As AI-powered tools take on more financial tasks, concerns are growing over how much access consumers should give them. A new US survey found that 19% of adults have already been asked by an AI agent to share their financial account login details or debit or credit card numbers.
The survey was conducted by Morning Consult for the American Bankers Association (ABA). It covered 4,402 US adults surveyed online between October 9 and 12, 2026, across 2 samples of 2,191 and 2,211 respondents. The ABA released the findings on October 27 at its annual convention. Another 62% said they had not received such a request, while 18% were unsure or had no opinion.
“While agentic AI has the potential to be a compelling consumer tool, this survey shows that Americans are not ready to hand over their financial decisions to AI agents,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO.
Consumers remain cautious about AI handling money
The survey found that 77% of respondents were concerned about allowing AI agents to move money, make payments or complete financial transactions on their behalf. This included 52% who were very concerned. Only 14% were not concerned, while 10% were unsure.
Interest in allowing AI to manage bank balances was also limited. Only 27% said they were likely to use an AI agent for this purpose within the next 12 months, including 11% who were very likely. Meanwhile, 61% were unlikely to do so, with 47% saying they were very unlikely.
What customers expect from banks
Around 80% said banks should be able to distinguish between customers and their AI agents, including 57% who strongly agreed. Another 79% said customers should not have to share their online banking usernames and passwords with AI tools to receive financial assistance.
Additionally, 76% wanted banks to require AI agents to demonstrate adequate privacy and security protections before accessing personal information.
The survey also found that 74% cared whether non-bank businesses handling their finances followed the same legal and regulatory requirements as banks. Only 8% said they did not care, while 17% had no opinion.
“Consumers clearly still value the safety and security of their bank, and they are understandably wary of allowing AI to move their money or access sensitive account information,” Nichols said.
Banks tighten controls on external AI agents
Major US banks are already restricting third-party AI agents from accessing customer accounts and making transactions. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said the bank would not allow just any external agent, calling it too risky. Bank of America is limiting agent access while developing payment liability protocols, while Charles Schwab is blocking agents from using customer login credentials.
At the same time, banks are developing their own AI tools. JPMorgan has started testing a smart cash product, while Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said its assistant, Erica, now uses agentic AI, with human approval required before money moves.
The ABA release did not refer to a specific rule governing AI agents’ access to customer data. Nichols said consumers also expect their banks to protect them from AI-related risks.
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