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DebtThe avalanche method pays minimums on everything and throws every extra pound at the HIGHEST APR debt first. Mathematically optimal — minimises total interest. This calculator shows total payoff time and interest savings vs snowball.
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Avalanche saves most when your debts have widely different APRs. A 29% credit card alongside a 6% personal loan — avalanche can save hundreds vs snowball.
If one debt is tiny and clearable in a month or two, snowball may give you a motivational boost. Behavioural data suggests people on snowball have better completion rates — but only when all APRs are similar.
Each month: pay the minimum on every debt. Any leftover from your budget goes to the HIGHEST-APR debt. Once that is cleared, the freed-up payment rolls into the next-highest.
UK context: credit cards 20-30% are high, personal loans 6-15% mid, mortgages under 6% low. Target your attack at anything over 15% first.
Not usually. Mortgages are secured, long-term and typically low-APR. Unsecured debt is the avalanche target.
Illustrative calculation. Not personalised financial advice. Rates, bands and allowances for the 2026/27 UK tax year, verified against gov.uk at time of review. For regulated advice consult an FCA-authorised adviser.