Credit Card Payoff Calculator – Snowball
Plan your credit card payoff with the snowball method.
All calculations happen locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded, stored or tracked.
Add your cards
Balance, APR and minimum payment.
Enter your extra amount
Monthly budget for debt.
Read the plan
Payoff order and dates.
What Is the Snowball Method?
The snowball method pays minimums on all cards and directs extra money at the card with the smallest balance. When it is paid off, its payment rolls into the next-smallest. It costs slightly more in interest than the avalanche, but the early wins build momentum — which is why many people stay with it.
The calculator orders your cards by balance, simulates the payoff, and shows the plan with each card's payoff date and the total cost.
Avalanche vs Snowball
| Method | Order | Cost | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | Highest APR first | Lowest interest | Slower early wins |
| Snowball | Smallest balance first | Slightly more interest | Fast early wins |
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 snowball method work?
Pay minimums everywhere, attack the smallest balance with all extra money, then roll its payment into the next-smallest balance.
Snowball or avalanche — which should I use?
Avalanche saves the most interest; snowball provides faster psychological wins. Both beat minimum payments by a wide margin.
How long until I am debt-free?
The calculator simulates your plan and shows the total payoff time.
Does the snowball really cost more?
Usually a modest amount more than avalanche — the calculator shows the exact interest either way.
Should I keep cards open after payoff?
Keeping accounts open (with zero balance) generally helps your credit history and utilization.