In an era when financial pressures mount, a striking number of Americans are quietly turning to artificial intelligence for guidance. According to fresh research released by bunq, Europe’s neobanking focused Fintech, more than one in three U.S. adults have already consulted AI when facing a money-related choice.
Digital bank bunq pointed out that roughly one in four say they lean on these tools specifically during high-stress moments, such as deciding which bills to cover first, weighing a big-ticket purchase, or stretching limited resources.
The study, bunq’s first-ever AI in Finance Report, surveyed 7,000 adults across seven countries in February 2026, including 1,000 respondents from the United States.
While most people still place greater faith in human advisors, AI is carving out a distinct role as a neutral sounding board. It offers a low-pressure way to sort through uncertainty, lighten the mental load of daily budgeting, and test ideas before committing to action.
The findings highlight a widening gap between AI users and non-users in America, a nation at the forefront of AI development.
Those who regularly discuss their finances with AI report saving money at rates up to six times higher than those who steer clear.
Nearly three in ten Americans credit the technology with helping them put away more cash over the past year.Yet the data also uncovers a curious cost-saving puzzle.
People who approach AI with the narrow goal of trimming expenses or cutting corners see minimal payoff.
Real gains emerge for those who treat it as a thoughtful collaborator—one that helps them truly grasp their financial picture rather than just crunch numbers.
Stress appears to accelerate this shift.
When money feels tight or decisions weigh heavily, about one-quarter of Americans turn to AI to quickly compare options and gain clarity before moving forward.
Equally telling, the same share say they are more open and honest with AI about their financial realities than they would be with friends, family, or colleagues.
The absence of judgment or social awkwardness seems to free them to speak plainly.
Behavioral scientist Dr. Nick Hobson, Consulting Director at Influence at Work, explains the dynamic: people often begin with AI in a purely functional way, yet the emotional distance it provides—much like confiding in a stranger—makes honesty easier.
That candor, in turn, drives better outcomes. Over time, the interaction evolves from calculator to thinking partner.
Hobson likens it to a “social gym,” a safe space to practice difficult conversations, such as negotiating a raise or setting boundaries with loved ones, without fear of embarrassment.
The confidence gained often carries over into real-life discussions.Joe Wilson, Chief Evangelist at bunq, notes that the moment feels especially timely.
“People are turning to AI for everyday choices, and it delivers value only when it fits seamlessly into their lives,” he says.
“The biggest difference comes from removing friction and delivering genuine ease.”
As the world’s GenAI-powered bank, bunq integrates its proprietary artificial intelligence across every aspect of its operations and user experience.
The Dutch-based neobank holds a U.S. broker-dealer license and has applied for a full U.S. banking charter, signaling ambitious plans to expand its global footprint.
With a track record of innovation—including the largest European fintech Series A ever raised and early structural profitability—bunq continues to redefine how people manage spending, saving, budgeting, and investing.
The survey was conducted by Pollfish on bunq’s behalf. Results underscore a broader trend: as AI matures, its quiet role in personal finance may reshape not only how US consumers save, but how comfortably they confront money itself.