About AvoidTheDebt and how the planner works

AvoidTheDebt is a free planner that shows the cheapest order to pay off your debts and the date you'll be clear. It is an independent project based in the United Kingdom. It is not a lender, a broker or a debt advice service, and it does not recommend or sell any card, loan or product.

Why it exists

Most payoff calculators treat every debt as one simple interest rate. Real debts have 0% deals that end, payment holidays, and "interest free if paid by" agreements that add all the interest at once if you miss the date. Ignoring those can cost hundreds of pounds.

How the plan is calculated

1. Interest each month is the balance multiplied by the rate for that month, divided by 12. During a deal the deal rate applies; afterwards the normal rate does. Providers work interest out daily, so real figures differ slightly.
2. Minimum payments follow each card's own rule as you enter it. UK card rules (FCA CONC 6.7.5R) require at least the interest and charges plus 1% of the balance.
3. Your monthly budget pays every minimum first. Whatever is left goes to one debt at a time, in priority order.
4. The cheapest order is found by trying every possible order (for up to seven debts) and picking the one with the least total interest, including the effect of deals ending and backdated interest.
5. Payment holidays pause payments for the months you set, with interest added or not as you choose. Lighter months reduce your budget for those months only.

Need help now?

If you can't keep up with your minimum payments, free and confidential help is available from StepChange, Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper. They can talk to lenders for you.

Spotted an error? Email hello@avoidthedebt.com.