How-toFinance & money4 min read

Credit Card Payoff Chart: Monthly Payment Needed by Balance and Timeline

A chart of the monthly payment needed to pay off a card by a target date, with total interest for a $5,000 balance.

SH

Founder, CalculatePilot

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Credit card payoff chart by timeline
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Short answer

At 24.99% APR, $5,000 needs about $266.83 a month to be paid off in 24 months, with about $1,404 of interest. The chart covers $2,500 to $20,000.

1. The payment formula

Payment = balance × i ÷ (1 − (1 + i)^−n), where i is APR ÷ 12 and n is the number of months. Assumes a fixed APR and no new charges.

2. Monthly payment at 24.99% APR

Balance12 months18 months24 months36 months60 months
$2,500$237.60$167.97$133.42$99.39$73.36
$5,000$475.20$335.93$266.83$198.77$146.73
$10,000$950.39$671.87$533.67$397.55$293.45
$15,000$1,425.59$1,007.80$800.50$596.32$440.18
$20,000$1,900.79$1,343.74$1,067.33$795.09$586.91

3. What $5,000 costs over different terms

MonthsMonthly paymentTotal interest
12$475.20$702
18$335.93$1,047
24$266.83$1,404
36$198.77$2,156
60$146.73$3,804

4. Reading the chart

Halving the term does not halve the cost, but it cuts interest sharply. A 12-month plan on $5,000 costs far less interest than a 60-month plan.

5. Frequently asked questions

How much per month to pay off $10,000 in 36 months?expand_more

About $397.55 at 24.99% APR.

Does the chart include new purchases?expand_more

No. Stop new charges while paying down.

What if my APR is lower?expand_more

Payments are lower. Enter your APR in the calculator.

What is a good payoff term?expand_more

The shortest you can afford, since interest falls as the term shortens.

6. Sources

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