Debt snowball vs avalanche: which pays off faster?
Two gentle, proven ways to get debt-free. Here's how the snowball and avalanche methods actually work — and how to pick the one you'll stick with.
There are two gentle, proven ways to get out of debt — and the “best” one is simply the one you’ll actually stick with.
The snowball method
List your debts smallest balance first and throw every spare dollar at the tiniest one (paying minimums on the rest). When it’s gone, you roll that payment into the next. You get a real win fast, which keeps you going.
The avalanche method
List your debts highest interest first. Mathematically you pay the least overall — but the first win can take longer, so it asks for more patience.
Which is faster?
Avalanche saves a little more money; snowball saves a little more willpower. For most people, the method they finish beats the method that’s “optimal” on paper.
Related template
Debt Payoff Tracker
Snowball or avalanche — see your debt-free date and pay off faster, shame-free. — from $9.