See exactly how much interest you save and when you'll be debt-free with the avalanche method (highest interest first) vs the snowball method (smallest balance first). Free UK debt payoff calculator — no sign-up.
How the Avalanche Method Works
You pay minimums on everything and put any extra payment toward the debt with the highest interest rate. Once that's cleared, you roll that payment to the next highest-rate debt. Mathematically it minimises total interest and gets you debt-free fastest.
How the Snowball Method Works
You pay minimums on everything and put extra toward the debt with the smallest balance. When that's paid off, you move to the next smallest. The idea is that quick wins keep you motivated even if you pay slightly more interest overall.
Which Method Saves More Money?
Avalanche almost always saves more money because you attack expensive interest first. Use the calculator below with your own debts to see the exact difference — and how much faster you can be debt-free with a bit of extra payment each month. For more detail, see our blog: avalanche vs snowball comparison, a £10,000 worked example, and the real cost of minimum payments.
Your Debts
Extra Monthly Payment
This is your "superpower" payment. See what happens when you increase it.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Balance Over Time
Payoff Order & Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the avalanche or snowball method better?
For saving money, the avalanche method is usually better: you pay less interest and can be debt-free sooner. The snowball method can feel better psychologically because you clear small debts quickly. Use our calculator with your own numbers to compare both — and read Debt Avalanche vs Snowball: Which Saves More Money in the UK? for the full picture.
How much interest will I save with the avalanche method?
It depends on your balances, rates, and how much extra you pay. Often it's hundreds or thousands of pounds over the life of your debt. Enter your debts above and click "Calculate My Payoff Plan" to see your exact interest under avalanche vs snowball and compare side by side.
What's the fastest way to pay off credit card debt in the UK?
Paying more than the minimum and targeting the highest-interest card first (avalanche) is usually the fastest and cheapest. See The Real Cost of Only Paying Minimum Payments on UK Credit Cards to understand why minimums hurt — then use our free calculator to plan your payoff.