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How to Budget for a Backyard Game Rental

How to · Event

How to Budget for a Backyard Game Rental

Lock in your summer event dates now and use a structured payment plan to keep your cash flow steady.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $350 before anything else
Across the 0% window $19.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $350 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Summer weekends fill up fast, so booking your lawn games at least three months out is the only way to get your first choice. You want the giant Jenga and cornhole sets available when the weather actually turns, not whatever is left over.

A rental package usually runs around $350. By breaking that cost into smaller chunks, you can clear the bill before the season is even over without feeling a pinch in your monthly budget.

Remember that the 0% intro period is a deadline, not free money. If you have a remaining balance after the 18 months are up, the bank will start charging interest on whatever is left, which gets expensive fast.

The steps

  1. 01

    Confirm your guest count

    Decide if you need a few casual games or a full tournament setup. Extra equipment adds to the rental price, so get a solid number before you sign the contract.

  2. 02

    Book by late spring

    Contact local event rental companies by April to secure your gear. Most require a deposit to hold the date, so be ready to pay a small portion upfront.

  3. 03

    Use your payment window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you charge the $350 rental, you can spread the cost to about $19.44 per month over those 18 months.

  4. 04

    Set an auto-pay alert

    Since the intro window on purchases is 18 months, set a recurring transfer for $20 each month. This keeps you ahead of the schedule and ensures the bill is gone long before the time is up.

  5. 05

    Check the fine print

    Look for hidden delivery fees or damage deposits in your rental agreement. Always budget an extra $50 to account for these common add-ons.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

What happens if I break a game piece?

Most rental companies include a damage waiver or hold a security deposit. Expect to lose part of that deposit or pay an extra fee if items go missing or break.

Is delivery usually included in the price?

Rarely. Most companies charge a flat delivery and pickup fee based on how far you are from their warehouse.

Can I cancel if it rains?

Check the contract for a rain date policy. Some allow you to move the booking, but many keep your deposit if you cancel within a week of the event.

Do I need insurance for a backyard party?

Usually no, but check your homeowners policy. It might cover accidental property damage, but it rarely covers rented gear itself.