The data: Consumers are willing to give AI control over certain financial tasks, but their comfort depends on the risks involved and the safeguards in place, according to the 2026 FIS Consumer Pulse Survey.

• 57% of US adults are comfortable letting AI flag or freeze suspicious transactions without approval.
• 55% would let it pay previously approved recurring bills.
• 47% would let it send money to another person or business.
• 43% would let it open a savings account.
• And 40% would let it apply for a loan or credit card.

That said, 50% want to approve every transaction an AI assistant makes.

Millennials and Gen Zers are far more willing than older generations to delegate financial management to an agent.

Implications for banks: Banks aren’t sure how to handle AI agents accessing their customers’ financial data. As they prioritize customers’ trust and security, fintechs that have fewer restrictions might nab younger customers who are more open to agentic financial management.

Agentic solutions could become key to attracting Gen Zers and millennials, but banks need to translate their willingness into adoption through targeted, low-risk experiences.

Fraud protection and preapproved recurring payments are natural starting points, given consumers' willingness to delegate these tasks. Banks can build on those capabilities with AI agents that identify unnecessary subscriptions, flag unusual spending, or recommend adjustments to recurring payments—while requiring approval before acting.

As customers become more comfortable with these tools, banks can offer greater agentic autonomy with customer-defined spending limits, merchant restrictions, and transaction approvals. Clear refund policies, education around access and permission, human oversight, and the ability to revoke agent access will be essential to maintaining trust.

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