Credit Card Interest Formula:
From: | To: |
Credit card interest is the cost of borrowing money on your credit card. It's calculated based on your outstanding balance and the annual percentage rate (APR) set by your credit card issuer.
The calculator uses the simple interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the interest you'll pay each month based on your current balance and the monthly interest rate derived from your APR.
Details: Knowing how interest is calculated helps you make informed decisions about paying down debt and choosing credit cards with favorable terms.
Tips: Enter your current credit card balance and the APR from your credit card agreement. The calculator will show your estimated monthly interest charge.
Q1: How often is credit card interest calculated?
A: Most credit cards calculate interest daily but charge it monthly based on your average daily balance.
Q2: What's the difference between APR and interest rate?
A: For credit cards, APR is essentially the same as the interest rate and includes all costs of borrowing.
Q3: How can I reduce my credit card interest?
A: Pay your balance in full each month, negotiate a lower APR, or transfer balances to a lower-rate card.
Q4: Does this calculator account for compound interest?
A: This shows simple monthly interest. Actual charges may vary based on your card's compounding method.
Q5: What if I make partial payments?
A: This calculator assumes no payments. Making payments would reduce your principal and subsequent interest.