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Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche
Both methods keep the same total monthly debt budget. Snowball targets the smallest balance first; avalanche targets the highest interest rate first.
Compare your own offersWhat decides it
Avalanche usually minimizes interest mathematically. Snowball may deliver earlier visible wins; the best plan is one you can maintain without adding new balances.
First target
Smallest balance
Highest APR
Interest efficiency
May cost more
Usually minimizes interest
Early account closures
Often sooner
Depends on rates and balances
Behavioral emphasis
Momentum and visible wins
Mathematical efficiency
Before deciding
Make the comparison fair
- Confirm every balance, APR, and minimum payment.
- Keep the same monthly budget for both methods.
- Stop adding charges to payoff accounts.
- Preserve a small emergency buffer where possible.
Calculators for this decision
Understand the tradeoffs
Do minimum payments still apply?
Yes. Both methods pay every required minimum first and direct the remaining budget to the current target.
What happens after a debt is paid?
Its former payment rolls into the next target while the total monthly debt budget stays constant.