Comparison
Avalanche vs snowball: side-by-side comparison
Avalanche and snowball both keep minimum payments current. They differ in where extra money goes first.
| Question | Avalanche | Snowball |
|---|---|---|
| What gets extra money? | Highest APR debt | Smallest balance debt |
| Primary advantage | Can reduce interest | Can create early wins |
| Best fit | Rate-sensitive goals | Motivation-sensitive goals |
Example
If Card A has 24% APR and Card B has 12% APR, avalanche starts with Card A. If Card B is much smaller, snowball may start there.
Common mistakes
- Assuming either method is always best.
- Skipping full strategy comparison when debts have different balances and rates.
FAQ
Which saves more interest?
Avalanche usually saves more interest when the highest-rate debt is prioritized.
Which is easier to stick with?
Snowball can be easier for some people because smaller debts disappear sooner.
Related reading
Make it personal
Build your payoff plan from your real numbers.
Enter your debts once, choose your goal, and see which debt to pay first.