Would You Let a Robot Do Your Shopping? How Brits Are Warming Up to AI Wallets

 

Imagine not having to hunt for groceries after a long day or remember when your phone bill is due because an AI assistant has already taken care of that for you. Does that sound dreamy? It’s rapidly becoming a reality that many Britons would gladly accept.

Two out of five households globally would trust artificial intelligence to spend their money, according to new research from payments company Checkout.com, provided that it means avoiding boring, everyday tasks like bill payments or shopping.

Although it may seem risky, many people are becoming increasingly comfortable with the idea of allowing AI to access their bank accounts.

The Rise of the “Agentic AI” Shopper

AI is already deeply integrated into daily life, assisting with scheduling, meal planning, and providing instant answers to questions. But now, many households are ready to take it further.

According to the survey, more and more people are letting AI handle their shopping — from ordering household essentials and groceries to paying monthly bills. Still, there are limits to trust: the average consumer said they would feel comfortable letting AI manage about £200 of their money.

Young Brits Are Leading the Charge

Younger generations are, predictably, the most open to letting AI manage their finances. Nearly seven in ten people aged 25 to 34 said they would be happy for digital assistants to handle transactions on their behalf.

Almost half already use AI tools to help them make purchasing decisions — from comparing reviews to finding the best deals.

Older generations, however, remain cautious. Just 13% of people over 65 and 24% of those aged 55 to 64 said they would feel comfortable allowing AI to manage their money.

It’s All About Trust — and Safety

Despite growing enthusiasm, many consumers remain wary. About 40% said their biggest concern is fraud or data misuse if AI takes over their purchasing.

However, with strong security assurances, 31% said they would be open to the idea, and another 30% indicated that simpler refund or return options could make them more comfortable — in case their AI butler accidentally buys the wrong brand of cat food.

The AI Assistant Is Already in Your Home

Many households are already using AI more than they realize. One in five have asked AI to write birthday card messages, and more than two in five have used it to find gift ideas for loved ones.

It seems the jump from AI gift advisor to full-fledged personal shopper may not be far off.

Finding the Balance Between Control and Convenience

“The idea of AI running your shopping might sound futuristic, but consumers are already halfway there – they just need reassurance it’s safe,” said Jenny Hadlow of Checkout.com.

She added that although nearly half of respondents worry about losing control over their purchases, there are ways to ease those fears. As the technology becomes more mainstream, features like spending caps, category filters, and real-time alerts could help consumers feel more secure.

The idea of letting a robot manage your wallet might still sound like science fiction — but it’s quickly becoming part of everyday life. Whether you’re ready to hand over £200 to your digital assistant or prefer to keep a firm grip on your debit card, one thing’s certain: AI isn’t just changing how we shop — it’s changing who does the shopping.