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How to Budget for a Smart Electronic Keyless Deadbolt Lock

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How to Budget for a Smart Electronic Keyless Deadbolt Lock

Upgrade your front door security without draining your savings by timing your purchase right and spreading out the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $250 before anything else
Across the 0% window $13.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $250 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 rain gets old fast, and swapping in a smart electronic keyless deadbolt lock fixes that annoyance for good. Once it is installed, you can ditch physical keys, share temporary access with dog walkers, and check if the door is locked from your phone. You can usually knock out the swap yourself in under an hour, or have a handyman do it quickly if your door needs extra alignment.

Spring home improvement sales events are the absolute best time to buy, as hardware stores drop prices to kick off remodeling season. Before you buy, check out a few different retailers to make sure you are getting the best deal on the exact model you want.

That 0% window is a hard deadline, not free money, and any leftover balance will get hit with standard interest once the 18 months are up.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your model

    Decide if you want fingerprint access, a keypad, or phone integration. Look for features that match how you actually enter and leave your house every day.

  2. 02

    Time the purchase

    Wait for spring home improvement sales events to grab the lock at a discount. Prices tend to drop as retailers roll out promotions for home renovation season.

  3. 03

    Line up the install

    Check if your current door prep fits the new lock or if you need to chisel out a bit of wood. Get a couple of quotes from local handymen if you do not want to DIY.

  4. 04

    Use your card term

    Put the purchase on your Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening.

  5. 05

    Automate your payments

    Divide the $250 cost by 18 to get $13.89 per month. Set up auto-pay for that amount so the lock is fully paid off before the promo period ends.

  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 the batteries die?

Most smart locks have a hidden physical key override or a spot to touch a 9V battery to the outside terminals so you can punch in your code and get inside.

Can I install it myself?

Yes, if you have a screwdriver and your existing deadbolt hole is the standard size, it usually takes about thirty minutes.

Do I need a Wi-Fi bridge?

Some locks connect straight to your home Wi-Fi, while others need a small plug-in bridge to let you control them remotely. Check the box specs before you buy.

What if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can trigger late fees and might cancel your promotional rate early. Setting up auto-pay for at least the minimum keeps you safe.