0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Quicksilver Rewards Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Pay for a Dual-Channel Dash Camera

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Dual-Channel Dash Camera

A dash cam protects your car, but it doesn't have to break your monthly budget if you time the purchase right.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $280 before anything else
Across the 0% window $15.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $280 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 dual-channel dash cam is one of the smartest investments for your car. It covers both the front and rear views, giving you actual footage if someone hits your bumper or tries to break in while you are parked. It is a one-time purchase that saves you from potential insurance headaches later.

These kits usually run about $280. Prices dip during November electronics sales, so wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to buy. You are paying for the hardware and the hardwiring kit, which connects the camera directly to your car's battery for 24-hour recording.

The 18-month window is a deadline, not free money. If you have not finished paying off the $280 by the end of the intro window, the bank will start charging interest on the remaining balance at your standard rate.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for November

    Do not rush into this. Electronics retailers drop prices significantly during November sales events. Set a price alert on your preferred model now and wait for the holiday sales to trigger.

  2. 02

    Use your financing window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you use this card for your $280 purchase, you can spread the cost over those 18 months. That works out to about $15.56 per month.

  3. 03

    Find an installer

    Hardwiring a camera means tucking wires into your headliner and connecting to your fuse box. If you aren't comfortable with car electrical work, call a local audio shop for a quote first. Factor that labor cost into your total budget.

  4. 04

    Check the memory card

    Most dash cams do not come with high-end memory cards included. Buy a high-endurance SD card rated for dash cam use, as standard cards will fail quickly from constant recording. This is a small extra cost that prevents data loss.

  5. 05

    Test before mounting

    Plug the camera into a power source inside the car before you pull off the adhesive tape. Check that both channels are recording and the app connects to your phone. It is much easier to return a faulty unit before it is permanently stuck to your glass.

  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

Why do I need a hardwire kit?

A hardwire kit keeps the camera recording even when your car is turned off. It uses your car's battery to watch for motion or impact while you are parked in a lot.

Will a dash cam drain my car battery?

Most hardwire kits have a low-voltage cutoff. This prevents the camera from pulling too much power and ensures your car will still start when you return.

Do I need a professional to install this?

You don't have to, but it helps if you are not handy with trim panels or fuse taps. If you do it yourself, watch a video specific to your exact car make and model to avoid damaging your interior.

Is the Citi Simplicity card right for everyone?

It is a tool for spreading out a larger purchase without paying interest for 18 months. If you can pay for the camera in full today, you don't need a financing card.