What is the Avalanche method for paying off credit cards?

The Avalanche method prioritizes paying off credit cards with the highest APR (interest rate) first while making minimum payments on others. This saves the most money on interest over time.

What is the Snowball method for debt payoff?

The Snowball method focuses on paying off the smallest balance first, regardless of interest rate. This provides quick wins and psychological motivation to keep paying off debt.

Which debt payoff method saves the most money?

The Avalanche method typically saves the most money on interest because it targets high-APR debt first. However, the Snowball method may work better for people who need motivation from quick wins.

Why do cash advances grow even when I make payments?

Credit card companies apply your minimum payment to the lowest APR balance first (usually purchases at 15-25% APR), while your cash advance balance continues accruing interest at higher rates (25-30% APR). The 2009 CARD Act only requires payments ABOVE the minimum to be applied to the highest APR balance. This is why paying only the minimum causes cash advance debt to grow over time.

Calculate Your Debt-Free Date

Compare Avalanche vs Snowball methods to minimize your interest payments. See exactly when you'll be debt-free and how much you can save.

1. Your Debts

Total Debt

Cash Portion

Avg APR

What-If Mode: Edit cards here to test scenarios. Manage saved cards →

2. Payoff Strategy

Avalanche
(Highest APR First)

Snowball
(Smallest Bal First)

Extra Monthly Payment

Added to your minimum payments.

Use Fixed Payments

Keep paying the initial amount even as your balance goes down.

Senaro Tip: Your first month's payment becomes your fixed monthly amount. Unlike minimum payments that decrease as you pay down, consistent payments accelerate payoff!

What-If: Proposed 10% Rate Cap

See potential savings if proposed legislation passes. Cash advances NOT affected.

Debt Free Date

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Interest Saved

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vs. Status Quo

Payoff Timeline

Avalanche

Scenario Breakdown

Scenario	Total Interest	Time	Result
Status Quo Min Pay Only	$0	0 mo	Slow
Senaro Avalanche + Cap	$0	0 mo	Optimized

Get your month-by-month payoff schedule