Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst Greg McBride says “more and more households [are] relying on credit to bridge that gap where the income stops but the expenses keep going.”

However, high inflation and interest rates since the COVID-19 pandemic have continually made it difficult for people to save for emergencies.According to a new Bankrate poll, one-third (33 percent) of Americans have more credit card debt than emergency savings — down from 36 percent in both 2024 and 2023.

Higher credit card debt could be a sign of consumer confidence. But tariffs from the Trump administration could further inflate prices.

A new survey from Bankrate revealed that 33 percent of U.S. adults have more credit card debt than emergency savings. That number is down from 36 percent in 2024 and 2023.

Its tough news on inflation and according to a new Bankrate survey. One-third of Americans say they have more credit card debt than emergency savings. Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst Greg Mcbride explains the study's findings.