“Hey Chat, which vacuum is better?”

“Can you compare these two phones?”

“Is this air fryer actually worth it?”

Asking AI for a second opinion before buying something has become part of many people’s shopping routine. Whether it’s comparing products or explaining the difference between two models, shoppers are increasingly turning to AI before deciding where to spend their money.

A new Adyen Index 2026 Malaysia Retail Report found that 74% of shoppers now use AI to discover products and decide what to buy. While AI is becoming another tool to help people shop, most still aren’t ready to let it spend their money.

More than half of Malaysians (52%) said they wouldn’t be comfortable letting AI make purchases for them because of concerns over security, transparency and staying in control of their spending.

AI Is Becoming Another Shopping Tool

Shopping online isn’t as simple as it used to be. It can take dozens of reviews and comparisons before you feel ready to click “Buy”.

Among AI users, 84% said there’s too much information on social media. Another 74% said AI helps them narrow down their options faster, while 62% use it to discover new brands and products.

The report found that shoppers no longer stick to one platform throughout their buying journey. Someone might first spot a product on social media, compare it using AI, browse a retailer’s app, then buy it in-store.

Adyen Malaysia country manager Lee Soon Yean said shoppers are taking more time to compare their options as they look for better value and greater flexibility before buying. He added that retailers will need to make sure shoppers can move between different channels without friction.

Trust Still Matters At Checkout

AI might be able to compare products in seconds, but Malaysians still want to be the ones deciding whether to tap “Pay”.

Nearly six in 10 Malaysians (59%) said payment errors would negatively affect how they view a business. Another 26% said they had abandoned purchases because of security or trust concerns, while 15% said they would switch to a competitor after a poor payment experience.

AI is making it easier to sort through dozens of reviews and compare products in minutes. But convenience shouldn’t replace verification, especially when you’re about to spend your money. AI can miss recent updates or confidently present inaccurate information, so treat it as a tool to narrow down your options rather than the final authority. Once you’ve found a product you’re interested in, check the manufacturer’s or retailer’s website for the latest specifications and pricing. If you’re comparing financial products, use a trusted comparison site, like this one, RinggitPlus, that lists the latest offers and key features side by side before making a decision.

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Christina Chandra

Christina writes about personal finance with an eye for making the complicated feel straightforward. She is drawn to the everyday money decisions people face and genuinely enjoys finding the clearest way to explain them. Between articles, she is probably napping, on a hiking trail, or terrorising her sister’s cats.

About THE AUTHOR

Christina Chandra

Christina Chandra

Christina writes about personal finance with an eye for making the complicated feel straightforward. She is drawn to the everyday money decisions people face and genuinely enjoys finding the clearest way to explain them. Between articles, she is probably napping, on a hiking trail, or terrorising her sister's cats.

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