The data: Just over half (51%) of digital banking Americans are comfortable with AI processing their financial data in exchange for a better experience, according to an Alkami survey.

Consumers are particularly open to AI when it helps detect suspicious activity, improves security, saves time, or supports better financial decisions.

What it means: Consumers aren’t embracing AI or data sharing unconditionally. They provide access when AI solves an identifiable problem.

The study points to several unmet needs that could make that exchange worthwhile:

• 44% of digital banking Americans wish their primary institution did a better job anticipating their financial needs and goals.
• 51% say managing their finances takes an emotional toll.
• 52% of consumers say they look to their financial partner for guidance.

And trust limitations act as an additional barrier to data sharing.

• A separate TD Bank survey found that 85% of US consumers trust their bank as an information source, compared with 62% who trust AI. 
• And although AI use for financial decisions is growing, just 18% would trust it to make financial recommendations independently. 

Together, the findings suggest consumers may be willing to let a trusted bank use their data to improve security, convenience, and guidance—but they still want transparency, control, and human involvement when AI moves from analyzing their finances to advising them.

Implication for banks: Banks shouldn’t market AI as “more personalized experiences.” Marketing should sell more specific outcomes: Messages such as “spot fraud sooner,” “see whether upcoming bills could leave you short,” or “find opportunities to save” make the benefit of data access concrete in a way that promises of vague AI-powered personalization don’t. 

Banks should pair those benefits with clear assurances that customers control what data is used and how they act on the resulting guidance. The message most likely to land is not “let our AI manage your money,” but “let us use the information we have to help you stay ahead.”

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