AI tools are revolutionizing holiday shopping
For Gen Z, digital tools are not only convenient, they are essential to the shopping experience. According to Visa, 47% of Americans use AI for at least one holiday task, with gift discovery ranking No. 1, The Street reports.
Cryptocurrency gifts are gaining popularity
Meanwhile, 45% of Gen Z say they would be excited to receive cryptocurrencies as a gift, compared to 28% of the general population.
“The data tells a great story about the spending shift we’re seeing: Shoppers are adopting AI and digital tools at remarkable speed, with nearly half of Americans now using AI to enhance their shopping experience,” said Bruce Cundiff, Vice President of Consumer Insights at Visa.
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Generation Z is driving the shift to digital-first shopping
Survey highlights how Generation Z is shaping digital-first commerce:
- 44% have made purchases using cryptocurrencies.
- 71% prefer biometric authentication for payments.
- 36% prefer digital wallets like physical cards.
- 60% buy gifts from abroad via global e-commerce platforms.
Global e-commerce and Gen Z travel plans boost international digital payments
Visa notes that these trends represent a step toward “digital native” shopping, where AI, cryptocurrencies and cross-border purchases are seamlessly integrated. Globally, 41% of Gen Z respondents also plan to travel more this season, increasing international digital transactions.
Inflation and housing costs affect spending habits
Economic pressures also play a role. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that U.S. consumer prices rose 2.7% year over year, with the broader 12-month inflation rate at about 3%. Housing costs remain particularly high for Gen Z renters at 3.8% year over year.
Stablecoins are expected to play a larger role by 2035
The survey suggests that these economic pressures, combined with tech-savvy habits, are pushing younger shoppers toward alternative stores of value like Bitcoin, stablecoins and other digital assets. Nearly one in ten Americans believe stablecoins will dominate by 2030, and 28% expect their use to rise significantly by 2035, according to The Street report.
Shoppers still want human support
Even as AI becomes a central tool, shoppers still value clarity and human support. Visa found that 61% prefer human customer service, 60% want transparency about how AI uses personal data, and 66% worry about friends or family falling for online scams.
Frequently asked questions
How many Americans will use AI for holiday shopping in 2025?
Nearly 47% of U.S. shoppers use AI tools for at least one holiday task, according to Visa data.
How interested is Generation Z in receiving cryptocurrencies as a gift?
45% of Gen Z say they would be excited to get crypto during the holidays.
