According to the second annual TD AI Insights Report, AI has moved from a novelty to a daily utility for the majority of Americans. Conducted in February 2026, the nationwide survey of more than 2,500 respondents shows that 78% now use AI‑powered tools in their everyday lives, and 67% say their proficiency with the technology has improved over the past year.
Broad adoption across generations
The data reveal strong usage across age groups. Gen Z leads with 90% reporting regular AI use, followed closely by millennials at 89%. Even Gen X (76%) and baby boomers (63%) report frequent use, indicating that AI is no longer confined to early adopters.
Trust grows, but cautiously
While 62% of respondents believe AI can provide reliable information, only 18% feel comfortable allowing AI to make important financial decisions without human input. When it comes to financial advice, 55% still prefer recommendations that include substantial human oversight, and just 30% would choose faster AI‑driven advice if it meant less human interaction.
Overall trust in AI has risen modestly: 62% now say they trust AI to give honest and reliable information, up from roughly half a year earlier. The share of respondents who trust AI “a great deal” nearly doubled, moving from 8% in 2025 to 15% in 2026. Nevertheless, trust remains lower than confidence in personal relationships (90%) and financial institutions (85%).
Impact on financial services
More than half of those surveyed (55%) use AI to help manage their finances, a sharp increase from just 10% a year ago. Consumers appreciate AI’s speed and convenience, but they draw a firm line around autonomy. Only 18% would let AI make financial recommendations independently, while nearly half say a human review of AI‑generated guidance would boost their confidence.
When asked what matters most in how banks employ AI, respondents prioritized protection of customer data and privacy (31%), transparency about AI usage (19%), and accuracy and reliability of AI systems (17%). A small minority (15%) said none of these factors would affect their trust, underscoring broad openness to responsible AI deployment.
Workplace transformation
AI adoption at work has surged, with 83% of employed respondents reporting use of AI tools—a 20% jump from the previous year. Both employer‑provided tools (up from 63% to 75%) and independently accessed tools (up from 66% to 78%) saw increased usage.
Employees report that AI helps them work faster, generate ideas more easily, and make decisions more efficiently. Seventy‑one percent say AI gives them an advantage over peers in similar roles, shifting the narrative from threat to performance enhancer.
Despite widespread workplace use, 68% of AI‑using employees are less worried about AI taking their jobs than a year ago, and 91% believe AI should be used in the workplace—provided humans retain final authority.
Looking ahead
The survey highlights a tension between rapid technological capability and the slower pace of organizational readiness. Consumers expect digital experiences to be faster, more personalized, and always available, yet they demand clear guardrails and human oversight for high‑stakes decisions.
For financial institutions, the findings present a pivotal opportunity: pair AI‑driven efficiency with strong accountability measures to earn consumer confidence. As AI continues to embed itself in daily life, the balance of innovation and responsibility will shape the next phase of adoption.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
