Credit Card Repayment Formula:
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The Credit Card Repayment Estimator calculates how long it will take to pay off credit card debt when making fixed monthly payments. It accounts for the compounding interest that accrues on the outstanding balance.
The calculator uses the credit card repayment formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how many months it will take to pay off the debt given a fixed monthly payment and interest rate. The logarithm accounts for the compounding nature of credit card interest.
Details: Understanding repayment timelines helps consumers make informed decisions about debt management, payment strategies, and financial planning.
Tips: Enter your current credit card balance, the fixed monthly payment you can afford, and your annual interest rate. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What if my calculation shows infinity?
A: This means your monthly payment is less than or equal to the monthly interest charges, so you'll never pay off the debt at that payment rate.
Q2: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a good estimate assuming fixed payments and interest rates. Actual results may vary with changing rates or payment amounts.
Q3: What's the minimum payment needed to pay off debt?
A: Your monthly payment must exceed the monthly interest charge (Principal × Monthly Rate).
Q4: How can I pay off debt faster?
A: Increase monthly payments, reduce spending, or transfer to a lower-interest card. Even small payment increases significantly reduce payoff time.
Q5: Does this account for late fees or other charges?
A: No, this calculates only the interest portion. Additional fees would extend the repayment period.