How to Pay Off a Credit Card Without the Minimum Trap

Minimum payments can stretch a balance for years, so compare payoff dates before choosing a payment amount.

A credit card minimum payment can keep the account current while leaving the balance around much longer than expected. The real question is how quickly a fixed payment changes the payoff date.

Start with the credit card payment calculator using your current balance and APR. If you are only paying the statement minimum, compare it with the minimum payment calculator and then test a higher fixed amount in the repayment calculator.

The best payment is the one you can repeat every month without creating new debt. A payoff plan works better when the number is realistic, not heroic.

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