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CREDIT & DEBT

Debt repayment methods explained

Different repayment methods change the order in which balances are targeted. The right approach depends on the debts and constraints that apply to you.

Educational guideReviewed: 28 September 2026

One-balance-at-a-time approaches

Some methods concentrate extra payment on a selected balance while maintaining required payments on others.

Interest-focused approaches

One common approach directs extra payment toward the balance with the highest interest rate, which can reduce interest in a mathematical model.

Behaviour-focused approaches

Another approach can prioritise the smallest balance first to create visible progress. This is a strategy description, not a recommendation.

Use actual debt terms

Fees, rates, minimums and payment timing should come from the actual statements and agreements.

Source and review note

Time-sensitive rules should be checked against the current official source and the applicable date. This page is intended as general educational information.

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