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How to Buy a Fitness Smartwatch

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Fitness Smartwatch

Use holiday sales and a 15-month window to grab a high-end tracker without the upfront sting.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $26.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $400 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A good fitness watch should last you three to four years. You want something with solid heart rate tracking and GPS that doesn't quit. Don't waste money on a budget tracker that loses its charge after a year. Buy the one that actually helps you train.

Most brands release new hardware in the fall. This means last year's top-tier model becomes the bargain choice during holiday sales. It has almost all the same features but costs way less than the newest version on the shelf.

The intro window is a firm deadline. If you have any balance left after those 15 months, you will start paying the standard interest rate on it. It is not free money; it is just a way to delay the cost.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick the older flagship

    Search for the model that came out 12 months ago. It will still get software updates for years. During a holiday sale, these usually drop to around $400.

  2. 02

    Wait for a holiday

    Don't buy at full price on a random Tuesday. Labor Day or Black Friday are the best times for tech. Retailers use these weekends to clear out old inventory.

  3. 03

    Use the 15-month window

    Put the purchase on the Discover it® Cash Back. It offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This gives you over a year to pay off the watch without interest.

  4. 04

    Automate the payments

    Divide the $400 cost by 15. That is $26.67 a month. Set your bank to send that amount automatically so you never have to think about the bill.

  5. 05

    Skip the extended warranty

    These watches are durable. Most credit cards already give you an extra year of protection anyway. Save that extra cash and put it toward a better strap or gym clothes.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Is the newest model much better?

Usually, no. The sensors don't change that much from year to year. You are mostly paying for a slightly brighter screen or a new color.

Can I use this for other stuff?

Yes, but keep the total under your limit. If you buy a watch and a laptop, your monthly payment needs to go up to clear the balance in time.

Do I need the GPS version?

Every fitness watch has GPS now. The real question is if you want cellular service, which usually is not worth the extra monthly fee for most people.

What if I pay it off early?

That is the best move. There is no penalty for paying it off faster, and it clears up your credit line for other needs.