Key takeaway
Avalanche usually wins on cost, while snowball can win on momentum if motivation has been the main blocker.
Avalanche: better math
The debt avalanche method directs extra payments to the balance with the highest interest rate first. In most cases, that reduces total interest paid.
Snowball: better momentum
The debt snowball method targets the smallest balance first. It can build confidence and create visible wins quickly.
Which one should you choose
Pick avalanche if you are primarily optimizing total cost. Pick snowball if motivation has been the main reason previous debt plans failed.
The wrong choice is no system
Both strategies usually outperform making random extra payments without a consistent order or monthly target.
Related next steps
Use the Debt Payoff Calculator to test how your monthly payment affects the timeline.