Goals · Work back from a deadline
How much do I need to pay a month to pay off my credit card?
Short answer
For the average balance of $6,610 at 22.36% APR, about $254 a month clears it in 3 years, with about $2,517 in interest.
In 1 year: $620 a month. In 2 years: $345. In 5 years: $184.
Start with a date, not a payment. Pick when you want to be done, and the payment follows. The example uses the average card balance per borrower, about $6,610 (TransUnion, mid-2026). Put your own balance in the calculator below.
Bars drawn to scale. Assumes a fixed 22.36% APR, no new charges, and the first payment next month. Payments are rounded up to the dollar.
| Debt-free in | Monthly payment | Last payment | Total interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $620 | Oct 2027 | $827 |
| 2 years | $345 | Oct 2028 | $1,643 |
| 3 years | $254 | Oct 2029 | $2,517 |
| 5 years | $184 | Oct 2031 | $4,421 |
Work out your own payment
Choosing your deadline
Shorter deadlines cost less in total: $827 of interest over 1 year against $4,421 over 5. But the payment has to fit your budget every single month, or the plan won't last.
A common middle ground is 2 to 3 years. It's fast enough that the interest stays manageable and slow enough to fit most budgets.
Have more than one debt?
Add your cards, loans and mortgage to see one debt-free date for all of it, and which to pay first.
Common questions
Is the minimum payment enough?
Not if you want an end date. A minimum that shrinks with the balance can take decades. See what the minimum costs on $10,000.
What if I have more than one card?
Add up the balances to set the total monthly amount. Then pay every minimum and put the extra on one card at a time. How to pay off multiple credit cards shows the order.
How this payoff estimate is calculated
This example starts with $6,610 at a fixed 22.36% APR. The headline goal is 36 months. Required monthly payments are rounded up to the next whole dollar, so the balance can clear slightly before the deadline.
Each month, interest is calculated as the opening balance × APR ÷ 100 ÷ 12, then the payment is subtracted. This repeats until the balance is paid off. Total interest is the sum of those monthly charges; displayed dollar amounts are rounded.
Dates assume the first payment is in November 2026. Dates move forward with the calendar; this does not change the number of payments for the same inputs. There are no new charges, fees or rate changes in these examples. Rates are illustrative inputs, not loan offers or a quote for your account.
Actual statements can differ because of payment timing and daily interest. The CFPB explains how credit card companies calculate interest. See our debt payoff glossary for definitions.
Written and reviewed by Todd K. Ballenger. Read our editorial policy.
Educational estimate only, not financial advice. Interest here is charged monthly at APR ÷ 12; card issuers use your average daily balance, and real fees, rate changes and new charges will change your numbers. Disclaimer.