Debt
Debt payoff
See how long it takes to clear a balance with your minimum payment plus any extra you can add each month.
Debt details
Payment must exceed monthly interest to pay off the balance. Add extra to shorten payoff time and cut interest.
Debt-free in
4 yrs 8 mo
Paying $400/mo on a $15,000 balance at 18%
Breakdown
Minimum payment only
- Payoff time
- 7 yrs 10 mo
- Total interest
- $12,934
- Total paid
- $22,210
Frequently asked questions
Read how extra payments cut debt
How does extra payment reduce interest?
Each month the model applies annual interest rate (APR) as monthly interest, then applies your minimum plus extra payment. Extra goes to principal after interest, so the next month’s interest is lower and you finish sooner with less total interest than minimum-only payments.
What if my payment is too low?
If the total monthly payment does not cover monthly interest, the balance never shrinks and payoff is not feasible. Increase the minimum or extra until payments exceed interest each month.
Is this snowball or avalanche?
This tool models one balance at a time. Use snowball (smallest balance first) or avalanche (highest APR first) by running the calculator per account and ordering them yourself.
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