List your debts, say how much extra you can pay each month, and see your debt-free date and total interest under the two methods that work: smallest balance first (snowball) or highest interest first (avalanche). Nothing is stored. No email needed.
Snowball vs avalanche
Snowball
—debt-freeinterest: —Avalanche
—debt-freeinterest: —Minimums only (no extra): —
Avalanche order (pay these off in this sequence):
This is an estimate for planning, not financial advice. It assumes your interest rates and minimums stay the same and that you don't add new debt. Real statements include fees and interest calculated daily, so your dates will differ slightly. If your minimums alone are more than you can pay, read about debt review before you sign anything, and know your rights under the National Credit Act.
Which method should you use?
Avalanche (highest interest rate first) always costs the least in total interest. Snowball (smallest balance first) clears whole accounts faster, which keeps many people going. The calculator shows the rand difference — if it's small, pick snowball and take the early wins. If it's large, avalanche.
Both methods work the same way: pay the minimum on every debt, put all the extra on one target debt, and when it's cleared, roll its full payment onto the next one. The amount you pay each month never drops.
Next steps
- How to get out of debt in South Africa — negotiating with creditors and your NCA rights
- Debt review explained — what it really means before you sign
- Check your credit score for free
- How to budget in South Africa — find the extra R500
How To South Africa is independent. We don't sell leads to lenders or debt counsellors, and the Money Reset Pack is our own product. Last checked 9 October 2026.