Escape the Debt Trap

Balance Transfer Calculator

See exactly how much a convenience check balance transfer saves — and whether your monthly payment commitment is enough to make the deal work.

Your numbers

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Option A

Stay on current card

Option B

Execute perfectly

Option C

One mistake at month 6

Upfront fee$0$150$150
Balance at start$5,000$5,150$5,150
Monthly payment to clear in 12 mo$466/mo$429/mo$429/mo
Interest paid during promo$587$0$245
Balance still owed at end of promo$0$0$247
Total cost through promo period$5,587$5,150$5,642
vs. staying on current card—Save $437Cost $55 more

The Honest Audit

$429/mo for 12 months clears the balance.

Set up autopay, put the card in a drawer, and you save $437 in interest.

This calculator is for educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on your inputs. Your actual offer terms — including transfer fee, promotional period end date, penalty APR, and minimum payment requirements — are set by your card issuer and may differ from the defaults shown. Read your convenience check offer letter carefully before writing a check.

Escape the Debt Trap

See if the plan fits your real cash flow

aiSmartBudget maps your income, expenses, and payment commitments forward across the next 12 months — so you know whether the required payment is realistic before you write the check.

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