Minimum Payment Calculator

Calculate how long it will take to pay off your credit card debt by making only minimum payments, and see how much interest you will pay.

Free to use
12,500+ users
Updated January 2025
Instant results

Minimum Payment

Minimum Payment
$179/mo
Payoff Time
11.3y
Total Interest
$3.6k

Long Payoff Period

It will take 11.3 years to pay off this debt with minimum payments. Consider paying more each month to eliminate debt faster.

Huge Savings Opportunity!

Pay $150/month instead of minimum and save $1,472 in interest! You'll be debt-free 7.3 years earlier.

Minimum Payment
$179/mo
3.6% of balance
Payoff Time
100+mo
11.3 years
Total Interest
$3.6k
72.7% of principal
Potential Savings
$1.5k
Pay $150/mo
%

Monthly rate: 1.6%

Debt Summary

Balance:$5,000
APR:18.99%
Monthly Rate:1.6%
Minimum Payment:$179

Fixed Payment Impact

Monthly Payment:$150
Payoff Time:48 months (4.0 years)
Total Interest:$2,163
Interest Saved:$1,472
Time Saved:87 months

Aggressive Payment Impact

Monthly Payment:$300
Payoff Time:20 months (1.7 years)
Total Interest:$851
Interest Saved:$2,784
Time Saved:115 months

Minimum Payment Dangers

  • Interest trap: Minimum payments barely cover interest, keeping you in debt for years
  • Cost multiplier: You can end up paying 2-3x the original balance in interest
  • Pay more: Even $50 extra per month makes a huge difference
  • Stop new charges: Can't dig out of a hole while still digging
  • Target high APR: Pay off highest interest rate debts first
  • Balance transfer: Consider 0% APR card to save on interest