Few Americans Trust AI for Financial Advice Despite Growing Use
A Gallup poll found that while some adults are turning to AI for financial guidance, most prefer human advisors or their own research.
While a portion of U.S. adults are utilizing artificial intelligence for financial guidance, it remains a low-trust source for advice, according to a recent Gallup survey conducted with financial services firm Edward Jones.
Approximately one in five Americans who sought financial advice in the past year reported using AI. However, overall confidence in AI's expertise for managing money is low, with only about 3 in 10 U.S. adults expressing "a great deal" or "some" confidence, and just 3% trusting it "a great deal."
The survey, which polled adults aged 21 and older in spring 2026, revealed a disparity between the sources Americans trust for financial advice and those they actually consult. Roughly 80% of U.S. adults have at least "some" confidence in financial advisers. Despite this, only about one-third of those seeking advice turned to a professional financial adviser, while a significantly larger group, 73%, relied on their own internet research.
Financial experts advise caution regarding full reliance on AI tools. Taha Choukhmane, an associate professor at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, suggests using AI as an initial learning tool, then integrating that knowledge with other trusted sources. "I would encourage people to use AI to explain and define," Choukhmane said. "If you’re interested in knowing what the stock market is, what the difference between a mutual fund and an index fund is. Using AI to explain these concepts can be very useful because it can empower people to get the most out of these methods."
Most Americans have sought financial guidance from multiple sources. Beyond internet research, financial advisers, and AI, 35% consulted a family member, while 26% obtained information from news, media, or social media. Around 20% turned to a friend or an author, speaker, or influencer, with fewer relying on employers, retirement plan providers, robo-advisors, or educators.
Younger demographics are more inclined to use AI for financial advice, whereas older adults tend to favor professional financial advisers. Affordability is a significant barrier for younger adults seeking professional advice; while internet research, family, and AI are low-cost options, hiring a professional often involves a greater financial commitment. About a quarter of Gen Z and millennial adults who sought advice in the past year used AI, compared to 16% of Gen Xers and 7% of baby boomers. Conversely, only 14% of Gen Z and 21% of millennials consulted a professional adviser, in contrast to 34% of Gen X and 55% of baby boomers.
AI's responses can vary based on user prompts, but general questions about personal finance can aid in understanding complex terms. Choukhmane also recommends asking AI to cite its sources to verify information.
Some financial experts express skepticism about AI's legal accountability. While certified financial planners are legally obligated to provide suitable advice, AI tools lack this fiduciary responsibility. Bobbi Rebell, a certified financial planner and founder of Financial Wellness Strategies, emphasized, "Fiduciary responsibility is very real. There’s no AI that is a fiduciary. It doesn’t really know your life; it’s not asking you all the questions."
The Gallup poll surveyed 5,075 U.S. adults aged 21 and older from March 20 to April 6, 2026. The margin of sampling error for the overall U.S. adult population was plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.