Compare avalanche (highest APR first) and snowball (smallest balance first) strategies across multiple UK debts.
List every debt
Add each debt one by one: name, balance, APR and minimum payment. Include credit cards, store cards, overdrafts and personal loans. Exclude your mortgage and any secured debt.
Enter your monthly debt budget
Type the total amount you can afford to throw at debt each month. Must be at least the sum of all minimum payments, ideally 25-50% more to make real progress.
Pick avalanche or snowball
Avalanche orders by APR (high to low) — mathematically cheapest. Snowball orders by balance (small to large) — fastest psychological wins. The calculator shows both.
Review the payoff schedule
See payoff date, total interest paid and total cost under each strategy. The difference can be hundreds or thousands of pounds depending on debt mix.
Check balance-transfer alternatives
Before committing, check whether a 0% balance transfer card would beat both strategies. UK 0% deals run 24-32 months at 2-3% transfer fee — usually worth it for balances over £1,000.
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Disclaimer: All results are estimates for guidance only and do not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional.