Debt Repayment Calculator
How long does it take to pay off your loan – and how much do you save by paying a little more each month? For personal loans, credit cards and car finance.
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Debt over time
Note: Model calculation with constant interest rate and payment. Real personal loans often have fees, early repayment bonuses or prepayment clauses. Maximum consumer credit rates in Switzerland are capped by law (Consumer Credit Act, KKG). Not debt or investment advice.
Frequently asked questions about debt repayment
Which debts to pay off first?
Mathematically optimal (avalanche method): the one with the highest interest rate first. Credit card debt at 12–15 % before personal loans at 6–10 % before mortgage at 1–2 %. Psychologically (snowball method): the smallest debt first – gives quick wins and keeps motivation up. Combining both: smallest debt among high-interest ones first.
What is the maximum consumer credit rate in Switzerland?
Capped by law under the Consumer Credit Act (KKG), set annually by the FDJP. Currently approx. 10 % for cash loans, 12 % for overdraft facilities. Banks typically offer personal loans at 5–10 %, credit cards at 12–15 %. Anyone charging more: illegal, report to the regulator.
Are interest expenses tax-deductible in Switzerland?
Yes, private debt interest is deductible from taxable income in Switzerland – including personal loans and credit cards. In return, debts reduce the taxable wealth value. But: the tax benefit at an 8 % rate and 25 % marginal tax is only around 2 % net effect – effective burden remains 6 %. Paying off debt almost always beats the deduction.
What if I can't make the payment?
Talk to the bank early – there are usually options (payment adjustment, temporary deferral). With multiple debts: Caritas debt counselling (free, anonymous) or cantonal budget counselling. Never take out a new loan to pay off an old one (debt spiral).
Enter nominal or effective interest rate?
Effective rate (APR) – that's the annual effective rate including compound interest, which banks must disclose under the KKG. With monthly compounding it is marginally higher than the nominal rate. The calculator correctly computes the monthly rate from the effective rate.
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Geldfuchs shows you all your debts, accounts and assets in one overview – plus concrete suggestions on where to start first.
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