Kill credit card debt: avalanche vs. snowball, plain English
Two proven payoff methods, one honest pick, and a calculator-free plan you can start this week.
Fingrass Editors
Editorial team
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Carrying a credit card balance at 24% APR is one of the most expensive things you can do with your money. Here's a clear plan to get out, ranked from cheapest to fastest.
Step 1: Stop the bleeding
Freeze the card in your phone's app and remove it from auto-billed subscriptions and saved checkouts.
Step 2: Pick a method
- Avalanche: pay minimums on all debts, throw extra at the highest-APR card. Cheapest.
- Snowball: pay minimums on all debts, throw extra at the smallest balance. Most motivating.
Step 3: Cut the interest rate
A 0% balance-transfer card (if you qualify) can give you 12–21 months of breathing room. Read the fees and have a real payoff plan before you apply.
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