Best Home Security Systems for People with Poor Credit

SimpliSafe was founded by some students at Harvard Business School about 10 years ago in response to a bunch of apartment break-ins. This is when they discovered many renters found it difficult to get an alarm system because most of them at that time were hardwired systems that also required long-term monitoring contracts. So if you are looking for a wireless, DIY security system without a long-term contract or any monthly fees, you might want to consider SimpliSafe because they don’t require a credit check and there aren’t any monthly expenses you have to add to your budget. And, with their three-year equipment warranty, you won’t have to pay for repairs, at least for a while. In addition, because it’s portable, if you move, you can easily take your alarm system with you.

The SimpliSafe home security equipment packages range from approximately $229 to $499 and their indoor video cameras have motion detectors and night vision already included with them. Additionally, they also have environmental sensors available for smoke, water detection, and carbon monoxide if you are interested in those features.

Your credit doesn’t matter when purchasing an abode starter kit. In fact, abode is one of the best home security systems for those with bad credit. And, you don’t have to settle for a lesser system either. The two abode starter kits are available to anyone who wants them, and they start at a very affordable $159. They also offer a free self-monitoring option using their companion mobile app. So if you don’t have the money for professional monitoring, you can still use the abode system. Additionally, the way the abode system was designed, you can buy the starter kit and purchase their add-ons as you can afford them until you have the home security/automation system you’ve always wanted.

Abode is also compatible with many third-party devices including Google Assistant, Alexa, and Nest, as well as having IFTTT channel access, the ability to work with Z-Wave, Zigbee and more. The abode equipment is wireless so it’s extremely easy to install and comes with a battery backup feature, so you are never without coverage in the event of a power outage. And, two of the three monitoring plans, except for the free Basic plan, come with a cellular backup feature, so your system will work even if the internet is down.

It used to be that you had to sign your life (and credit!) away to get a home security system installed. Today, DIY security companies like Cove don’t require a credit check — so it’s ideal for people with bad credit. With Cove protecting your home, you’ll enjoy around-the-clock protection, a touch screen control panel, and a neat feature called “Routines.” Using the Routines feature, we set our Cove system to automatically arm at 10:30 p.m. each night, then disarm at sunrise the next morning. Doing so, we experienced fewer false alarms, and we never had to worry about activating our system manually.

Cove also offers unique technology called RapidSOS Ready. This is said to speed up the emergency dispatch process once the alarm is verified, Cove immediately relays the alarm information to 911. The company claims this can shave 3 to 4 minutes off the time it takes for police to arrive at the scene of a burglary or home invasion. And trust us, every minute counts!

So if you’re looking for a solid home security option, but don’t have the best credit on the block, you should give Cove a closer look. Just remember, there’s no option for self monitoring, and the mobile app experience isn’t the best we’ve seen.

If you are looking for an alarm system and you have bad credit, Scout may be just what you have been looking for because there aren’t any credit checks, installation charges, long-term contracts, and their monthly monitoring fees are very low compared to other security companies.

However, Scout’s home security options are limited and they don’t offer any cameras or home automation equipment of their own. But, if you have a Nest Cam or a Nest thermostat, they are easily integrated. And because the Scout equipment is so easy to hook up to third-party equipment that makes their system even more valuable than other home security equipment on the market. In addition, because Scout’s equipment is wireless, it’s also portable, so you can easily take it with you if you move.

The Canary system is a basic compact all-in-one security device with some attractive features even though what they have to offer is limited. Using their mobile app you can access, monitor, and control your system. The video can be streamed in real-time. And you can record the HD video and audio and have up to 12 hours of that video stored for free. And, they have three other video storage plans available for a very reasonable additional monthly fee. The only drawback is you can only connect up to four devices in one location and if you are trying to cover a large area or you have several closed rooms, this could be a problem. The Canary equipment is sleek, durable, wireless, and weatherproof. In addition, it has a very loud security siren and the system will send you motion-activated alerts when an event is detected.