Paying $90 a month on $3,000 at 22% APR clears the card in 4 years and 4 months and costs $1,679 in interest.
A $3,000 balance at 22% APR paid down at $90 a month takes 4 years and 4 months to clear, and you hand the card issuer $1,679 in interest along the way — $4,679 paid in total. The first month alone costs $55 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 19 months instead and saves $1,104 in interest. The calculator below is set to $3,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| $90 | 4 years and 4 months | $1,679 |
| $120 | 2 years and 10 months | $1,050 |
| $150 | 2 years and 2 months | $771 |
| $240 | 15 months | $439 |
| $300 | 12 months | $345 |