Step 1 — sort by APR, not balance
Rank every card from highest APR to lowest. APR drives the interest math — balance size is irrelevant for ordering.
Multi-card payoff calculator
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Strategy
Months to debt-free
26 mo
Debt-free by Sep 2028
Total interest
$998
Vs. snowball
−$708
You save $708 staying on avalanche
You're at risk of losing your 0% APR on Card 2 — balance remaining on Nov 16, 2026: $1,640
Card
Payoff date
Interest paid
Card 1
Apr 2028
$998
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 1–2 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