Step 1: sort by APR, not balance
Rank every card from highest APR to lowest. APR drives the interest math, and balance size is irrelevant for ordering.
Multi-card payoff calculator
$
%
$
$
%
$
$
Strategy
Months to debt-free
24 mo
Debt-free by Sep 2028
Total interest
$962
Vs. snowball
−$495
You save $495 staying on avalanche
You're at risk of losing your 0% APR on Card 2 — balance remaining on Jan 8, 2027: $1,640
Card
Payoff date
Interest paid
Card 1
May 2028
$962
Card 2
Sep 2028
$0
Calculations are estimates for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Actual payoff timelines, interest charges, and credit outcomes may vary.
How the avalanche works
Why highest-APR first minimizes the interest you pay.
Step 2: minimums everywhere, extra on the top card
Pay the minimum on every card except the top-APR card. Send every extra dollar there.
Step 3: roll the payment down the list
When the top card hits zero, take its full payment and add it to the next-highest APR card. The total payment stays constant; it just concentrates on fewer cards.
Why it saves the most
Interest compounds fastest on the highest-APR balance. Killing that balance first removes the biggest interest leak in your finances.
When snowball wins
If a small balance can be cleared in 1 to 2 months, the motivation boost may keep you on plan longer than avalanche would. Run both above and pick what you'll actually stick with.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
You pay the minimum on every card and put all extra money toward the card with the highest APR. When that card is cleared, you move to the next-highest APR. It mathematically minimizes total interest paid.
Avalanche always saves the most in interest because it kills the most expensive debt first. Snowball can be faster psychologically because clearing a whole card builds momentum. The calculator above shows the dollar difference.
Paying down balances lowers your utilization, which usually helps your score regardless of which card you target first. Avalanche may help slightly more long-term because total balances drop faster.
That's the best case for avalanche, because the savings vs snowball will be largest. Use the strategy toggle above to compare both with your real numbers.