Credit Card Payoff Calculator – Avalanche
Plan your credit card payoff with the avalanche method.
All calculations happen locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded, stored or tracked.
Add your cards
Balance, APR and minimum payment each.
Enter your extra amount
The budgeted extra each month.
Read the plan
Payoff dates, order and total interest.
What Is the Avalanche Method?
The avalanche method pays the minimum on every card and directs all extra money at the card with the highest interest rate. Once that card is gone, the whole payment moves to the next-highest-rate card. It is mathematically optimal — it minimises total interest paid.
This calculator orders your cards by APR, simulates the payoff, and shows the plan: each card's payoff date, the order, total interest and total time.
The Method
Your extra monthly amount is applied to the top card after its minimum. When it is paid off, its minimum payment is added to the next card's payment — the classic "avalanche snowball".
Your data never leaves your device.
Every calculation on this site runs in your browser using vanilla JavaScript. Nothing is uploaded, stored or tracked.
- 100% local, client-side calculations
- No data stored on any server
- No tracking, no analytics, no ads scripts
- Works offline once loaded
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the avalanche method work?
Pay minimums everywhere, put every extra dollar on the highest-APR card until it is gone, then roll that payment to the next card.
Is avalanche better than snowball?
Mathematically yes — it minimises interest. The snowball (smallest balance first) often feels more motivating, which matters for behaviour.
How long will it take to pay off my cards?
The calculator simulates your exact plan and shows the payoff date and total interest.
What if my minimum payments change?
The calculator uses your current minimums. If your issuer raises or lowers them, adjust the inputs.
Does paying extra hurt my credit score?
No — carrying less balance generally helps your utilization ratio and score over time.