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How to Pay for Smart Home Security Cameras

How to · Tech

How to Pay for Smart Home Security Cameras

Get your perimeter setup done right the first time without draining your savings account.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $27.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $500 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.

A solid home security system should last you at least five years, so don't settle for cheap gear that quits after one season. Focus on weather-rated hardware that integrates with your existing smart home hub to avoid needing half a dozen different apps.

Tech companies usually refresh their camera lineups in the spring or late fall. If you can wait until a few weeks after a new launch, you can often find last year's perfectly capable model at a steep discount, saving you a chunk of that $500 target price.

The 0% intro window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance on the card after those 18 months, you will start paying interest on whatever remains, which can get expensive quickly.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map out your coverage

    Walk your perimeter and mark where cameras will actually capture movement. You want them high enough to be out of reach but low enough to catch faces. Don't buy more sensors than you have entry points to cover.

  2. 02

    Wait for a bundle

    Never buy cameras individually if you can avoid it. Retailers almost always sell multi-camera kits for less than the cost of buying each unit separately. Set an alert on a tracker site to see when a kit drops below $500.

  3. 03

    Use your 18-month window

    If you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay about $27.78 per month to cover the $500 cost without paying interest during that intro window on purchases.

  4. 04

    Factor in storage fees

    Most cameras require a monthly subscription to save your footage to the cloud. Check these costs before you click buy, as they can turn a one-time purchase into a permanent monthly bill.

  5. 05

    Install with hard wiring

    Battery-powered cameras are convenient, but you will hate charging them. If you can, pick models that wire into your existing doorbell or porch light power to avoid ladder trips every few months.

  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

Do I need a professional to install these?

Most modern smart cameras are designed for simple DIY installation. If you are comfortable with a drill and a ladder, you can do it yourself in an afternoon.

Are wired cameras always better?

Wired cameras are more reliable because they never run out of juice. If your home isn't wired for power in the right spots, solar panels or high-capacity batteries are acceptable alternatives.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment on any credit card can trigger penalty fees and end your 0% offer early. Keep your payments on autopay to ensure you stay on track.

Should I pay the cameras off early?

Yes. If you have the extra cash, pay the cameras off as fast as you can. It clears your credit utilization and gives you one less monthly bill to worry about.