More in Funds & Goals
What this calculator does
This calculator compares your payment plan against the promo deadline. It warns you if the balance will not be paid off before the regular APR kicks in.
The math
Months until promo end = promo end date − today. Months to pay off = balance ÷ monthly payment. If the payoff months exceed the promo months, the remaining balance is hit with the post-promo APR.
Worked example
A $1,500 balance with a $200 monthly payment pays off in 7.5 months. If the promo ends in 6 months, you will owe a small balance when deferred interest may apply.
Why this matters
Saving and investing work best when the timeline is concrete. This calculator replaces vague goals with a date, a contribution, or a target you can automate.
Methodology and transparency
This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.
Common questions
What is deferred interest?
If you do not pay the full balance before the promo ends, the card may retroactively charge interest on the original balance.
How do I avoid the ticking time bomb?
Divide the balance by the number of months left in the promo and pay that amount every month.
What happens after the promo?
The remaining balance starts accruing interest at the post-promo APR, usually a high rate.