New data reveals more than six in 10 Aussies want to try AI shopping tools, but draw the line at the checkout.
Commerce – a data-centric provider of an open, AI-driven commerce ecosystem, and PayPal, today released new research conducted in March 2026, which reveals we have a strong interest in AI shopping experiences – alongside a clear demand for safeguards that keep Australian consumers in control of purchases.
The study, conducted by Logica Research, surveyed 1,000 Australian online shoppers, finding that more than six in 10 Australians (63%) are interested in trying an AI shopping tool, despite mixed enthusiasm for AI tools overall.
Yet when it comes to the moment of purchase, Australians are nervous. Only 4% want AI assistance at the checkout, with shoppers consistently preferring AI help during the product research and comparison phase only.
Why? It’s apparently a trust issue.
“Aussies are warming up to the idea of AI helping them to shop smarter,” said Shannon Ingrey, Vice President and General Manager for APAC at Commerce.
“However, they’re not ready to let it shop for them just yet.
“Handing over your private financial details to AI to purchase on your behalf – it will take time to build that trust with users.”
Ingrey added that platforms such as PayPal and Apple are based on a high trust factor, and are different from AI in that respect right now, because it’s so new.
“For retailers, that’s a big opportunity,” he added.
“They have to make sure their product data and content are rich enough for AI to compare and recommend.”
Shannon Ingrey, Vice President and General Manager for APAC at Commerce. Image: supplied
Aussies are happy to use AI to shop, but not to checkout, just yet
The Logica research found 45% of Australian online shoppers expect tech companies like Google and Apple to be first to release AI shopping tools, it is online payment providers like PayPal that Aussies trust most to do so safely (38%).
Reinforcing this theme, 79% expect AI shopping tools to offer payment security on par or better than what they use today.
The research also found that while only one in five Australians currently use AI tools when shopping online, those who do are already seeing the benefits, with 53% reporting they spend less time looking for products compared to traditional methods.
Looking ahead, 57% of non-users say they may give AI tools a try within the next year, and 79% of all respondents want AI to play a greater role in their future online shopping experiences.
Commerce and Paypal’s full Agentic AI Shopping Report can be downloaded here.
About Commerce
Commerce (Nasdaq: CMRC) empowers businesses to innovate, grow, and thrive by providing an open, AI-driven commerce ecosystem. As the parent company of BigCommerce, Feedonomics, and Makeswift, Commerce connects the tools and systems that power growth, enabling businesses to unlock the full potential of their data, deliver seamless and personalized experiences across every channel, and adapt swiftly to an ever-changing market. Trusted by leading businesses like Coldwater Creek, Cole Haan, Dell, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., Mizuno, Pacsun, Perry Ellis, Skechers, SportsShoes and Uplift Desk, Commerce delivers the storefront control, optimised data, and AI-ready tools businesses need to grow, serve diverse buyers, and operate with confidence in an increasingly intelligent, multi-surface world. For more information, visit www.commerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.
Top Image: Shannon Ingrey, Vice President and General Manager for APAC at Commerce. Image: supplied