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How to Buy a Home Security System

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Home Security System

Get a doorbell and floodlight camera setup for $25 a month without paying interest for a year and a half.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $450 before anything else
Across the 0% window $25.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $450 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 security system should last you five to seven years. We suggest going with hardwired versions rather than battery-powered ones. You will spend more upfront on the install, but you won't be climbing a ladder every three months to swap batteries. Buy once and do it right so you don't have to think about it again until the tech is truly obsolete.

New models usually come out in the fall. This is when last year's versions get a deep discount. The difference in video quality is usually minimal, so grab the older bundle to save money. You want the hardware to be reliable, not just the newest thing on the shelf.

This 0% interest window is a fixed timeline. If you still have a balance when those 18 months are up, the standard variable interest rate will apply to the remaining amount. It is a way to spread out the cost, but it is not a reason to spend more than you can afford.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map your entry points

    Don't overbuy. You usually only need a video doorbell for the front and a floodlight camera for the driveway or backyard. Focus on the spots where a person could actually get into the house.

  2. 02

    Watch the sales cycles

    Security brands love a package deal during big retail holidays. Buying a doorbell and floodlight together usually cuts the price by $50 or more compared to buying them separately. Check the major home improvement stores for these bundles.

  3. 03

    Skip the 4K resolution

    Most phone screens can't even show the extra detail, and 4K video eats up your Wi-Fi bandwidth. A 1080p or 2K camera is the sweet spot for seeing faces clearly without slowing down your home internet.

  4. 04

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi)

    This card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If your security bundle costs $450, you can pay exactly $25.00 a month to finish the balance just as the window closes.

  5. 05

    Budget for the subscription

    Most cameras are just live feeds unless you pay for a monthly plan to save the video. Factor in that extra five or ten dollars a month so you actually have evidence if something happens.

  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 this myself?

Yes, if you can use a screwdriver and a drill. Replacing an existing light or doorbell is mostly just matching colored wires together. Just make sure you turn off the power at the breaker first.

Do I need a hub?

Some systems require a separate box plugged into your router. It costs more at the start but often lets you store video locally for no monthly fee. Decide if you want to pay now or pay every month.

Will it work with my phone?

Almost every major brand has an app for both iPhone and Android. Check the app store reviews before you buy the hardware to make sure the software isn't buggy or slow.

What happens if the Wi-Fi goes out?

Most of these cameras will stop recording or won't be able to send you alerts until the internet is back. If your connection is spotty, look for a model that has an SD card slot for backup storage.