Is this a guaranteed return?

No. It is a math illustration. Real returns vary, and past performance is not a promise.

Should I pay debt or invest?

High-APR credit cards often beat investing on a risk-adjusted basis. Run the payoff planner and this calculator side by side.

Where does this fit with credit?

Cash reserves and retirement accounts do not appear on a credit report, but they keep you from loading cards when life happens — which protects the score you are building.

Wealth tools · All tools

Compound Interest Calculator

Project a savings or investment balance from a starting amount, monthly contributions, and an assumed annual rate.

Starting amount

Monthly contribution

Assumed annual return %

Years

Markets do not return a smooth percentage. This is a math illustration, not a forecast, and not investment advice.

How this tool works

Enter a starting balance, a monthly contribution, an assumed annual rate, and a number of years. The tool compounds monthly and separates what you put in from estimated growth.

Why it matters for your credit

Wealth is mostly time plus a contribution you can actually keep. Running the math makes a 401(k) or IRA contribution feel concrete — without pretending markets return a smooth 7% every year.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a guaranteed return?: No. It is a math illustration. Real returns vary, and past performance is not a promise.
Should I pay debt or invest?: High-APR credit cards often beat investing on a risk-adjusted basis. Run the payoff planner and this calculator side by side.
Where does this fit with credit?: Cash reserves and retirement accounts do not appear on a credit report, but they keep you from loading cards when life happens — which protects the score you are building.

This tool gives an educational estimate only — not a promise of a specific score change, approval, or lender decision. Explore all free tools, dispute letter templates, or the credit guides.