Minimum Payment Impact Calculator
See what paying only the minimum really costs.
All calculations happen locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded, stored or tracked.
Enter balance, APR, minimum
Your card's terms.
Add the extra amount
What you can afford beyond the minimum.
Compare the plans
Time, interest and savings.
What Is the Minimum Payment Trap?
Minimum payments are typically 1–3% of the balance — barely more than the monthly interest. A $5,000 balance at 22% APR paid at the minimum takes decades to clear and costs many times the original amount in interest.
This calculator puts the numbers side by side: your current minimum-payment plan versus adding an extra amount each month. The difference in time and interest is usually shocking.
The Method
The simulation runs both plans — minimum only, and minimum + extra — through the daily-compounding interest model until payoff.
Your data never leaves your device.
Every calculation on this site runs in your browser using vanilla JavaScript. Nothing is uploaded, stored or tracked.
- 100% local, client-side calculations
- No data stored on any server
- No tracking, no analytics, no ads scripts
- Works offline once loaded
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to pay off with minimum payments?
Often 15–30 years for typical balances and APRs — the calculator shows your exact timeline.
How much interest do minimum payments cost?
Potentially several times the original balance. The calculator totals it.
How much should I pay above the minimum?
As much as you can sustain. Even $50–100 extra per month can cut years and thousands of dollars.
Why is the minimum so small?
Issuers set minimums low to keep payments manageable (and interest flowing). It is designed to be slow, not fast.
Does paying extra affect my score?
Lower utilization generally improves your score — paying extra helps, not hurts.