If you’re accustomed to paying just the minimum payment on your credit card bills each month, you might change your ways if you discover how long it will take you to get rid of your debt.

ReadyForZero created a calculator that can shock you into doing everything you can to pay down your balance. Using an annual percentage rate of 15 percent, the tool calculates the total cost of your debt, as well as how long it will take you to pay off the cards.

For instance, if your balance is $2,000, you’ll pay $1,946 by the time you’ve zeroed out your balance — 14 years, 6 months and one day from now.

Compound interest can hang around your neck like an anvil. You can speed things along and reduce your interest burden by paying off just a little bit extra each month.

The High Cost of Credit Card Debt [ReadyForZero]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.