More than one debt · Side-by-side plans
How do I pay off multiple credit cards?
Short answer
Pay the minimum on every card, then put all the extra on one card at a time. With $600 a month these three cards are paid off in 1 year and 11 months, against 4 years and 10 months on minimums alone.
Highest rate first costs $2,488 in interest; smallest balance first, $2,522.
Three cards with $10,800 between them need $321 a month in minimums. This example adds $279 on top, and that extra is what does the work.
| Debt | Balance | APR | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store card | $2,400 | 29.99% | $84 |
| Rewards card | $900 | 24.99% | $28 |
| Bank card | $7,500 | 21.49% | $209 |
| Total | $10,800 | $321 |
Bars drawn to scale. Minimums are held fixed, there are no new charges, and the first payment is next month.
The order each plan pays them off
Highest rate first:
- Store card paid off in June 2027
- Rewards card paid off in August 2027
- Bank card paid off in September 2028
Smallest balance first:
- Rewards card paid off in February 2027
- Store card paid off in August 2027
- Bank card paid off in September 2028
Try one of your own debts
The rollover is the plan
When the first card is paid off, its whole payment moves to the next one. That's why the later cards fall so quickly: the payment aimed at them keeps growing.
Highest rate first clears the store card in June 2027. Smallest balance first clears the rewards card in February 2027.
Small habits that help
Set every minimum to autopay so nothing is ever late. Make the extra payment by hand each month, so you can see it working. Keep paid-off cards open but unused; closing them can raise your utilization.
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
Should I consolidate several cards into one?
It can simplify things and cut the rate. See whether a personal loan is worth it. It only helps if the cards stay paid off afterward.
Which is better, smallest balance or highest rate?
Highest rate saves $34 here. Smallest balance gives an earlier first win. Snowball vs avalanche goes deeper.
How this payoff estimate is calculated
The strategy plans use a total monthly budget of $600 across the debts listed above. Minimum payments stay fixed. Extra money and payments freed by a cleared debt are applied to the remaining debts in the selected order. The minimums-only comparison does not roll freed payments forward.
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.