Debt Avalanche vs Snowball

Avalanche targets the highest interest rate. Snowball targets the smallest balance. Both require every minimum payment first.

Avalanche math

Pay minimums on all debts, then send extra money to the highest APR. This generally minimizes total interest if payments and rates stay the same.

Snowball behavior

Pay minimums, then attack the smallest balance. Early account payoffs can make progress feel visible, even if total interest is higher.

Protect the base

Keep minimums current, maintain a small emergency buffer, and do not direct so much to payoff that the next surprise goes back on a card.

Choose the one you will follow

Use avalanche when interest cost is the main constraint. Use snowball if visible wins keep you consistent. A hybrid can clear one nuisance balance and then switch to APR order.