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Emergency Fund Calculator: How Much Will Protect You?
Aim to save three to six months' worth of expenses in your emergency fund.
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Margarette Burnette is a NerdWallet authority on savings, who has been writing about bank accounts since before the Great Recession. Her work has been featured in The Associated Press, USA Today and other major newspapers. Before joining NerdWallet, Margarette was a freelance journalist with bylines in magazines such as Good Housekeeping, Black Enterprise and Parenting. She is based near Atlanta, Georgia.
Yuliya Goldshteyn is a former banking editor at NerdWallet. She previously worked as an editor, a writer and a research analyst in industries ranging from health care to market research. She earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley and a master's degree in social sciences from the University of Chicago, with a focus on Soviet cultural history. She is based in Portland, Oregon.
An emergency fund cushions you against surprise financial setbacks. Use our emergency fund calculator below to help you pinpoint your savings goal.
How much emergency fund should I have?
Sudden car repairs, medical emergencies or job loss can all lead to unexpected debt if you're not prepared. It's difficult to predict how much these or other emergencies could cost — but three to six months' worth of expenses is a good goal.
If that seems too steep, start with a number that seems more reasonable. For example, having access to $500 in a savings account could help pay for a surprise car repair or medical bill without debt, so that could be a goal. If you put $10 a week into savings and don’t have to dip into the funds, it’ll add up to more than $500 after a year.
Keep in mind that it’s OK if you have to use the funds for emergencies before you reach your first goal. An emergency fund is meant to be tapped and replenished. After you reach your first goal, you can set another one to be prepared for more unexpected expenses later.
4.25%Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 01/09/2025. APY may change at any time before or after the account is opened. Available only online.
5.00%Start earning 2.50% APY (Annual Percentage Yield), then qualify to earn 5.00% APY. Earn 5.00% APY on your balance up to $5,000.00 for next month by meeting these two requirements this month: (1) Receive direct deposit(s) totaling $1,000 or more; and (2) End the month with a positive balance in both your Varo Bank Account and Savings Account. You’ll continue to earn 2.50% APY on any additional balance above $5,000.00. No fees, no minimum balance required.
Min. balance for APY
$0
These cash accounts combine services and features similar to checking, savings and/or investment accounts in one product. Cash management accounts are typically offered by non-bank financial institutions.
These cash accounts combine services and features similar to checking, savings and/or investment accounts in one product. Cash management accounts are typically offered by non-bank financial institutions.
4.50%*Current promotional rate; annual percentage yield (variable) is 4.00% as of 12/27/24, plus a .50% boost available as a special offer with qualifying deposit. Terms apply; if the base APY increases or decreases, you’ll get the .50% boost on the updated rate. Cash Reserve is only available to clients of Betterment LLC, which is not a bank; cash transfers to program banks (www.betterment.com/cash-portfolio) conducted through clients’ brokerage accounts at Betterment Securities. FDIC insurance is subject to certain conditions.
Min. balance for APY
$0
CDs (certificates of deposit) are a type of savings account with a fixed rate and term, and usually have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
CDs (certificates of deposit) are a type of savings account with a fixed rate and term, and usually have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
4.50%All Bread Savings APYs are accurate as of 01/30/2025. APYs are subject to change at any time without notice. Offers apply to personal accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. To open a CD, a minimum of $1,500 is required and must be deposited in a single transaction. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawals on CDs. At maturity, your CD will automatically renew and earn the base interest rate in effect at that time. Rates are compared against competitor rates published by NerdWallet.com and the institutions themselves as of 01/30/2025. NerdWallet.com obtains the data from the various banks that it tracks and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
A savings account is the best place to keep your emergency fund — it provides easy access to cash if you need it. And a high-yield savings account will help you grow your balance by paying a higher-than-average interest rate.
