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How to Buy a 65-Inch TV Without Overpaying

How to · Tech

How to Buy a 65-Inch TV Without Overpaying

Grab last year's top-tier screen during the winter clearance window and split the $900 cost into easy, interest-free monthly payments.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $900 before anything else
Across the 0% window $50.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $900 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 good 65-inch TV should sit in your living room for at least five to seven years. Buying a cheap off-brand model to save a hundred bucks today usually means buying another one in three years when the backlight dies. The sweet spot is buying last year's flagship model when retailers dump their stock to make room for new inventory.

That clearance window happens between January and March, right around the Super Bowl. You can grab a solid $900 display and use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to spread the cost over its 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening window.

Remember, a 0% interest rate is a ticking clock, not a discount. If you still have a balance on your Citi Simplicity® Credit Card after the 18 months are up, the standard variable APR will kick in on whatever is left, making your cheap TV much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Watch the calendar

    Start hunting in January. Brands announce new TVs at the winter trade shows, which means retailers immediately slash prices on the current, excellent models to clear warehouse space. You get the same great picture for hundreds less.

  2. 02

    Focus on the panel

    Ignore the marketing buzzwords. Look for a 4K resolution screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, which keeps sports and movies looking smooth. Stick to trusted brands like LG, Sony, or Samsung rather than budget names that cut corners on internal parts.

  3. 03

    Spread the payments

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to purchase the TV. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you take the TV home immediately without paying the full $900 upfront.

  4. 04

    Automate your budget

    Divide the $900 cost by the 18-month window. Set up an automatic payment of $50.00 every month. This ensures you wipe out the balance completely before any interest kicks in.

  5. 05

    Don't buy extra cables

    Don't pay for expensive HDMI cables at the register. A cheap cable works exactly the same as a premium gold-plated one. Spend that saved cash on a decent soundbar instead, since thin modern TVs have terrible built-in speakers.

  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

Is a 65-inch TV too big for a small living room?

Not anymore. With 4K resolution, you can sit about five to eight feet away from a 65-inch screen without seeing any individual pixels.

Should I buy the extended warranty?

Skip it. Most major credit cards automatically extend the manufacturer's warranty by an extra year at no extra cost, saving you from high-margin store add-ons.

What happens if I miss a payment on the 0% card?

You could lose your promotional rate instantly and get hit with a late fee. Always set up autopay for at least the minimum amount to keep your interest rate at zero.

Is OLED worth the extra money over LED?

If you watch movies in a dark room, yes, because OLED has perfect dark levels. If your TV is in a bright living room with lots of windows, a bright LED screen is actually better and cheaper.