Only 14% of European consumers want AI to open an account

Signicat, a European firm, makes tools for digital identity and fraud prevention. In August 2026, its survey had 4,050 consumers and 450 business leaders in nine countries. Only 14% accept that AI opens a bank account in their name, and 65% want AI help if they keep control. But 79% of providers say that they are prepared.

How it works

The survey asked about digital identity, checks and trust online. Consumers want a copilot, which helps them, and not an autopilot, which does the work for them. Only 11% want AI to complete an application.

The numbers

• 15% trust AI to use their identity with the bank.
• 14% trust AI to sign account contracts in their name.
• 60% left an online application in the last year.

What is not known

The results come from a survey by Signicat, which makes identity tools. The survey does not show if consumers will change their view. Norway is first in Europe in digital ID preference, but 79% there are not comfortable with AI that opens accounts.

Insight: Banks hold trust and AI firms hold the tool

Consumers trust providers (44%) more than AI firms (23%) to keep data safe. Gartner says that only 21% of chief information officers have rules for AI agents, but 71% plan to use them. This seems a race for the customer: providers that set safe agent rules first can keep the customer. Look for who writes those rules.