New research from Worldpay shows strong interest among Singapore consumers in using AI agents to browse and buy products on their behalf. The study found that 44 per cent of respondents would allow an AI system to make purchases for them either now or within the next year. Cost savings remain the strongest motivation, with 75 per cent naming the ability to find the best deals at the lowest price as their main reason for using an AI shopping agent.
Agentic commerce is still at an early stage, yet the findings suggest that AI-powered tools could become a common shopping companion for Singaporeans. These systems operate based on preset preferences and spending limits. Over time, they learn individual buying patterns, brands and style choices and gain enough autonomy to complete transactions independently.
Phil Pomford, General Manager for APAC at Worldpay, said the shift marks an important step in the evolution of online retail. “Agentic commerce is the next evolution for online shopping. AI agents will play a growing role in guiding customers by offering a personalised service with speed and convenience at its core. Trust and consent remain critical, whether for everyday purchases or luxury items. This research shows that Singapore consumers are ready to embrace Agentic AI and retailers must adapt or risk missing out on a market that’s growing by the day.”
Worldpay commissioned the research to understand how shoppers feel about the role of AI in online purchasing. The company estimates that AI agents could account for nearly 10 per cent of online shopping in Singapore by 2030. With the country’s e-commerce market projected to reach S$36 billion by that time, this represents S$3.6 billion in spending routed through AI tools.
Everyday essentials and high-demand purchases lead adoption
Groceries and daily essentials remain the most common category where consumers are willing to let an AI agent take over. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents said they would trust an AI system to shop for everyday items and spend up to S$170 on each purchase.
There is also interest in using AI for high-demand items that often sell out quickly or attract resellers. One in five respondents said they would rely on an AI agent to secure sports or concert tickets and were comfortable with the system spending as much as S$850.
Travel is another category where agentic commerce appears promising. As a major regional travel hub, Singapore sees strong interest in AI-managed bookings. Thirty-one per cent of respondents would approve an AI agent spending S$170 to S$850 on flights. Twenty-eight per cent were comfortable with a budget of up to S$1,700, and 10 per cent would allow as much as S$8,500. Hotel bookings reflected slightly lower but still significant confidence, with 30 per cent willing to approve spending up to S$850 and 19 per cent up to S$1,700.
Concerns about fraud and loss of control
Despite growing acceptance, significant concerns remain. Sixty-three per cent of respondents said they feared unauthorised purchases, while 61 per cent cited fraud as a key worry. These findings highlight the need for strong safeguards, transparency and clear user controls before most consumers will trust AI agents with broader purchasing authority.
Worldpay said it aims to support this shift by helping retailers build secure and transparent AI-enabled shopping experiences. The company is developing technology that connects merchants with trusted AI platforms, allowing consumers to retain control while reducing fraud risks. The goal is to help shoppers embrace agentic commerce with confidence as the sector evolves.
