UK Credit Card Minimum Payment Trap vs Fixed Monthly Payoff Calculator

Paying only the minimum monthly repayment (1% of balance + interest, min £5) on a £3,500 UK credit card at 24.9% APR takes over 27 years and costs £5,180 in interest. Fixing your monthly payment at £150 clears the debt in 2 years and 6 months, saving £4,160.

Repayment Strategy (£3,500 at 24.9% APR) Time to Clear Balance Total Interest Paid
Minimum Repayment Only (1% + Interest) 27 years 4 months £5,180 interest
Fixed £100 / month Direct Debit 4 years 3 months £1,590 interest
Fixed £150 / month Direct Debit 2 years 6 months £1,020 interest
Fixed £250 / month Direct Debit 1 year 4 months £565 interest

Frequently Asked Questions (2026/27 & 2027/28 UK Rules)

Why does paying the minimum on a UK credit card take so long?

Because minimum payments are calculated as a percentage of your remaining balance, your required payment shrinks every month, stretching repayment across decades.

Authoritative UK Calculators & 2027/28 Early Access