>the question is why would i not create a separate investment account (say schwab), put the cash equivalent of all those charges into MMF, and come out a few hundred dollars ahead before paying it all off. You would, it's called interest rate arbitrage. You still have to make minimum payments though.

yes, already have on auto. tbh i've only ever seen zero interest for balance transfers (and then there are fees). thanks very much!!

would your investment account be subject to any sort of capital gains/taxation, being less than a year from creation to withdrawal?

I think MMF dividend are taxed as income? I won't earn a lot. But a couple hundred doesn't hurt.

[удалено]

Thanks for that point. My credit utilization is currently super low. Its a good consideration ...