10/26/2021
How Is Your Credit Card’s Minimum Payment Calculated?
1. Flat Percentage of Your Balance
Some cards use a flat percentage of your balance to calculate your minimum payment and don’t factor in interest and fees. A typical flat percentage rate is 2%. So, if you have a statement balance of $1,000, the minimum payment will be $20. Your payment is applied toward both your interest, fees and principal.
2. Percentage Plus Interest and Fees
Other card issuers charge a smaller flat percentage rate – often 1% – then add on any interest and fees that have accrued. If you have a balance of $1,000, accrued $16 in interest and you have no additional fees, your minimum payment is 1% of your balance – $10 – plus $16 in interest for a total of $26.
3. Fixed Dollar Amounts
If you carry a smaller balance on your credit card, typically between $25 and $1,000, your minimum payment may be a fixed dollar amount, like $25, that is outlined in your credit card agreement. Every card has a fixed floor rate for minimum payments when your balance falls below a certain threshold.
4. Remaining Balance Owed
If you have a very small credit card balance that comes under the fixed floor rate, your minimum payment may simply show as the total statement balance. For example, if your balance is $15 and the minimum fixed floor rate is $25, then the minimum amount owed is simply $15.