Stop new spending while paying down the balance.
Credit Card Interest Calculator
See how minimum payments can stretch card debt and compound finance charges. Adjust the assumptions, inspect the chart and read the complete guide below.
02 Your projection
Interest when paying minimum due₹3.00 LUpdates instantly as you edit
Starting outstanding₹1.50 L
Interest with fixed payment₹66,438
Minimum-due payoff time₹196
Cost comparisonCurrent versus proposed
MeasureCurrentAfter change
Payoff time196 months22 months
Finance charges₹2,99,976₹66,438
Monthly approachMinimum due₹10,000
Projection journeyHover to inspect a year
Interest-free period may be suspended when previous balance remains. Actual minimum formula, GST, fees and daily balance method vary.
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Five smart nudges
Use the result with context.
Pay well above finance charges each month.
A monthly rate is not a small annual rate.
Keep every contractual minimum on autopay.
Use avalanche for maximum mathematical saving.
Understanding Minimum Due Trap in India
Editorially reviewed 13 July 2026 · Rules and assumptions can change
Why minimum due becomes a trap
A minimum due can be only a small share of the outstanding balance and commonly declines with the balance. Finance charges continue, and RBI requires issuers to warn that minimum-only repayment can stretch for months or years with compounded interest.
At 3.5% per month, the nominal annualised cost is already 42% before considering compounding and taxes on charges. Adding new spending can make the payment smaller than monthly charges so the balance never clears.
Interest-free period can disappear
Carrying a previous balance can suspend the interest-free period under card terms, affecting new purchases. Cash advances and fees can have separate treatment.
The simulator is monthly and simplified; issuers often use daily balances, statement-specific minimum formulas, GST and late charges. Read the MITC and statement.
A practical exit plan
Stop new card spending, set a fixed payment comfortably above charges and automate it. Compare lower-cost regulated consolidation only if the card is closed or controlled afterwards.
Paying the highest-rate debt first minimises interest, while a smallest-balance approach may support motivation. The Debt Payoff calculator compares both.
Official sources used for this guide
Rates, thresholds and rules can change after the review date. Check the linked authority and the provider’s current documents before acting.
Minimum Due Trap calculator FAQs
Does paying minimum due avoid interest?
No. It may avoid immediate delinquency under terms but generally leaves finance charges and can suspend the grace period.
Why does the balance grow despite payment?
New spending plus charges can exceed the payment.
Is 3.5% monthly equal to 42% effective annual cost?
Forty-two per cent is nominal; compounding produces a higher effective rate.
Does this include GST and late fees?
No. Add issuer-specific charges when planning.