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Emergency Fund: What It Is and Why It Matters

Best kept in a savings account, an emergency fund is useful for unexpected expenses.
Nov. 30, 2017
Banking, Banking Basics, Savings Accounts
How to Build an Emergency Fund

What is an emergency fund?

An emergency fund is a bank account with money set aside to cover large, unexpected expenses, such as:

    • An emergency room visit.
    • Home-appliance repair or replacement.
    • Major car fixes.
    • And, costliest of all, unemployment

    » Want to see how big your fund should be? Jump ahead to NerdWallet’s emergency fund calculator.

    Why do I need an emergency fund?

    Having money in a high rate savings account can help you avoid borrowing. The financial buffer an emergency fund provides can keep you afloat in a time of need without having to rely on credit cards or take out high-interest loans. This is especially important if you already have these obligations.

    “One of the first steps in climbing out of debt,” says NerdWallet columnist Liz Weston, “is to give yourself a way not to go further into debt.”

    How much should I save?

    Up to half a year of expenses: The answer depends on your financial circumstances, but a good rule of thumb is to have enough to cover three to six months’ worth of living expenses. If you lose your job, for instance, you could use the money to pay for necessities while you find a new one, or the funds could supplement your unemployment benefits.

    Start small, Weston says, but start.

    Having $500 saved can get you out of many financial scrapes. Put something away now, and build your fund over time.

    Where do I put my emergency fund?

    Because an emergency can strike at any time, having quick access is crucial. But the account should be separate from a bank account you use daily, so you’re not tempted to dip into your reserves.

    A high-yield savings account is a good place for your money. It is federally insured up to $250,000, so it’s safe. The money earns interest, and you can access your cash quickly when needed, whether through withdrawal or funds transfer.

    Goldman Sachs Bank USA

    at Goldman Sachs Bank USA,

    Member, FDIC

    NerdWallet bank rating:
    4.0 NerdWallet rating
    NerdWallet bank rating:
    4.0 NerdWallet rating

    at Discover,

    Member, FDIC

    NerdWallet bank rating:
    4.5 NerdWallet rating



    Monthly fees


    Bonus features

    Excellent CD options



    Monthly fees


    Bonus features

    Large ATM network



    Monthly fees


    Bonus features

    Solid CD options

    See more high-yield savings accounts

    How do I build an emergency fund?

    1. Set a monthly savings goal. This will get you into the habit of saving regularly and will make the task less daunting. One way to do this is by automatically transferring funds to your savings account each time you get paid.
    2. Keep the change. When you get $1 and $5 bills after breaking a $20, drop some in a jar at home. When the jar fills up, move it into your savings account. If you don’t carry cash, you could try a mobile savings app that makes automatic transfers, with rules that are based on the transactions you make. Read more about our recommendations for savings apps: Qapital, Acorns and Digit.
    3. Tidy up your checking account. If there’s money left at the end of a pay period, move some into your emergency fund.
    4. If there’s no money left, cut expenses. See which parts of your monthly spending you can trim, so you’ll have cash left over to build your fund. Some ways to save include carpooling, cooking more meals at home, saving leftovers and avoiding small daily purchases such as takeout coffee.
    5. Get supplemental income. If you have the time and willpower, get a second job or sell unused items from home to accumulate more money for your fund. (See 19 Ways to Find Fast Cash, More Savings.)
    6. Save your tax refund. You get a shot at this once a year at tax time — and only if you expect a refund. Saving it can be an easy way to boost to your emergency stash. When you file your taxes, consider having your refund deposited directly into your emergency account. Alternatively, you can adjust your W-4 tax form so that you have less money withheld. Then direct the extra cash into your emergency fund.
    7. Assess and adjust contributions. Check in after a few months to see how much you’re saving, and adjust if you need to add more. This is especially important if you go through an expensive major life event such as marriage or a move to a new city, or have an emergency that causes you to dip into your existing fund.

    Click below to find savings accounts in your area with the best interest rates and reasonable minimum balance requirements. And here are our picks for the best savings accounts overall.

    An emergency fund is for emergencies

    What’s an emergency? Something that affects your health or ability to earn money.

    What’s not an emergency?

    • Holidays, birthdays and mental pick-me-ups for yourself or significant others
    • The chance to get a great deal on something you don’t need
    • Expenses that aren’t surprises, such as car insurance

    When saving, draw a line between emergencies and everything else. In fact, once you’ve hit a reasonable threshold of emergency savings, Weston says, it’s a good idea to begin another account for irregular but inevitable items such as car maintenance, vacations and clothing.

    Everyone needs to save for the unexpected. Having something in reserve can mean the difference between weathering a short-term financial storm or going deep into debt.

    Use this calculator to get started. It takes only a few minutes:

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