How long until it's gone?

Why minimum payments are a trap

Card issuers calculate the minimum as 1-3% of your balance plus that month's interest. On a $6,000 balance at 22.99% APR, the minimum is around $150-180 — but interest alone is $115/month. Paying just the minimum can stretch payoff to 25+ years. Slide the payment field above to see the difference $50 more makes.

Avalanche vs. snowball method

If you have multiple cards, the math says pay extra toward the highest-APR card first (avalanche). The behavioral science says pay off the smallest balance first to feel a quick win (snowball). Both are better than spreading extra evenly. See our debt-management guide.

When a balance transfer beats this

If your balance is meaningful and your credit qualifies, a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card can save real money. Run the math: a 5% transfer fee is recovered in roughly 3 months of saved interest at 22% APR. Compare balance transfer cards.