Why does paying the minimum take so long?

The minimum is calculated as a small % of the current balance (typically 1-3%, with a $25-35 floor). As the balance shrinks, the minimum shrinks proportionally — leaving the loan slowly paying down at 22-25% APR. Decades-long payoff timelines are common.

What's the fastest legitimate way to pay off cards?

Either (a) a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card (typically 12-21 months no interest, with a 3-5% transfer fee), or (b) a personal loan at a lower rate to consolidate. Both convert revolving high-APR debt into structured cheaper debt — assuming you don't run the card balance back up.

Does paying off cards hurt my credit score?

No, paying down balances LOWERS your credit utilization, which is one of the largest score inputs. Don't close the cards after paying them off (closing reduces total available credit, which can spike utilization on other cards) — just stop using them.

Credit Card Payoff Calculator

See exactly how long it takes to pay off a credit card by minimum payment alone, and how much faster you finish by adding a fixed monthly extra. The minimum-payment math is brutal.

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