How to use (3 steps)
- Choose whether you are paying off one card or comparing snowball vs. avalanche for multiple cards.
- Enter balances, APRs, and your monthly payment or total budget. Add card rows as needed; keep the budget at least the sum of minimums.
- Results refresh automatically. Use "Copy URL" to share the same setup with a teammate or advisor.
Currency is cosmetic; type numbers without symbols in the amount fields.
Inputs
Adjust one number at a time to see how the payoff timeline shifts.
Results
"Time to payoff" converts the total months into years + months for easier planning.
This means: payoff time counts full months until the balance hits zero. Total paid = principal + interest.
How it's calculated
Each month we add interest (balance x APR / 12, rounded to cents), then subtract your monthly payment. If the payment is bigger than the remaining balance + interest, we cap it to finish that month.
We first pay every card's minimum, then send any remaining budget to one card at a time based on the chosen strategy (snowball = smallest balance first, avalanche = highest APR first). When a card is paid off, its payment rolls to the next card.
Real statements may use daily balances, fees, or promotions. Treat this as a planning estimate rather than a statement preview.
FAQ
What is the difference between debt snowball and debt avalanche?
Snowball focuses on the smallest balance first, giving quick wins and rolling freed-up payments to the next card. Avalanche targets the highest APR first to reduce total interest.
What happens if my monthly budget is too small?
If the sum of minimum payments exceeds your budget, or the debts are still unpaid after the limit, the tool shows an error. Increase the budget or adjust balances to get a repayable plan.
Does this match my issuer's exact statement?
No. This uses a simple monthly model without daily balance math, fees, or promo rates. Use it to plan and compare strategies, not to predict an exact statement.
Is my data stored or sent to a server?
Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is sent unless you intentionally share the scenario using the Copy URL button.
How many cards should I add?
Add as many as help you plan. Keep totals manageable so your monthly budget comfortably covers the minimum payments.