The findings: A declining portion of US consumers have the emergency savings necessary to cover a major unexpected expense, per Bankrate’s 2025 Emergency Savings Report.
Financial institutions (FIs) have an urgent role in helping their customers prepare for the future.
By the numbers: Only 41% of Americans would use savings to cover a major unexpected expense, down from 44% in 2024. Instead, 43% would borrow money, with 25% opting to use a credit card and pay it off over time, up from 21% in 2024.