Avalanche pays the highest APR first and usually costs less interest; snowball pays the smallest balance first for quicker wins. (Investopedia avalanche, Ramsey)
| Strategy | Months | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
| Snowball | 24 months | $1,935.34 |
| Avalanche | 23 months | $1,669.51 |
Avalanche saves $265.83 in this example.
Avalanche pays the highest APR debt first while making minimums on the rest, which usually minimizes interest.
Snowball pays the smallest balance first for quick wins, then rolls each freed payment to the next debt.
Avalanche typically saves more interest because it attacks high APR balances first. Snowball can feel faster when small debts disappear early.