The report highlights a distinct hierarchy of concerns: 82% of consumers prioritize data security, and 77% demand transparency regarding how their information is utilized. By contrast, only 58% cite saving time as a primary driver for adopting agentic commerce. This caution is reflected in current usage habits, where AI is largely relegated to low-risk tasks like comparing prices, applying discounts, or managing loyalty rewards.

Financial protection acts as the most significant catalyst for broader adoption. Two-thirds of respondents indicated they would increase their reliance on AI agents if robust fraud protection were integrated into the experience. Comfort levels drop sharply as the purchase price increases; while nearly half of consumers are comfortable allowing AI to suggest options for low-cost items under $50, 46% explicitly refuse to use AI for transactions exceeding $5,000. Nimrod Barak, Chief AI Officer at Synchrony, notes that as AI evolves from a research tool to an autonomous agent, companies must prioritize accountability and clear approval processes to earn the necessary consumer confidence to scale.