Calculate how long it will take to pay off your credit card — or the payment needed to clear it by a target date.
Two modes: fixed monthly payment, or solve for the payment that clears a balance by a target month.
Minimum payments on credit cards are designed to keep you in debt for a decade or more. This calculator runs two scenarios: what happens at the payment you're making, or — better — what monthly payment you need to be debt-free in a specific number of months.
Fixed payment mode: month-by-month, interest = balance × APR ÷ 12, principal = payment − interest. Target months mode solves Payment = B × r / (1 − (1 + r)^−n) for the payment that retires the balance in exactly n months.
A $6,000 balance at 24% APR with a $150 monthly payment takes 71 months and accrues $4,632 in interest. To clear it in 24 months instead, you'd need to pay $317 per month and would owe $1,612 in interest — a $3,000 savings.
See exactly how long it will take to pay off any debt — and what the interest will cost you along the way.
See exactly how long it takes to pay off a credit card making only the minimum payment — and how much faster a fixed payment gets you out.
Compare your current credit card payoff against a balance-transfer offer with an intro APR, transfer fee, and post-intro rate.
Pay debts smallest-to-largest with a snowball strategy. Project the payoff order, timeline, and total interest for your full debt list.
Credit cards are unsecured, so issuers price in higher default risk. APRs of 18–29% are common.
Usually no — closing reduces your credit limit and can lower your credit score. Keep it open with a small recurring charge that auto-pays in full.
Often yes, if you can pay the balance off within the promotional period. Factor in the transfer fee (typically 3–5%).
This calculator is for educational and estimation purposes only. It does not provide financial, mortgage, tax, investment, or legal advice. Actual rates, payments, taxes, fees, insurance costs, eligibility, and loan terms vary by lender, location, credit profile, and market conditions. Always compare official offers and consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
Last updated June 2026 · Prepared by the mCalculator Editorial Team