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How to Buy a Rooftop Cargo Basket Without Cash Up Front

How to · Auto

How to Buy a Rooftop Cargo Basket Without Cash Up Front

Get your car road-trip ready with extra storage now, and pay for the gear slowly over 18 months.

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.

Cars are money pits. Between insurance, gas, and maintenance, just keeping your vehicle on the road costs thousands a year. But when you need extra space for road trips, buying gear like a cargo basket during Memorial Day or Labor Day sales is the smartest way to save.

You do not want to finance small accessories through a dealership or auto loan. Instead, we can use a targeted credit card strategy to split the $450 cost of the bars and basket into tiny, interest-free monthly payments.

This 18-month window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you do not pay off the full balance before the 18 months are up, the remaining amount will start racking up interest at the regular high APR. Set your autopay to clear the debt a month early just to be safe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Time the holiday sales

    Major retailers discount outdoor gear during Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends. Wait for these windows to shave 10% to 20% off the retail price. Do not buy at the start of summer when demand and prices are highest.

  2. 02

    Confirm your fit

    Mounting bars are not one-size-fits-all. Check your car owner's manual to see if you have raised side rails, flush rails, or a bare roof. Matching the exact fit now saves you return shipping fees later.

  3. 03

    Grab the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card

    This card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. By putting the $450 purchase on this card, you buy yourself a massive runway to pay it off.

  4. 04

    Split the payments

    Take your total bill and divide it by 18. If you spend $450, that is exactly $25.00 per month. Set up autopay for this amount immediately so you do not even have to think about it.

  5. 05

    Watch your mileage

    Cargo baskets create wind drag, which lowers your fuel economy. Take the basket off when you are not using it to keep your gas costs down. Leaving it on empty is just throwing money away.

  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 a cargo basket on any car?

Most cars can handle one, but you need crossbars first. Check your vehicle's roof weight limit in the manual so you do not damage the frame.

Do cargo baskets get stolen easily?

They can be targets if left unlocked. Invest in a set of locking cores for your mounting bars to secure the gear to your roof.

Is a cargo box better than a basket?

Boxes keep your gear dry and secure but cost twice as much. Baskets are cheaper and fit odd-shaped gear, though you will need waterproof bags for rainy days.

Does the 0% interest start when I buy the basket?

No, the 18-month clock starts ticking the day you open the account. Make your purchase quickly to get the full benefit of the interest-free window.