Debt Consolidation Calculator Balance Transfer · Loan · Avalanche
Compare debt payoff strategies and find the fastest path to debt freedom
⚠️ Balance transfer warning: 0% APR offers seem great but balance transfer fees (typically 3-5%) and short promo periods (12-18 months) can make them MORE expensive than a consolidation loan if you don't pay off the balance in time.
What is this? There are four proven ways to tackle credit card debt: the Avalanche method (highest APR first), the Snowball method (smallest balance first), a balance transfer (0% APR card), or a consolidation loan. Each has tradeoffs — this calculator compares all four so you can see exactly which saves the most money and gets you debt-free fastest.
Who it's for: Anyone carrying credit card debt who wants to understand the math behind each payoff strategy, and whether a balance transfer or consolidation loan would actually save them money.
Your Debts
Balance Transfer Offer (optional)
Balance transfer math: Fee = total debt × fee%. A $25K balance at 3% fee = $750 upfront cost. This must be less than the interest you'd pay without the transfer to make it worth it.
Consolidation Loan Offer (optional)
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Recommended Strategy
Strategy Comparison
Strategy
Total Interest
Months to Payoff
Total Cost
Payoff Timeline — Balance Over Time
Timeline shows: How your debt balance decreases month by month under each strategy. The strategy that hits $0 balance fastest wins the "motivation" race.
Avalanche vs. Snowball — The Math vs. The Psychology
🏔️ Avalanche Method
Pay minimums on all cards, put every extra dollar toward the highest-APR debt first. Mathematically optimal — saves the most money. Best if you can stay motivated without quick wins.
❄️ Snowball Method
Pay minimums on all cards, put every extra dollar toward the smallest balance first. Psychologically motivating — quick wins build momentum. Usually costs 5-10% more in interest but some people finish faster.
Estimates only. Actual results vary based on payment consistency and card terms. Balance transfer offers subject to credit approval. Consult a financial counselor for debt management advice.
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