Debt Payoff Priority Guide: Avalanche vs. Snowball
Compare payoff order strategies and decide which debt deserves extra money first.
Two ways to rank debt
Debt payoff strategy is not just about the largest balance. Avalanche prioritizes interest cost by attacking the highest APR first. Snowball prioritizes momentum by attacking the smallest balance first.
Both approaches can be useful. The right one is the one you can follow consistently while staying current on required minimum payments.
How to use the ranker
Add each debt with its balance, APR, and minimum payment. Then choose a strategy and enter any extra monthly payment you can apply above minimums.
The calculator turns the inputs into a clear payoff order so you can see where the next dollar may do the most work.
Credit context
If payoff decisions are connected to credit report issues, the next step may be a broader Credit Insight Intelligence review.
Run your numbers
Open the matching FWV calculator and apply this guide to your own inputs.