Credit Card Payment Calculator - Payoff Time & Interest Savings

Calculate credit card payoff time, minimum payments, and interest savings. Free calculator shows how extra payments reduce debt faster and save thousands in credit card interest.

Last updated: 1/27/2025

What would you like to calculate?

See how long it takes to pay off your credit card with a specific payment

Calculation Settings

Current Balance

$

Credit Card Type

Pre-fills typical APR ranges

Annual Interest Rate (%)

%

Monthly Payment

$

Credit Card Payoff Results

Enter your credit card information to see payoff calculations

Credit Card Payoff Tips

Stop Using the Card: Avoid new charges while paying off the balance

Pay More Than Minimum: Even $25 extra can save years and hundreds in interest

Consider Balance Transfers: 0% APR offers can reduce interest costs

Use the Avalanche Method: Pay minimums on all cards, extra on highest APR

Apply Windfalls: Use tax refunds, bonuses, or gifts to reduce balance

How to Use Our Credit Card Payment Calculator

Take control of your credit card debt with strategic payment planning. See how different payment amounts affect your payoff time and total interest costs.

1

Choose Calculation Type

Select whether you want to see payoff time, calculate required payments, or analyze time with specific payment amounts.

2

Enter Card Details

Input your current balance, APR, and payment information. Use credit type presets for typical interest rates.

3

Optimize Your Strategy

Review payoff time, total interest, and payment schedules. Adjust payments to find the optimal debt elimination plan.

Credit Card Interest Formula

Daily Interest = (APR ÷ 365) × Daily Balance

Credit card interest compounds daily based on your average daily balance

Why Use Our Credit Card Payment Calculator

Make informed decisions about credit card debt with accurate calculations and strategic planning tools.

Multiple Calculation Modes

Calculate payoff time, required payments, or time with specific amounts. Find the best strategy for your situation.

Minimum Payment Analysis

See the dramatic difference between minimum payments and higher amounts. Understand the true cost of paying minimums only.

Interest Savings Visualization

See exactly how extra payments save thousands in interest and reduce payoff time by years.

New Charges Impact

Model scenarios where you continue using the card to see how new charges affect your payoff progress.

Payment Schedule Details

Optional month-by-month breakdown shows exactly how your balance decreases and interest is paid over time.

Credit Type Presets

Quick selection of typical APR ranges based on credit score and card type for accurate calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to pay off my credit card with minimum payments?

Paying only minimums can take decades. For example, a $5,000 balance at 18% APR with 2% minimum payments takes about 30 years and costs over $8,000 in interest. Even small extra payments dramatically reduce this time.

How much should I pay above the minimum on my credit card?

Pay as much as you can afford above the minimum. Even an extra $25-50 per month can cut years off your payoff time and save hundreds or thousands in interest. Aim to pay at least double the minimum payment.

What happens if I only make minimum payments on my credit card?

Minimum payments barely cover interest charges, so your balance decreases very slowly. You'll pay significantly more in total interest and take much longer to become debt-free compared to paying more than the minimum.

How is credit card interest calculated?

Credit card interest is calculated daily based on your average daily balance. The annual percentage rate (APR) is divided by 365 days, then multiplied by your daily balance. Interest compounds, meaning you pay interest on interest.

Should I pay off credit cards or save money first?

Generally, pay off high-interest credit card debt before saving (except for a small emergency fund). Credit card interest rates typically exceed savings account returns, so paying off debt guarantees a higher 'return' on your money.

What's the fastest way to pay off credit card debt?

Stop using the cards, pay more than minimums, use the debt avalanche method (highest interest first), consider balance transfers for lower rates, and apply any windfalls directly to debt. Every extra dollar goes toward principal.

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