Credit Card Repayment Calculator UK
This credit card repayment calculator UK compares minimum payments with a fixed monthly amount. A £3,000 balance at 19% APR takes 27 years 6 months to clear on minimum payments of interest plus 1%, costing about £4,191 in interest, but just 3 years and about £876 interest at £108 a month.
- Average card rate (May 2026)21.45%
- £3,000 at 19%: minimums27 years 6 months
- £3,000 at 19%: £108 a month3 years
Updated November 2026 · Uses FCA minimum payment rules
Calculate your credit card repayments
Your result
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Why minimum payments take so long
Credit card minimum payments must at least cover the interest, fees and charges plus 1% of the balance, and many cards use exactly that. As the balance falls, so does the minimum, which stretches repayment out for decades. On a £3,000 balance at 19% APR, minimum payments of interest plus 1% (at least £5) take 27 years 6 months and cost about £4,191 in interest. A fixed £108 a month clears it in 3 years with about £876 of interest.
Credit card repayment examples
| Balance at 19% APR | Pay £50 a month | Pay £100 a month | Pay £200 a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1,000 | 2 yr 0 mo | 11 months | 6 months |
| £3,000 | 12 yr 1 mo | 3 yr 4 mo | 1 yr 6 mo |
| £5,000 | Never* | 7 yr 7 mo | 2 yr 8 mo |
*£50 a month does not cover the interest on £5,000 at 19%, so the debt would grow.
Persistent debt rules
The Financial Conduct Authority treats you as in persistent debt if over 18 months you paid more in interest, fees and charges than you repaid of the balance. Your card provider must then contact you about paying more. If you are still in persistent debt after 36 months, it must offer a way to repay faster and may reduce or waive interest, or suspend the card.
Balance transfers
A 0% balance transfer card stops interest for a set period, usually for a one-off fee of a few per cent of the balance. Clear as much as you can before the 0% period ends, when the rate reverts. Enter the period and fee to see the effect. If you are struggling with debt, free help is available from MoneyHelper, StepChange and Citizens Advice.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to pay off £3,000 on a credit card?
At 19% APR, about 27 years 6 months on minimum payments of interest plus 1%, or 3 years at £108 a month.
How is the credit card minimum payment calculated?
Usually the higher of a fixed amount (such as £5) or interest and charges plus 1% of the balance. Some cards use a flat percentage, such as 2.5% or 3%.
What is the average credit card interest rate in the UK?
The effective rate on interest-charging credit cards was 21.45% in May 2026.
What happens if I only pay the minimum on my credit card?
You pay far more interest and it can take decades to clear. After 18 months your provider may class you as in persistent debt and contact you about paying more.
Sources and method
We use official UK guidance and recognised formulas, and test each calculator against worked examples. Results are estimates to help you plan, not professional advice. See how we work.