Snowball vs. Avalanche: Which Debt Payoff Strategy is Better?

Both strategies can work. Snowball builds momentum by paying off your smallest balance first, while Avalanche saves the most interest by attacking the highest APR first. If you value motivation, Snowball may help you stick to the plan. If you want to minimize interest, choose Avalanche. The most important part is to make consistent payments and avoid adding new debt.

Try both in the Credit Card Payoff Calculator: increase your payment (or add an extra payment) and compare the months to payoff and total interest.

Quick tips

• List balances, APRs, and minimums for all cards.
• Choose a focus card (smallest balance for Snowball, highest APR for Avalanche).
• Make minimums on all cards, put any extra on the focus card.
• When the focus card is paid off, roll that payment to the next card.

Use the calculator to see how an extra $25–$200/month changes your timeline.