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How to Pay for Kayak Racks and Crossbars

How to · Auto

How to Pay for Kayak Racks and Crossbars

Upgrade your car for the water without draining your savings by timing your buy and using a zero-interest window.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $600 before anything else
Across the 0% window $40.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $600 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A roof rack turns your car into a gear hauler, but buying a full setup from a shop can sting. The best time to pull the trigger is late fall, when shops clear out summer stock to make room for winter ski gear.

You can often save a chunk of change by waiting for these end-of-season sales. Once you have the price, you can manage the payment without it feeling like a massive hit to your checking account.

That 15-month window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance once the period ends, the bank will start charging interest on whatever is left, which can get expensive fast.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for the fall clearance

    Retailers usually dump their summer inventory in October and November. Keep an eye on local outfitters and online sites then to score a discount on high-end bars and mounts.

  2. 02

    Check the fit

    Don't guess which parts fit your roof. Use the fit guides on the manufacturer websites to get the exact part numbers before you start shopping.

  3. 03

    Use your 0% intro APR

    If you pay with a Discover it® Cash Back, you get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. This gives you a 15-month window to pay off the $600 cost without paying any interest fees.

  4. 04

    Set your monthly payment

    Divide your total by 15 so you know exactly what to set aside. Putting away $40.00 per month keeps you on track to clear the balance before the clock runs out.

  5. 05

    Install and test

    Once the gear arrives, take the time to mount it securely on a clear day. Re-check the bolts after your first short trip to make sure nothing shifted.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Should I buy used racks?

Used racks are fine if the locks work and the rubber seals aren't cracked. Just make sure the mounting hardware is complete before you buy.

Does the roof rack lower my gas mileage?

Yes, any gear on your roof creates drag. Take the bars off when you aren't using them to save gas.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% intro APR offer early and trigger late fees. Always set up an automatic payment for at least the minimum amount due.

Are universal racks safe?

They work for many cars, but a custom fit is always safer for highway speeds. Check the manufacturer's weight limit to ensure your boat won't shift.