Credit cards are a convenient borrowing option, but relying on the minimum due can be financially perilous. The minimum payment, usually around 5% of the outstanding balance, allows users to avoid penalties but does not prevent interest from accruing on the remaining amount. With credit card interest rates soaring between 36% and 42% annually, this can lead to a substantial increase in debt over time. For instance, failing to pay a full ₹50,000 balance can result in total interest and charges exceeding ₹1 lakh after five years. Additionally, carrying an unpaid balance eliminates the interest-free grace period on new purchases, making them immediately subject to interest charges. Regularly paying only the minimum can also signal financial distress, potentially reducing your credit score by 50 to 100 points. To maintain a healthy credit profile, it's advisable to pay off credit card bills in full each month or, if necessary, pay significantly more than the minimum to reduce debt quickly. In challenging financial situations, consider converting outstanding balances to an EMI plan with lower interest rates or seeking personal loans to manage credit card debt more effectively.