Minimum Payment Calculator (ADHD-Friendly)
See how long minimums will trap you in debt. Quick, clear calculator for ADHD brains who need a wake-up call without overwhelm.
Minimum payments feel manageable, but they're a trap. This calculator shows you exactly how long you'll be paying if you stick with minimums — and it's probably much longer than you think. Enter your balance and interest rate. See the timeline. For ADHD brains who need one clear, memorable fact: minimum payments can turn a 3-year payoff into a 15-year marathon. That one fact might be the dopamine hit you need to pay even $20 more per month. Small changes compound dramatically when interest is involved.
Calculator
Common use cases
- Getting the wake-up call on minimum payment timelines
- One memorable fact to change your behavior
- Quick clarity on why minimums feel endless
- Motivation boost to pay more
How to use
- Enter your current credit card balance
- Input your card's APR
- Enter the minimum payment percentage (typically 1-3%)
- Set the minimum payment floor (usually $25-35)
- See the shocking payoff timeline
FAQ
How is the minimum payment calculated?
Usually the greater of: a percentage of balance (1-3%), or a flat amount ($25-35), or interest plus $1.
Why do minimum payments decrease over time?
As your balance decreases, the percentage-based minimum also decreases, extending your payoff timeline.
What happens if I only pay the minimum?
You'll pay mostly interest, stay in debt for decades, and pay 2-3x your original balance.
Why are minimums such a trap?
They decrease as your balance drops, keeping you paying longer. The bank designed it this way.
This calculator provides illustrative estimates for planning purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice.