AI and crypto reshape holiday shopping this year
Gen Z shoppers are driving digital-first commerce, embracing biometrics, social platforms, crypto payments and digital wallets at higher rates than other generations.
Visa survey data points to a significant shift in holiday shopping behaviour, with AI now embedded in everyday purchasing decisions. Nearly half of US consumers report using AI tools, mainly to discover gift ideas and compare prices more efficiently.
Digital currencies are also moving closer to the mainstream. More than one in four respondents would welcome cryptocurrency as a gift, while interest among Gen Z rises sharply. Expectations surrounding stablecoins are growing, with many consumers anticipating their wider adoption over the next decade.
Gen Z continues to lead adoption of digital-first commerce, favouring biometrics, social media shopping, overseas purchases and crypto payments.
Digital wallets are gaining parity with physical cards among younger shoppers, signalling a shift in payment method preferences.
Despite enthusiasm for new technologies, trust remains a central concern. Consumers still value human customer service and want clearer insight into how AI uses personal data, while concerns about online scams remain widespread during the holiday season.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
