Jun 24, 2026
More Canadians are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot before making purchases, whether they’re comparing products, planning a trip or looking for ways to stretch their budget.
A new National Bank survey found that 39% of Canadians have used generative AI to help make a purchasing decision over the past year, suggesting the technology is becoming part of how many consumers research and evaluate what to buy.
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“These results show that AI is quickly becoming second nature for Canadians,” said Pierre Dufour, senior vice-president of Strategy and Client Experience at National Bank, in a statement.
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“We wanted to better understand how Canadians are using new technologies to make a range of important life decisions — whether it’s everyday purchases or larger, more complex projects.”
Canadians are using AI for more than just shopping
While product research is one of the most common uses, Canadians are increasingly turning to AI tools for a wide range of everyday decisions.
Among those who use AI, 36% said they rely on it for health and wellness questions, while 32% use it for food, meal planning and recipes. Another 31% said they use AI when researching products or services, while 28% use it for travel planning.
Unsurprisingly, personal finances are also entering the mix. Nearly one-quarter of AI users (23%) said they have used the technology for budgeting, saving or investing decisions.
The survey suggests AI is evolving from a novelty into a practical tool that many people now use to gather information and compare options before making decisions.
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Many users say AI is helping them save money
One reason for AI’s growing popularity may be its ability to quickly sort through information that would otherwise take much longer to research.
Among Canadians who use AI when making purchases, 80% said the tools help them compare options more effectively. More than half (57%) said AI has helped them save money.
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The survey also found that 61% of users believe AI has more influence on their purchasing decisions than traditional advertising.
For consumers trying to navigate everything from travel bookings to household purchases, AI tools can act as a personal research assistant, helping identify alternatives, compare prices and summarize large amounts of information in seconds.
That convenience may help explain why AI is becoming a regular part of the shopping process for many Canadians.
AI recommendations don’t always work out
Despite the reported benefits, the survey also suggests consumers are learning where AI falls short.
More than one in four users (28%) said they have regretted a purchase recommended by an AI tool. At the same time, 23% said AI has encouraged them to spend more money than they otherwise would have.
The findings highlight a reality many consumers are discovering firsthand: that AI can be useful for research and comparison, but its recommendations aren’t always going to hit the mark. The quality of the advice often depends on the information provided, the prompts used and the sources an AI tool draws from.
As these tools become more common in everyday life, their influence on spending decisions will likely continue to grow. But while many users say AI is helping them save money and make more informed choices, the survey suggests a healthy dose of skepticism may still be warranted.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
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