Credit Card Payoff Calculator — Avalanche vs Snowball
Compare debt avalanche (highest APR first) and debt snowball (smallest balance first) strategies across up to 3 credit cards. See months to debt-free, total interest, and payoff order.
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Frequently asked questions
Which method saves more money — avalanche or snowball?
Avalanche always wins on math because it eliminates the highest interest-bearing balance first. On typical American credit-card debt ($6,000-$15,000 spread across 2-3 cards at 18-25% APR), the gap is usually $100-$800 in total interest over the payoff period — meaningful but not enormous. Snowball can win in practice if it keeps you motivated; Avalanche wins if you stay disciplined regardless of which card retires next.
What is the debt avalanche method?
Pay the minimum on every card except the one with the highest interest rate; throw every extra dollar at that highest-APR card until it's gone. Then roll its minimum payment plus your extra into the next-highest-APR card. Repeat until debt-free. Mathematically optimal because high-APR balances accrue the most interest per dollar — wiping them out first saves the most money.
Should I consolidate my credit card debt instead?
Three viable alternatives to DIY payoff: (1) a balance-transfer card with 0% intro APR for 15-21 months — best if you can pay off within the intro window; transfer fees are 3-5%. (2) A personal loan at 8-15% APR, fixed term — converts revolving debt to installment, often cheaper than 20%+ card APRs but requires good credit. (3) A debt management plan via a nonprofit credit counselor (NFCC.org) — they negotiate rate reductions to 6-10% APR in exchange for a single monthly payment over 3-5 years. Avoid for-profit debt settlement companies — they damage credit and charge high fees for unreliable outcomes.