What is the debt snowball method?

You pay the minimum on every debt and put all extra money toward the smallest balance. When it is gone, its payment rolls into the next-smallest balance.

Why choose snowball over avalanche?

Clearing whole accounts early gives quick wins that help many people stay motivated, even though it can cost somewhat more interest.

What if my budget is too low?

If the budget does not cover the minimum payments, or balances would still be growing after 50 years, the calculator warns you to raise the budget.

How is interest calculated?

Each month, interest = balance × APR ÷ 12 is added before payments are applied.

Yes. Your balances never leave your browser.

Credit Card Snowball Calculator

Plan credit card payoff with the debt snowball method: pay minimums on all cards and send extra money to the smallest balance first.

100% free
Private in browser
No signup
No watermarks

Card 1 balance ($)

Card 1 APR (%)

Card 1 minimum payment ($)

Card 2 balance ($)

Card 2 APR (%)

Card 2 minimum payment ($)

Card 3 balance ($)

Card 3 APR (%)

Card 3 minimum payment ($)

Total monthly payment budget ($)

Months to debt-free

1 yr 6 mo (18 months)

Total interest paid

$1,673.93

Total amount paid

$10,373.93

Payoff order

Card 3 → Card 2 → Card 1

Interest with the other method

$1,564.48

Note

The avalanche method would save $109.46 in interest, but snowball clears individual debts in a different order.

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About Credit Card Snowball Calculator

The snowball method builds momentum by clearing the smallest balance first. Enter up to three cards and your total monthly budget to see time to debt-free, total interest, payoff order and how it compares with the avalanche method.

How to use Credit Card Snowball Calculator

Enter the balance, APR and minimum payment for each card (set unused cards to 0).
Enter the total you can pay across all cards each month.
Review months to debt-free, total interest and the payoff order.

Key features

Month-by-month snowball simulation
Payments roll over as each card is cleared
Payoff order of your cards
Interest comparison with the avalanche method
Private in-browser calculation

Frequently asked questions

What is the debt snowball method?: You pay the minimum on every debt and put all extra money toward the smallest balance. When it is gone, its payment rolls into the next-smallest balance.
Why choose snowball over avalanche?: Clearing whole accounts early gives quick wins that help many people stay motivated, even though it can cost somewhat more interest.
What if my budget is too low?: If the budget does not cover the minimum payments, or balances would still be growing after 50 years, the calculator warns you to raise the budget.
How is interest calculated?: Each month, interest = balance × APR ÷ 12 is added before payments are applied.
Is my data private?: Yes. Your balances never leave your browser.

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