What is the 2026 catch-up?

$8,000 if you are 50+, or $11,250 at ages 60–63, on top of the $24,500 elective deferral (IR-2025-111). This page uses that room as a cap when you are 50+.

How is extra take-home grossed up?

401(k) path: contribution = extra ÷ (1 − current tax rate), then grown and taxed at the withdrawal rate. Card path: extra hits the balance, then leftover months invest in taxable.

When does the card win?

High APR and a short horizon. A 22% card often beats a 7% 401(k) after tax if the balance would otherwise linger.

Match? Bankruptcy? 401(k) loan?

Skipped. A match can flip the answer; so can a 0% promo APR. Not advice.

Runs in your browser · Last updated 7 September 2026

Free Credit Card vs 401k Catch-Up Calculator

Free credit card vs 401k catch-up calculator. Extra take-home to a card or 2026 catch-up ($8,000 / $11,250). Browser tool — nothing is uploaded.

Extra take-home / month ($)Card balance ($)Card APR %Card minimum / month ($)AgeYears to retirementTax rate now %Tax rate in retirement %401(k) return %Taxable return after card is paid %

Extra take-home either hits the card (then invests after payoff) or grosses up into a 401(k) at your current marginal rate. 2026 catch-up room is $8,000 (50+) or $11,250 (ages 60–63). Employer match, loans, and 401(k) hardship rules are skipped.

Leans toward

Pay the card

Payoff net (at retirement)

$78,465

401(k) net (after tax)

$5,815

Months to pay card

Card interest if extra

$3,463

Taxable FV after payoff

$78,465

401(k) annual gross

$7,692

Catch-up room

$8,000

Card left if min-only

$106,532

How to use this tool

Enter extra take-home, card balance / APR / minimum, age, and years to retirement.
Set tax rates now and later, plus 401(k) and taxable returns.
Compare payoff net vs after-tax 401(k) net.

Worked example

$500 extra, $12,000 at 27% APR, $180 minimum (interest is ~$270, so the balance grows), age 52, 8 years, 22% tax, 6% 401(k) / 5% taxable: extra clears the card; min-only does not, so payoff leads. Super catch-up at 61 opens $11,250 of room if the card is already small.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 2026 catch-up?: $8,000 if you are 50+, or $11,250 at ages 60–63, on top of the $24,500 elective deferral (IR-2025-111). This page uses that room as a cap when you are 50+.
How is extra take-home grossed up?: 401(k) path: contribution = extra ÷ (1 − current tax rate), then grown and taxed at the withdrawal rate. Card path: extra hits the balance, then leftover months invest in taxable.
When does the card win?: High APR and a short horizon. A 22% card often beats a 7% 401(k) after tax if the balance would otherwise linger.
Match? Bankruptcy? 401(k) loan?: Skipped. A match can flip the answer; so can a 0% promo APR. Not advice.
Uploaded?: No.