Paying off debt: which one first?

Two proven ways to clear debts, and how to choose between them.

If you have more than one debt, pay the minimum on all of them, then put every extra amount on one debt at a time.

The avalanche: highest rate first

Put extra money on the debt with the highest interest rate. You pay the least interest overall. Best if you are motivated by the numbers.

The snowball: smallest balance first

Put extra money on the smallest debt. You clear a debt sooner and see progress quickly, which keeps many people going.

Either way

  • Keep paying every debt on time to avoid late fees.
  • When one debt is cleared, add its payment to the next one.
  • Avoid new borrowing on cards while you are paying off.
  • Talk to your bank early if you are struggling. Many can change the plan before you fall behind.

In Bosla

Plan → Debts keeps every debt in one place with its rate and monthly payment, so you can see which has the highest rate. Debt payments are set aside on payday before anything else.

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Still stuck? Write to us from Help in the app. Open Bosla · Updated 23 October 2026

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