Credit card payoff guides
Real examples, real numbers, and a free calculator for yours.
How to pay off $5,000 in credit card debt: a month-by-month planA realistic plan to pay off $5,000 on a credit card at 22.99% APR: how long it takes at $150, $200, $300 or $500 a month, how much interest you pay and what to do first.
Debt avalanche vs. snowball: how to chooseDebt avalanche pays the highest interest rate first; debt snowball pays the smallest balance first. See the real cost difference with three cards and $200 extra a month.
What paying only the minimum really costs on a credit cardA $3,000 balance at 24.99% APR takes 12 years and 8 months if you only pay the minimum. See the real cost, and how paying the first minimum every month cuts it to 4 years 7 months.
Is a balance transfer worth it? Run the numbers firstA 0% balance transfer can save hundreds in interest, but the fee and the end of the promo matter. See a $6,000 example at 24% APR with a 3% fee, step by step.
Credit utilization explained: what it is and how to lower itCredit utilization is the share of your credit limit you're using. Learn how to calculate it, why 30% is a common target, and how paying before the statement date lowers it.
Debt consolidation loan vs. paying your cards: real numbersDoes a consolidation loan beat paying your credit cards directly? A $10,700 example with a 12% loan and a 5% fee shows when it saves money and when it doesn't.
What is APR? How credit card interest is really calculatedAPR is the yearly rate on your card, but interest is charged daily or monthly. See a $2,000 example at 24.99% APR, how the grace period works and why cash advances cost more.