Credit card payoff calculator

Cards are simple interest on a shrinking balance. If the payment does not cover the monthly interest, the balance never falls. Related: snowball vs avalanche · 0% balance transfer · debt-free playbook.

Quick answer: This calculator counts the months to pay off one card at the APR, minimum, and extra payment you type, and compares that interest with paying the minimum only. Interest is the APR divided by 12, added before the payment.

Balance ($) APR % Minimum payment ($/mo) Extra toward principal ($/mo)

Interest is APR ÷ 12, added before the payment. If the payment does not exceed that interest, the balance does not fall. Ignores late fees, penalty APRs, and 0% promo windows. Educational only.

What this means for you

What this means for you: if the payment is not larger than this month's interest, the balance does not fall and the page says so. Interest saved versus the minimum is the point of the extra payment. Fees and penalty APRs are not in the model.

How to use this calculator

Open the Credit card payoff calculator and keep the sample numbers or replace them with your own. The result updates as you type.
Read the headline figure first, then the breakdown or chart under it.
Use Copy share link if you want those inputs in the URL. The page is an educational estimate, not a filing, approval, or recommendation.

FAQ

Why does the payoff say never?

The payment is less than or equal to the interest the model adds that month, so the balance does not shrink.

Does this include a 0% promo?

No. A promo balance belongs on the balance-transfer calculator.

Is the APR a national average?

No. Type the APR on your statement. The guide discusses Fed averages separately.

Educational, not financial advice. Page updated October 24, 2026 — no tax, limit, or rate figure was changed in this review.

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