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How to Pay for a Dual-Lens Dash Cam

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Dual-Lens Dash Cam

A dual-lens dash cam adds a layer of protection to your daily commute without straining your monthly budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $13.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $200 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 dash cam is one of those things you hope you never actually need. It records what happens in front of you and behind you, which is a lifesaver if someone bumps your bumper in a parking lot or cuts you off on the highway. Aside from the initial cost, these are cheap to run since they just plug into your cigarette lighter or USB port.

Prices usually dip during major retail sales events like Black Friday, Prime Day, or holiday weekend blowouts. If you track the price for a few weeks, you can usually snag a solid $200 unit when the markdowns hit.

That 15-month intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you have a balance left when those 15 months are up, the bank will start charging interest on the remaining amount, which can get expensive fast.

The steps

  1. 01

    Set your price alert

    Don't buy at full price. Use a site like CamelCamelCamel to track the unit you want. Wait for the price to drop near that $200 mark during a major sale.

  2. 02

    Check your financing

    If you need a bit of breathing room, the Discover it® Cash Back card offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This lets you pay off that $200 over 15 months, which comes out to about $13.33 per month.

  3. 03

    Factor in the memory card

    Most cameras don't come with the high-end SD card you need for constant recording. Budget another $20 or $30 for a reliable, high-endurance memory card so you don't lose footage.

  4. 04

    Simplify the install

    Most dual-lens setups use a sticky mount or a suction cup. Keep your wires tucked along the headliner and trim to keep the car interior clean.

  5. 05

    Test the loop recording

    Make sure the camera is set to loop properly. This means it records over old footage automatically so you don't have to manually delete files every week.

  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

Do I really need a dual-lens setup?

It depends on where you drive. A rear lens is helpful for capturing people tailgating or rear-end collisions that happen while you are stopped.

Will this drain my car battery?

Most cameras power down when the car is off. If you want it to record while parked, you will need a hardwire kit that connects directly to the fuse box.

What happens if I miss a payment on my card?

If you miss a payment, you risk losing that 0% interest rate entirely. Always set up an automatic payment for at least the minimum amount due.

Is the installation hard to do myself?

It is usually just peel-and-stick. Unless you are hardwiring it for parking mode, you can finish the install in about twenty minutes with basic tools.