How AI is Becoming the Smartest New Tool for Holiday Shopping
MARKETING
According to a national consumer survey from Experian®, AI tools are making the holiday shopping process easier.
The holiday season, while filled with joy, often comes tethered to a significant burden of financial stress and complex planning. This year, however, consumers are finding a powerful new ally in navigating the seasonal spending frenzy: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
According to a national consumer survey by Experian®, AI tools are fundamentally reshaping the holiday shopping process, making it easier, more enjoyable, and significantly more budget-friendly. A notable 58% of survey respondents who have used AI report a significant positive impact on the way they plan and shop for the season.
AI is the New Holiday Helper
The data confirms that AI is moving beyond niche use cases and becoming a mainstream planning tool for consumers. Nearly two in three surveyed consumers (63%) are open to AI acting as their personal "holiday elf." When asked what they need the most assistance with, consumers were clear:
Finding the best prices (40%)
Spotting deals or sales (38%)
While the overall adoption rate is still growing, the benefits are undeniable. Among those who have utilized AI tools for holiday planning, 86% say it makes holiday shopping easier, and 76% say it makes the experience more enjoyable.
Predictably, Gen Z is leading the charge, with 18% of the demographic having used AI to help plan or shop for the holidays, nearly double the rate of the general population.
Financial Resilience Ahead of the Frenzy
The need for smart tools is urgent. The survey found that over half (52%) of consumers feel stressed about their finances during the season, with 69% expecting inflation to affect their holiday shopping this year.
To combat this pressure, consumers are adopting proactive financial planning strategies. Over half (56%) plan to set aside money for gifts, and 45% plan to tighten their budgets. Gen Z is particularly motivated, with 87% focused on improving their finances ahead of the buying frenzy.
“The holidays are often filled with joy, but they can also bring financial stress that lingers well into the new year,” said Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian. “That's why it's so important for consumers to turn to trusted resources that support their entire financial journey, from managing holiday budgets to building long-term financial health.”
Simple Strategies, Powered by Technology
Experian encourages consumers to adopt a few simple, technology-backed strategies to keep their finances on the nice list:
Consult Your Personal Holiday Elf: Consumers can use tools like EVA (Experian Virtual Assistant), a generative AI-powered chatbot, to get immediate answers to financial questions, find the right credit cards, or even take action like securely locking their credit file.
Earn More Cheer with the Right Card: Experian’s credit card marketplace offers personalized offers based on a user’s credit profile, helping shoppers earn maximum rewards, cash back, or perks.
Save Where You Can: Tools that help users identify and cancel unused subscriptions or negotiate monthly bills (like cable or internet) can free up unexpected cash for gifts and celebrations.
By embracing the power of AI, consumers are gaining confidence and control, turning the often-stressful holiday shopping period into a more manageable and financially healthier experience.