0% for 12 months on purchases and 0% for 21 m… Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Pay for an Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair

How to · Tech

How to Pay for an Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair

Buy a high-end mesh chair during year-end sales and split the cost into monthly payments without extra interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $27.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $500 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 mesh chair should be a ten-year purchase. If you spend eight hours a day in it, buying a cheap one every two years is a waste of money and bad for your back. High-end brands usually refresh their lineups in the fall, which means the previous models hit the clearance section just as companies try to clear inventory for the new year.

We want the flagship models from last year. They have the same lumbar support and adjustable arms as the newest versions but often cost less. By using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi), we can break that cost down into manageable monthly chunks while the chair is still in stock.

The 0% interest rate is not a permanent gift. It lasts for 18 months, and if you still have a balance when that window closes, the remaining amount will start accruing interest at the standard variable rate. Pay it off before the deadline to keep the cost at exactly what you swiped for.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop the December sweep

    Furniture retailers and office supply stores clear out floor models and overstock in late December. They need to make room for new tax-year inventory. This is when $500 chairs often drop to their lowest prices.

  2. 02

    Use the interest-free window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. For a $500 chair, that works out to $27.78 per month. This lets you get the chair now without paying the full cost upfront.

  3. 03

    Set up auto-pay immediately

    Divide your total purchase price by 18 and schedule that amount to leave your bank account every month. We do not want to think about this bill again. If you miss a payment, the interest-free deal could disappear.

  4. 04

    Check the mesh tension

    When buying clearance or floor models, check the seat for sagging. Good mesh should spring back immediately when you stand up. If it feels like a hammock, skip it and look for a unit that was still in the box.

  5. 05

    Skip the pro assembly

    Most chairs come with the tools you need and take twenty minutes to build. Do not pay a retailer extra to bolt the seat to the base. That is money better spent on a floor mat to protect your carpet.

  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

Is a used chair worth it?

It can be if it is a high-end brand like Herman Miller or Steelcase. Just make sure the hydraulic lift still works and the mesh isn't frayed. For mid-range brands, buying new on clearance is usually safer.

Do I need a headrest?

Most people do not actually use them unless they tilt back to watch movies. For upright typing, a headrest often just gets in the way. Save the extra money and focus on adjustable armrests instead.

What is lumbar support?

It is the curve in the back of the chair that supports your lower spine. Look for a chair where you can move that support up or down to fit the small of your back.

Can I pay it off early?

Yes, and you should if you have the extra cash. There is no penalty for clearing the balance before the 18 months are up. It just gives you one less monthly bill to worry about.