The research highlights a significant shift in consumer preference toward card-linked installment plans over traditional Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. Data shows that 36% of consumers utilized card-linked installments over the past three months, a rate three times higher than the 12% who opted for standalone BNPL providers. This trend suggests that shoppers increasingly favor tools that integrate with their established financial relationships rather than those requiring new credit applications or additional loans.

Trust in AI remains conditional, with only 2% of respondents desiring fully automated decision-making. Instead, the vast majority prefer a guided model where they can review, modify, or reject AI-generated suggestions before committing to a purchase. Credit score protection emerged as the top priority for users, cited as essential by 59% of respondents—outranking concerns over total costs or monthly affordability.

Age plays a critical role in the adoption of these tools. Gen Z consumers show the highest comfort levels, with 80% open to AI-assisted recommendations. In contrast, older generations remain more skeptical, as 64% of Boomers stated they would not permit AI to select payment methods in any category. For merchants and fintech firms, the data indicates that success lies in leveraging AI to simplify the shopping journey while ensuring the consumer remains the final arbiter of every financial decision.