Some adults use AI for financial advice, but trust is still low, Gallup poll finds

A recent Gallup survey, in collaboration with Edward Jones, reveals that a significant number of U.S. adults are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for financial guidance, but trust remains low. The poll, which surveyed 5,075 adults aged 21 and older from March 20 to April 6, 2026, found that about one in five Americans who sought financial advice in the past year used AI.

However, among all U.S. adults, only around 30% have a high level of confidence in AI's expertise for managing money, with only 3% trusting it "a great deal." The survey highlights a discrepancy between the sources Americans trust for financial advice and those they actually rely on. While 80% of adults have at least some confidence in financial advisers, only one-third of those seeking financial advice turned to a professional.

More people (73%) relied on their own internet research, with 35% turning to family members like parents, siblings, or relatives, and 26% seeking information from news media or social media. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are more likely to use AI for financial advice, while older adults are more inclined to seek professional financial advice.

Financial experts advise caution in relying solely on AI and suggest using it as a tool to begin learning and then combining it with other trusted sources. Associate professor Taha Choukhmane from MIT's Sloan School of Management recommends asking AI to provide references to trusted sources to verify the information. However, experts caution that AI lacks fiduciary responsibility and cannot replace the guidance provided by certified financial planners.