How Long to Pay Off a $8,500 Credit Card
Payoff time and total interest at a 22% APR by monthly payment.
Payoff by Monthly Payment (at 22% APR)
| Monthly payment | Time to pay off | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
| $200/mo | 7 yrs (84 mo) | $8,127 |
| $300/mo | 3 yrs 5 mos (41 mo) | $3,602 |
| $500/mo | 1 yr 9 mos (21 mo) | $1,780 |
| $750/mo | 1 yr 1 mo (13 mo) | $1,116 |
| $1,000/mo | 10 mos (10 mo) | $827 |
| Minimum only (2%) | 89 yrs 10 mos (1078 mo) | $67,515 |
Higher payments clear the balance faster and cut total interest. The minimum-payment row shrinks each month, which is why it takes so long.
The Minimum-Payment Trap
Paying only the minimum (about 2% of the balance, which falls as you pay down) would take 89 yrs 10 mos and cost about $67,515 in interest on this $8,500 balance. Paying a fixed amount each month instead is dramatically faster and cheaper.
Last reviewed: November 2026
Data sources: Standard monthly-compounding credit card interest; Representative 22% APR (near the US average).
Disclaimer: Estimates use a fixed 22% APR and monthly compounding. Your card's APR, fees and minimum-payment formula may differ. Not financial advice.