TransWikia.com

Which should I pay first, Car Loan vs Zero-Interest Credit Card Promo?

Personal Finance & Money Asked on April 10, 2021

I have a new car loan for $12k at 7.74%, and about $10k in old credit card debt that I just transferred to a card with a ~20% APR after the initial 13 month zero-interest promo. (So, I am not being charged interest on the credit debt until 2021.) I make minimum payments of $250 on the car loan, and 2x minimum ($65) on the credit card every month.

I also have an extra $400 in my monthly budget to put towards debt. Normally I "avalanche" debt and pay the higher rate accounts first but I’m confused as to which account to pay now because of the zero-interest promo.

Should I:

  • Pay an additional $400 toward the credit debt during the 0% promo and try to reduce it by $5580 in 12 months? This way I’m only charged 20% interest on the remaining $4400?
  • Pay all $400 to the car loan since it is currently charging interest, and try to reduce my principal by a third ($4800) in the first year?

2 Answers

2021 is in 7 weeks, or as long as 59, if the zero is through the end of the year. As stated in a comment, best to build a spreadsheet which will make the answer clear, and precise to within a few dollars.

Answered by JTP - Apologise to Monica on April 10, 2021

Talk to your local bank or credit union. There is another possible option. You might be able to refinance the car loan. That would lower the interest rate, and the required monthly payment.

That reduced monthly payment on the car loan might allow you to use the same amount of cash each month to retire the credit card debt before the rate goes up, or before you need to make another switch.

To decide you will have to use a spreadsheet to determine how much money it will take to retire both debts under different scenarios.

Answered by mhoran_psprep on April 10, 2021

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question

Get help from others!

© 2024 TransWikia.com. All rights reserved. Sites we Love: PCI Database, UKBizDB, Menu Kuliner, Sharing RPP