Are Credit Cards as Good as an Emergency Fund?

This week we’re continuing our series on where to find money when you find yourself suddenly short of cash. Last week we covered 401(k) loans and this week it’s credit cards.
Credit cards are probably the easiest source to cover short term needs for most people. Over 70% of American households already have at least one, they are accepted pretty much everywhere, and they are dangerously easy to use. But before you treat your Visa or AmEx like an emergency fund, read the whole article here on how quickly a credit card can make an unexpected expense much more expensive.