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How to Buy a Smart Home Security Door Lock Bundle

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Smart Home Security Door Lock Bundle

Get the right smart lock and keypad bundle without breaking the bank by timing your buy and pacing the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $350 before anything else
Across the 0% window $19.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $350 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 solid smart home security door lock and video keypad bundle is meant to keep your front door secure and last you for years, so you want to buy it once and do it right. Look for solid metal build quality, reliable weather resistance, and local backup power options so you are never locked out when the internet drops.

Early summer home automation sales are the sweet spot for picking these up, right as brands roll out minor hardware refreshes. That means you can often grab last year's model at a steep discount while keeping nearly identical software features and app support.

That 0% window is a hard deadline, not free money, and any remaining balance left over when the 18 months are up will get hit with standard interest charges.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check the sale events

    Wait for early summer home automation promotional weeks to grab your bundle. Brands often slash prices on security gear around June to clear out inventory.

  2. 02

    Compare last year's model

    Look at the previous generation of the lock and keypad bundle. If the only upgrade is a cosmetic shell change, save your cash and buy the older version.

  3. 03

    Map out the total cost

    Expect to spend about $350 for a dependable bundle that includes both the deadbolt and the video keypad. Factor in any extra costs like C-wires or professional installation if your door frame needs drilling.

  4. 04

    Set up your payment plan

    If you are using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spreading that $350 cost across the intro window means you are paying about $19.44 per month.

  5. 05

    Test everything before installing

    Pair the lock and keypad to your phone app on the kitchen table before you take apart your front door. It saves you from standing outside in the heat with a half-installed deadbolt if a unit is defective.

  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

Do I need a C-wire for a smart video keypad?

Most video keypads run on rechargeable battery packs or existing doorbell wiring. If yours needs a constant trickle charge and you lack a C-wire, you might need a power adapter kit.

What happens if the internet goes out?

Most smart locks still open via your physical backup key, a passcode typed directly on the keypad, or a Bluetooth connection from your phone if you are standing right next to it.

Are refurbished smart locks worth it?

Factory-certified refurbished locks can save you a chunk of change, but make sure they come with a solid warranty. Front door hardware takes a daily beating from weather and use, so you want coverage.

Will this fit my existing door?

Standard deadbolt replacements fit almost all US exterior doors with normal bore holes. Just double-check your backset measurements—the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole—before buying.