Credit Card Payoff Calculator
Enter your credit card info below and find out how long it will take to pay off your debt.
You will be debt-free by
or, 0 months (0 payments)
Total amount you'll pay
0% interest
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Credit Card and Loan Terms You Should Know
When it comes to credit cards and loans, we are faced with a plethora of information which is why it is so important that we first take the time to educate ourselves and understand these terms and definitions prior to acting on any offers we are given.
There are many different types of credit cards you can choose from including private label retail cards and general-purpose cards. Private label cards are issued by the store, while a general-purpose card is typically unsecured and means that the person offering you the line of credit is doing so based on your credit history. Secured cards are another option but are generally backed by a deposit that the creditor will be able to claim if you were to default on your payment obligations.
A credit card payment calculator is just one tool that may prove to be useful when you want to find out just how long it could take to pay off your debt. Depending on the calculator, you can find out the monthly payment amount that is required to pay your credit card balance in full, or it can provide you with your estimated purchases and the amount of time you would need to pay off your balances. It also provides you with the ability to calculate the credit card interest you'll pay above the original credit card balance.
Personal loans, mortgages, and auto loans are other significant lines of credit you can attain, and the creditor will usually look at your credit score to help determine if they should offer you the line of credit or not. Like with credit cards, there are several kinds of loans you can get so it is important to understand the ins and outs of each one to help you determine which lender would be best suited for your specific needs and situation.
Balance TransferThe process of moving all or part of the outstanding balance on one credit card to another account. Credit card companies often offer special rates for balance transfers. |
Interest RateA measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a percent. For variable-rate credit card plans, the interest rate is explicitly tied to another interest rate. The interest rate on fixed-rate credit card plans, though not explicitly tied to changes in other interest rates, can also change over time. |
Debt ConsolidationA process of combining debts into one loan or repayment plan. Debt consolidation can be done on your own, with a financial institution or through a counseling service. Student loans are often consolidated in order to secure a lower interest rate. |
Utilization RatioThe ratio between the credit limits on your accounts and the outstanding balances. This ratio shows lenders how much of your available credit you are using overall. |
Minimum PaymentThe minimum amount that a credit card company requires you to pay toward your debt each month. |
Negative AmortizationWhen your minimum payment toward a debt is not enough to cover the interest charges. When this occurs, your debt balance continues to increase despite your payments. |
Credit Card BalanceThis is the amount of charges owed to the credit card company. You should be able to find your most recent balance on your credit card statement. |
APRAPR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. Credit card companies must show customers the APR to facilitate a clear understanding of the actual rates applicable to their agreements. |
Monthly PaymentThis is the amount you are going to pay and not necessarily your monthly minimum payment. However, this amount should be at least your monthly minimum payment to remain in good standing with the credit card company. |
From balance transfer services, interest rates, and utilization ratios to negative amortization, APR, and monthly payments, there are many categories and terms you will need to know to educate yourself properly and avoid any costly mistakes that could harm your financial well-being in the future. It’s always important to view the issuer’s terms and conditions to be sure what you’re signing up for, and to educate yourself on what kinds of fees and interest you’ll be paying.