While credit cards can be used as an emergency fund alternative, it should not be the go-to option. Having a plan to pay off the credit card afterward is crucial. The best credit cards for ...

By contrast, when you use credit cards as your emergency fund, the money you spend becomes credit card debt that you'll eventually have to repay. Your "present self" is borrowing money from your ...

But if you have a $10,000 emergency fund and a $500 credit card balance remaining, you may be more likely to use some of your savings and still feel confident in your ability to handle a large ...

Economists say there’s at least a 1-in-3 chance of a recession (36 percent) in the next 12 months, according to Bankrate’s ...

Strategic credit card use could help you navigate an emergency, like a sudden expense that you can’t easily afford. To be sure, credit cards come with their costs, risks and limitations.

It’s not uncommon to carry multiple credit cards, but how many is too many? On average, the American credit card holder carries 3.9 active cards in their wallet. And while that statistic doesn't offer ...

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all number, the rule of thumb many experts recommend is having at least three to six months ...

Below, experts responded to our questions about how much cash to carry during an emergency, as well as how to rely on credit cards so you get the most rewards for your spending. When to use your ...

Whether you need to replace your water heater, buy a new car engine or cover an unexpected emergency, a credit card can be helpful when you're short on cash. But should you use your credit card ...