Get Out of Credit Card Debt Faster
See exactly when you'll be debt-free using the Snowball or Avalanche strategy.Free • No sign-up • Instant results.
- Compare Snowball vs Avalanche
- See monthly payoff plan
- Download free PDF report
100% Free • Works on any device • Data never leaves your browser
Pre-loaded with example cards. Edit any number to see your real plan instantly.
Add every card you owe on. Balances and APRs are on your statement.
What you can put towards cards each month.
Targets highest APR first — usually saves most interest.
Drag to see the impact instantly.
Three different approaches to repaying your debt. Each follows a different logic — the best choice depends on your priorities and behaviour.
Minimise total interest. Optimise for efficiency.
With the avalanche method, you make the minimum payment on all debts, then direct any extra funds toward the balance with the highest interest rate (APR). Once that balance is cleared, you roll the freed-up payment into the next highest-interest debt, and continue this process until all balances are repaid.
Why it works: this method reduces the amount of interest accrued over time, making it the most cost-efficient strategy mathematically.
Best suited for: users focused on paying the least total interest and becoming debt-free as quickly as possible from a financial standpoint.
Build momentum through quick wins.
With the snowball method, you make the minimum payment on all debts, then allocate any extra funds toward the smallest balance first. Once that debt is cleared, its payment is rolled into the next smallest balance, creating a compounding effect as you eliminate accounts one by one.
Why it works: by clearing smaller debts quickly, this method creates visible progress early, which can improve motivation and consistency.
Best suited for: users who value psychological momentum and prefer seeing immediate results to stay committed.
Baseline scenario for comparison.
This approach involves paying only the required minimum on each debt every month, with no additional repayments.
Why it matters: this is the slowest and most expensive path, as interest continues to accumulate over a longer period. It is included as a reference point to clearly demonstrate the time and cost savings achieved by more proactive strategies.
Best suited for: not recommended as a repayment strategy. Use it to understand the true cost of inaction and to compare against more effective approaches.
Same budget, different order. Avalanche almost always saves the most interest.
| Strategy | Interest paid | Debt-free in | vs Minimums |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche (highest APR first) Best | £926 | 1y 8m | save £11,140 |
| Snowball (smallest balance first) | £961 | 1y 9m | save £11,105 |
| Minimums only | £12,066 | 38y 8m | — |
Paying only the minimums will cost you much more in interest and keep you in debt for years longer.
Comparison based on your current cards, balances and APRs vs the avalanche strategy with your chosen extra payment.
| Card | Cleared in | Cleared by | Interest paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barclaycard | 1y 4m | Oct 2027 | £474.12 |
| Halifax Clarity | 1y 8m | Feb 2028 | £403.65 |
| Tesco Bank | 5 months | Nov 2026 | £47.81 |
Take your full plan with you — cards, schedule, savings and the month-by-month breakdown. 100% free.
How it works
Balance, APR and minimum payment for each one.
Avalanche saves the most interest. Snowball builds momentum.
Use the slider to see how much faster — and cheaper — debt freedom can be.
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Why this calculator is different
Built by people who hate clutter, ads and gated tools. Just the maths you need.
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Every feature, forever. No paywalls, no upsell, no hidden "pro" version.
No account required
Skip the sign-up. Open the page, type your numbers, get your plan.
Accurate calculations
Monthly interest accrual using real APR and minimum-payment rules — the same maths lenders use.
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Your numbers stay in your browser. We can't see them — they never leave your device.
Frequently asked questions
Snowball or avalanche — which is better?
Avalanche (highest APR first) almost always saves the most interest. Snowball (smallest balance first) clears cards faster, which helps motivation. Both are solid; pick the one you'll stick with.
How does the calculator work?
It simulates each month: interest is added at your APR, minimum payments are made on every card, and any extra budget goes to your target card based on the strategy you pick.
How accurate is it?
We accrue interest monthly using your APR. Real card statements may differ slightly because of daily interest, billing cycles, fees, and promotional rates.
Where is my data stored?
Everything stays in your browser. Saved plans use local storage — nothing is ever sent to a server.
Does using the calculator affect my credit score?
No. This is just a calculator. It doesn't connect to credit bureaus or lenders and has zero effect on your credit file.
Can I include personal loans or store cards?
Yes — add anything with a balance and an APR. The Loan calculator on the Tools page is also useful for fixed-term debts.
What if my budget can't cover the minimums?
The calculator warns you and shows the shortfall. If you're stuck, contact a free debt charity such as StepChange, Citizens Advice, or National Debtline.
Does it work for US credit cards?
Yes. Use the currency switcher in the header to flip to $. The strategy maths is identical — APR, minimum payment and balance behave the same way.
Do I have to create an account?
Never. There is no sign-up, no email capture and no account. Open the page, run the numbers, save a PDF if you want — that's it.
Is this financial advice?
No. Smart Debt Calculator provides estimates only. For tailored advice, speak to a regulated adviser or one of the free debt charities listed above.