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How to Budget for a Smart Lock

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How to Budget for a Smart Lock

Upgrade your home security without draining your savings by timing your purchase and managing your payments.

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.

Coming home with your hands full of groceries becomes a lot easier when the door unlocks as you walk up. A smart lock saves you from fumbling for keys and lets you give temporary access to guests or service people without handing out metal copies.

Plan to tackle this in June when home improvement stores run their seasonal sales. Expect to spend about $250 for a quality set, and make sure you get at least two quotes from local handymen if you aren't doing the install yourself.

Remember that the 18-month intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you have any balance remaining on the card after that period ends, you will start paying interest on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Time your purchase

    Wait until June to buy your hardware. Retailers often drop prices on security and home improvement gear during early summer sales events. Check multiple stores to compare their base prices before the discount.

  2. 02

    Gather your quotes

    Don't hire the first person you call for the installation. Get at least two or three estimates from licensed handymen to see what the labor should cost. This keeps the total bill from creeping up unexpectedly.

  3. 03

    Use your card for the purchase

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to cover the $250 cost. This card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay off the project over time without interest charges.

  4. 04

    Set up a monthly plan

    Divide your total cost by the 18-month window to keep your payments manageable. Budgeting $13.89 per month ensures you cover the entire $250 balance before the intro window expires.

  5. 05

    Test the connection

    Once installed, spend an hour testing the app and the manual override. Make sure your local Wi-Fi signal reaches the door so the smart features work reliably every time you arrive.

  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

Will a smart lock work if my Wi-Fi goes down?

Most smart locks will still open using a physical key or a keypad code even without an internet connection. Check the specific model to ensure it has a backup power source or a traditional keyhole.

Do I need a professional to install it?

Many smart deadbolts are designed for DIY installation if you have a screwdriver and a little patience. If your door frame is old or the deadbolt doesn't fit the current hole, hiring a pro is worth the cost to avoid damaging your door.

Are these locks actually secure?

Modern smart locks are generally as sturdy as traditional deadbolts. The biggest risk is usually digital, so always use a strong, unique password for the lock's app and enable two-factor authentication.

What happens if the battery dies?

Most locks will warn you via the app or a blinking light when the battery gets low. If you ignore it and the battery dies, most models have external terminals where you can touch a 9-volt battery to jump-start the lock enough to get inside.