Snowball and avalanche use different priorities
The snowball method targets the smallest balance first, which may create earlier account-level wins. The avalanche method targets the highest APR first, which generally reduces interest when all other assumptions are equal.
How the comparison is calculated
Both strategies use the sum of your entered minimum payments plus the extra payment. Interest is estimated monthly. When one balance reaches zero, its payment is redirected to the next targeted debt.
Educational estimate only. Minimum-payment formulas, compounding, fees and payment timing vary by creditor.