Credit Card Debt Calculator
Enter your card balance and see exactly how long minimum payments will take — then compare it against paying a chosen amount each month.
Your numbers
See how much faster (and cheaper) a bigger payment gets you out of debt
Your figures stay in this browser tab only — nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
Enter your numbers and click Calculate to see your results
Estimates only. Assumes a fixed APR, no new charges, and on-time payments every month. Actual card terms vary — check your statement for your exact rate and minimum payment formula.
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Balance transfer options
Lower-rate balance transfer offers will appear here for readers whose card APR is doing the most damage.
Sponsored placements will appear here, clearly labelled.
Balance remaining: minimum payment vs. your amount
Enter your numbers and click Calculate to see your results
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About this calculator
Credit card interest compounds monthly on whatever balance is left, and minimum payments are usually calculated as a small percentage of that balance rather than a fixed amount. That combination is what makes minimum-only payoff so slow: as the balance shrinks, the required minimum shrinks with it, so the payment never gets more aggressive on its own.
Paying a fixed amount instead of the shrinking minimum breaks that pattern. Because the payment stays level while the balance falls, more of each payment goes to principal every month, which is why the "your amount" line above curves down so much faster than the minimum-payment line.
If a payment shows as "never" paying off the balance, it means that amount doesn't even cover the interest charged each month — the balance will hold steady or grow no matter how long you pay. In that situation, the priority is a larger payment or a lower rate (a balance transfer or debt consolidation loan), not sticking with the current plan longer.
FAQ
Why does paying only the minimum take so long?
Credit card minimum payments are usually set at a small percentage of your balance — often just 1-3% plus interest. Most of that payment covers interest first, so very little goes toward the actual balance each month, which is why minimum-only payoff times can stretch into years or even decades.
How much difference does paying more actually make?
A lot, because credit card interest compounds on whatever balance remains. Even a modest increase over the minimum shrinks the balance interest is charged on the following month, which snowballs into large savings over the life of the debt — see the side-by-side comparison above for your own numbers.
What if my payment doesn't cover the interest?
If your payment is smaller than the interest charged that month, the balance will never shrink — it can even grow. This calculator will flag that scenario so you know to increase the payment or look into a lower-rate option.
Should I use my card's average APR or the rate on my statement?
Use the APR on your most recent statement — cards often have different rates for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances, and promotional rates expire. Using the actual current rate gives the most accurate estimate.