For informational purposes only — not credit counseling or financial advice. Actual credit card interest uses daily compounding; verify exact figures with your card issuer. See CFPB credit card resources for authoritative guidance.

Credit Card Payoff Calculator

Enter your credit card balance, APR, and monthly payment to see when you'll be free of this card, how much total interest you'll pay, and a full amortisation schedule.

Card Details

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Payoff Date
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Months to Pay Off
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Total Interest
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What if You Paid More Each Month?

Monthly Payment Months to Pay Off Payoff Date Total Interest Interest Saved vs. Current

Amortisation Schedule

Remaining balance, interest charged, and principal paid each month.

Month Payment Interest Principal Remaining Balance

Formula Used

monthly_rate = APR / 12 / 100
interest     = balance x monthly_rate
principal    = payment - interest
new_balance  = balance - principal

Uses simple monthly compounding (APR / 12). Most credit cards use daily compounding (APR / 365), which produces slightly different results. Check your card agreement for the exact method.

Multiple Credit Cards?

Use one of these tools to handle all your cards at once and find the optimal payoff order:

Frequently Asked Questions

How does credit card interest work?

Credit card interest is typically charged as a daily periodic rate (APR / 365). For simplicity, this calculator uses a monthly rate (APR / 12) applied to the balance at the start of each billing cycle, which closely approximates the true cost for planning purposes. Always check your card agreement for the exact method used by your issuer.

What is the minimum payment trap?

Credit card issuers typically set minimum payments at about 1–3% of the balance or $25, whichever is higher. If you only pay the minimum each month, a large portion of your payment covers interest, leaving little to reduce principal. This extends repayment dramatically and increases total interest paid.

How much should I pay each month?

As much above the minimum as you can afford. Even $50 extra per month on a $5,000 balance at 20% APR can save hundreds in interest and years of repayment. Use this calculator to test different payment amounts and see the impact.

Does this calculator handle multiple credit cards?

For multiple cards, use the Debt Snowball Calculator or Debt Avalanche Calculator — they handle unlimited debts simultaneously and show optimal payoff order. This page focuses on a single card for simplicity.

Are these calculations exact?

They are close estimates. Actual credit card billing uses daily compounding, promotional rates, late fees, and balance transfer rules that vary by card. Treat these results as planning estimates and verify with your card issuer for exact figures.