Last reviewed: 24 September 2026
Snowball
After required payments, extra money goes to the smallest balance first. The appeal is visible early progress.
Avalanche
After required payments, extra money goes to the highest interest rate first. Under stable rates and payments, this generally reduces interest cost compared with targeting a lower-rate balance first.
Use the method you can sustain
The maths matters, but so does following the plan. If payments are unaffordable, seek free independent debt advice rather than forcing either strategy.