Reference
Credit Card Minimum Payment by Balance
Pre-calculated reference for common balance sizes at 22% APR (the 2026 US average). Look up your balance, see both formula minimums, payoff time at the minimum, and the total interest cost.
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Reference table
$500 to $20,000 at 22% APR
| Balance | Min (2% flat) | Min (Int + 1%) | Payoff at min | Total interest | Total paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | $25 | $25 | 2 yr 2 mo | $129 | $629 |
| $1,000 | $25 | $28 | 5 yr 10 mo | $766 | $1,766 |
| $2,000 | $40 | $57 | 11 yr 7 mo | $2,600 | $4,600 |
| $3,000 | $60 | $85 | 15 years | $4,433 | $7,433 |
| $5,000 | $100 | $142 | 19 yr 2 mo | $8,100 | $13,100 |
| $7,500 | $150 | $213 | 22 yr 7 mo | $12,683 | $20,183 |
| $10,000 | $200 | $283 | 24 yr 11 mo | $17,266 | $27,266 |
| $15,000 | $300 | $425 | 28 yr 4 mo | $26,433 | $41,433 |
| $20,000 | $400 | $567 | 30 yr 8 mo | $35,600 | $55,600 |
Payoff time and interest figures use the interest-plus-1% method with a $25 floor (the more realistic of the two common formulas at 22% APR; flat 2% can drift into negative amortisation at high APRs). Below balances of about $1,250, the floor binds and the actual minimum is $25 regardless of balance.
Worked examples
The questions readers actually search
What is the minimum payment on a $2,000 credit card balance?
At the 2026 US average APR of 22%, paying only the minimum on a $2,000 balance turns the original purchase into roughly $4,600 paid back. The 36-month escape payment for the same balance is the lever to flip.
What is the minimum payment on a $5,000 credit card balance?
At the 2026 US average APR of 22%, paying only the minimum on a $5,000 balance turns the original purchase into roughly $13,100 paid back. The 36-month escape payment for the same balance is the lever to flip.
What is the minimum payment on a $10,000 credit card balance?
At the 2026 US average APR of 22%, paying only the minimum on a $10,000 balance turns the original purchase into roughly $27,266 paid back. The 36-month escape payment for the same balance is the lever to flip.
What is the minimum payment on a $15,000 credit card balance?
At the 2026 US average APR of 22%, paying only the minimum on a $15,000 balance turns the original purchase into roughly $41,433 paid back. The 36-month escape payment for the same balance is the lever to flip.
Questions