Visa Study Finds Consumers Trust AI to Shop, But Not to Pay
A recent study sponsored by Visa, conducted by The Harris Poll, reveals that while consumers are increasingly comfortable with artificial intelligence (AI) in shopping scenarios, they remain hesitant to trust AI for payment transactions. The survey, which included 2,065 US adults in May 2026, indicates a clear distinction in attitudes toward technology used in purchasing versus payment handling.
Though agentic shopping is gaining momentum, the findings suggest that consumers are not yet ready to fully embrace AI-driven payment solutions. This hesitance points to ongoing concerns regarding security, privacy, and the complexities of financial transactions. Vendors may need to address these fears through enhanced transparency and security measures to win consumer trust in AI payment systems.
Key takeaways
- ▸61% of consumers support using AI for shopping assistance but only 35% trust AI for payments.
- ▸Concerns about security and privacy hinder consumer confidence in AI payment technologies.
- ▸The trend toward agentic commerce reflects a shift in consumer behavior, yet payment trust remains a barrier.
- ▸Retailers must ensure transparency and robust security to increase acceptance of AI payment solutions.
Why this matters
This study highlights a critical challenge for fintechs and payment processors as they advance AI applications in commerce. While the acceptance of AI in shopping is encouraging, the reluctance to utilize it for payments underscores a significant barrier that must be addressed. Companies that can develop trustworthy AI systems for payments may capitalize on a growing market, while those that fail to build consumer confidence could struggle to compete in an increasingly automated marketplace.