because their onboarding and acquisition processes are quicker than rival platforms. Still, other options exist, such as OKX wallet and Coinbase wallet.

Conclusion

NFTs have extensive applications in thriving sectors like gaming, art, and music. As a result, you may need the knowledge to buy non-fungible tokens to situate yourself at the center of this growing ecosystem. This article highlighted a guideline to enable you to do this. It also discussed the best NFT marketplaces in the UK. Before deciding to invest in these assets, always do your research to enable you to make adequate financial decisions.