Estimate how long it will take to pay off a credit card balance and how much
interest it will cost. Uses a daily periodic rate model (APR ÷ 365 × days per
cycle). Compare a steady fixed payment against common minimum payment formulas
to see the real cost of paying only the minimum.
Enter between $100 and $100,000.
Enter an APR between 0% and 49.99%.
Enter a whole number between 28 and 31.
Most cards use 28–31 days. Check your statement or use 30 as a standard estimate.
Enter between $20 and $20,000.
Note: your fixed payment is not covering the monthly interest charge.
The balance will grow instead of shrinking, this is negative amortization.
Suggested minimum to cover interest this cycle: .
Try increasing your payment above that amount.
No payoff within 50 years. With the current payment approach, the
balance did not reach $0 within 600 months. Increase the payment or select a
different minimum formula.
Months to payoff
Total interest paid
Total amount paid
Estimated payoff date
How your payments break down each year
Each bar shows how much of your annual payments went to principal (reducing your balance) vs. interest (the cost of carrying the debt). High APR cards can cost more in interest than the original balance.
Principal paid Interest paid
Fixed payment: a steady monthly dollar amount you choose.
If it is less than the monthly interest charge, the balance grows.
Minimum payment: the amount recalculates each month based on
the remaining balance. Common formulas include Interest + 1–2% of balance
(with a floor) or a flat percentage of balance. Paying only the minimum
on a high-APR card can take years and cost significantly more in interest.
Payoff schedule (estimated)
Month
Payment
Principal
Interest
Balance
Modeled with daily periodic rate and a constant days-per-cycle input.
Assumes no new purchases, no fees, and on-time payments each month.
Actual issuer math may differ.
This calculator is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute
financial, legal, or tax advice. Actual credit card statements use issuer-specific
rules including true average daily balance, grace-period handling, and fees not
modeled here. Always refer to your official card agreement.
