Paying $750 a month on $25,000 at 22% APR clears the card in 4 years and 4 months and costs $13,990 in interest.
A $25,000 balance at 22% APR paid down at $750 a month takes 4 years and 4 months to clear, and you hand the card issuer $13,990 in interest along the way — $38,990 paid in total. The first month alone costs $458 in interest before a cent goes to the balance.
Paying more shortens this dramatically. Adding just $100 a month to that payment clears the card in 3 years and 7 months instead and saves $2,736 in interest. The calculator below is set to $25,000 at 22% — change the rate and payment to match your card.
At 22% APR, with no new purchases on the card.
| Monthly payment | Time to pay off | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
| $750 | 4 years and 4 months | $13,990 |
| $1,000 | 2 years and 10 months | $8,749 |
| $1,250 | 2 years and 2 months | $6,429 |
| $2,000 | 15 months | $3,658 |
| $2,500 | 12 months | $2,872 |