Paid AI subscriptions surge 145% in 12 months: Westpac
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The news: Over 150,000 of Westpac’s retail customers are paying for one or more AI subscriptions each month, according to new data from March 2026 published by the bank.
This is up from 11,000 customers paying for these services three years ago in March 2023 and marks a 145% increase over the past 12 months.
The numbers: In March 2026, 152,512 Westpac customers had an AI subscription they were paying for. This compares to 62,216 customers in March 2025, 31,822 in March 2024 and 11,017 in March 2023.
Westpac customers are spending a collective total of $5.6 million a month on average for AI subscriptions. This spans services such as personal digital assistants but also learning tools and creative apps.
The average individual spend is $37 a month on AI subscriptions.
Gen X had the most significant rise in growth, followed by Millennials, Gen Z and Baby Boomers. However, Millennial customers were those using AI the most overall.
What they said: “This is a rapid shift in behaviour as customers embrace AI to make daily tasks faster, easier and more personalised,” Westpac chief executive of consumer Carolyn McCann said.
“It’s clear that AI has moved well beyond hype. It’s now becoming more embedded as a practical tool that Australians are increasingly relying on, whether for study, work or managing the household,” she said.
The source: Westpac media release
