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How to Budget for a Smart Deadbolt

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How to Budget for a Smart Deadbolt

Upgrade your home security with a keyless deadbolt and a video doorbell without wrecking your monthly cash flow.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $230 before anything else
Across the 0% window $12.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $230 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.

Fumbling for keys in the dark ends the day you install a smart deadbolt and a video doorbell. You can check who is at the door from the couch, let family in remotely, and stop hiding spare keys under the mat. The physical install takes less than an hour per door, and you will wonder why you did not do it years ago.

Late winter is the best time to catch hardware bundle deals and hire a locksmith or handyman before spring remodeling season hits. Always get at least two quotes for the installation work if you are not doing it yourself, because prices swing wildly between local pros.

That 18-month window is a hard deadline, not free money, so make sure the balance is zero before it ends or regular interest kicks in on what is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop the bundles

    Look for hardware packages that pair a smart deadbolt with a video doorbell to save on the total kit price. Retailers often discount the doorbell when you buy it with the lock.

  2. 02

    Get two quotes

    Call a couple of local handymen or locksmiths to price the installation labor. Compare their rates to make sure you are not overpaying for a basic swap.

  3. 03

    Map out your timeline

    Decide when you want the hardware on your door and line up the installation date. Give yourself a week for shipping if you order online.

  4. 04

    Spread out the cost

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card comes with 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spreading the typical $230 cost across that window works out to about $12.78 per month.

  5. 05

    Book the install

    Order your gear, confirm your pro, and get the deadbolt on the door. Test the codes and the video feed before the installer leaves.

  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

Can I install a smart deadbolt myself?

Yes, if your current door prep matches the new lock, you just need a screwdriver and about thirty minutes. Call a pro if you need to drill new holes or if the latch sticks.

Do smart deadbolts drain batteries fast?

Most models run on standard AA batteries that last six to twelve months depending on use. The lock will flash a warning light or send an alert to your phone when the power gets low.

What happens if the smart lock loses Wi-Fi?

You can still use your physical backup key or punch in your code on the keypad. The local features keep working even if your home internet goes down.

Why do I need a video doorbell bundle?

Bundling the lock and the doorbell usually saves you money compared to buying them separately. Plus, they often run on the same app so you control your whole entryway in one place.