How Long to Pay Off $30,000 at 18% Interest

See payoff timelines and total interest for a $30,000 debt at 18% APR across different payment levels.

At 18% APR with $1,500/month

2 years

Total interest: $6,000 • Total paid: $36,000

Payoff Scenarios at 18% APR

How different monthly payment amounts affect your total cost for a $30,000 debt.

Payment LevelMonthly PaymentMonthsTotal InterestTotal Paid
Minimum (2%)$60094$26,400$56,400
Moderate (5%)$1,50024$6,000$36,000
Aggressive (10%)$3,00011$3,000$33,000
Fast (15%)$4,5008$6,000$36,000

Understanding Your $30,000 Debt at 18%

A $30,000 debt at 18% interest costs $450 per month in interest alone — $5,400 annually. At this mid-range rate, slow payoff becomes expensive. Payments that are 10–15% of the balance or more will clear the debt in a reasonable timeframe. If possible, refinancing to a lower rate can save thousands in total interest.

$30,000 at Other Interest Rates

Other Balances at 18% APR

Need a custom balance or rate? Use the interactive Debt Payoff Calculator →

How to Pay Off Debt Faster

  • Increase monthly payments by any amount — even small increases reduce total interest dramatically.
  • Refinance to a lower interest rate if your credit score has improved since you took on the debt.
  • Use the debt avalanche method — pay minimums on all debts and put extra toward the highest-rate debt first.
  • Avoid taking on new debt while paying down existing balances.