How long to pay off $5,000 in credit card debt?
Paying $150 a month at 22% APR
4 yr 4 mo
$2,798 in interest, $7,798 paid in total.
Paying only the minimum
19 yr 2 mo · $8,100 interest
The first minimum is $142, and it shrinks as the balance falls, so each month less of your money goes to the balance. Assumes a common card formula (1% of the balance plus that month's interest, at least $25); your card's rule is on your statement.
Payoff time by monthly payment and APR
Find your rate on your statement. “Never” means the payment doesn't cover the monthly interest.
| Monthly payment | 18% APR | 22% APR | 26% APR | 29% APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | 7 yr 10 mo | 11 yr 5 mo | Never | Never |
| $150 | 3 yr 11 mo | 4 yr 4 mo | 5 yr | 5 yr 9 mo |
| $200 | 2 yr 8 mo | 2 yr 10 mo | 3 yr 1 mo | 3 yr 3 mo |
| $250 | 2 yr | 2 yr 2 mo | 2 yr 3 mo | 2 yr 4 mo |
| $375 | 1 yr 3 mo | 1 yr 4 mo | 1 yr 4 mo | 1 yr 5 mo |
| $500 | 11 months | 1 yr | 1 yr | 1 yr |
Pick a debt-free date
The fixed monthly payment that clears $5,000 by a deadline, at 22% APR.
| Debt-free in | Monthly payment | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yr | $468 | $616 |
| 2 yr | $259 | $1,225 |
| 3 yr | $191 | $1,874 |
| 4 yr | $158 | $2,561 |
| 5 yr | $138 | $3,286 |
Ways to pay less interest on $5,000
Stay on the card, 3-year plan
$191/mo
$1,874 interest at 22%.
Personal loan, 3 years
$166/mo
$979 interest, if you qualify for 12% (rates depend on your credit).
0% balance transfer
$286/mo
$150 fee (3% is typical), cleared within a 18-month 0% period. Anything left after it ends goes back to a high rate.
Compare loan offers in the personal loan calculator, and find money for a bigger payment with the budget calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to pay off $5,000 with minimum payments?
About 19 yr 2 mo, with $8,100 in interest at 22% APR, if your card sets the minimum at 1% of the balance plus interest (a common formula, with a $25 floor). The first minimum would be $142, and it shrinks as the balance falls, which is exactly why it takes so long.
How much should I pay a month to pay off $5,000 in a year?
About $468 a month at 22% APR, for $616 in total interest. Stretching it to three years drops the payment to $191 but raises the interest to $1,874.
How much interest will I pay on $5,000 of credit card debt?
At 22% APR the first month's interest alone is $92. Paying $150 a month, you'd pay $2,798 in interest over 4 yr 4 mo.
How long to pay off $5,000 in credit card debt? · Far Better Off
https://farbetteroff.com/credit-card-debt/5000
Open that link for the live version of this page. Estimates for education only — Far Better Off is not a lender or a financial advisor, and these results are not financial advice.