It scales with your balance
Most issuers calculate the minimum as 1–3% of your current balance plus interest. As you pay down, the minimum drops too — so each month a smaller share goes to principal.
Minimum payment calculator
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If you only pay the minimum
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Minimum doesn't cover interest
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Interest you'd save
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Calculations are estimates for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Actual payoff timelines, interest charges, and credit outcomes may vary.
Why minimums are a trap
The minimum payment is designed to keep you in debt.
Interest eats most of it
On a high-APR card, most of the minimum is just covering this month's interest. Only the leftover knocks down principal — sometimes only a few dollars per month.
A small bump changes everything
Adding $50–$100 above the minimum can cut years off your payoff and save thousands in interest, because every extra dollar goes straight to principal.
Combine with a 0% APR window
If you can move the balance to a 0% APR card, every payment goes to principal for the length of the promo. Pair that with our balance-transfer tools below.
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