Best Home Security Systems for People with Poor Credit

Good news! Now you can secure your home with confidence, regardless of your credit score. Here are a handful of go-to options for security systems that don’t require a credit check.

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SimpliSafe Image
SimpliSafe
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
Not only is SimpliSafe the best if you have poor credit, but it’s also the most affordable. Just pay for the equipment and you’re good to go. There’s no credit check or monthly monitoring fees required. Plus, installation is 100% DIY.
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abode Image
abode
SecureScore™: 8.0/10
Abode is the new kid on the block, but they’ve certainly landed with a splash. Their DIY security systems offer basic-to-advanced home protection. The products integrate seamlessly into smart home automation platforms. And the list of add-ons is endless.
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Cove Security Image
Cove Security
SecureScore™: 8.8/10
No contracts, low-cost monitoring, and no dings to your credit — that’s the value of Cove. While it’s a new player in the market, Cove has all the right stuff to secure your home and family.
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Top Home Security Systems for People with Poor Credit

SimpliSafe Essentials Kit

  • SimpliSafe - One of the most recognizable security company's in today's market that specializes in self-monitoring options. They create their own high-quality wireless security equipment which means there are no middleman markups passed along to the consumer.
  • abode - A great no contract home security system that doesn't require 24/7 professional monitoring.
  • Cove Security - Cove’s feature-rich systems are making a splash. It’s one of the easiest home security systems to set up, yet it brings loads of great customizations to the table.
  • Scout - A relative newcomer to the home security industry; however, they have taken the market by storm by offering a very low monthly monitoring fee for their unmonitored option without requiring a long-term contract.
  • Canary - All-in-one camera, siren, and an air monitoring system that's wireless, weatherproof, and can be easily customized to fit your particular needs.

If you have poor credit and thought installing a home security and home automation system was out of your reach, we've got some good news for you because nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, home security/automation systems are becoming more and more affordable by the day and many security companies now offer a wide variety of solutions that don't require a credit check, a long-term contract, or even expensive upfront equipment costs. So let's go over the top four home security systems for people with poor credit.

  • 1 SimpliSafe - Best Overall for Bad Credit

    SimpliSafe Product Image
    SecureScore™ 9.2
    Customer Service
    9.0
    Value
    9.4
    Equipment
    9.0
    Features & Technology
    9.2
    Ease Of Use
    9.2
    SecureScore™
    9.2

    SimpliSafe has a different business model than most in the industry because they build their own security equipment. That means they can control the quality and pricing of their DIY wireless products. They also have five security systems to choose from and you can add additional equipment as you go. And, their alarms don’t require a monitoring subscription for them to work.  The SimpliSafe equipment is very easy to install and can be done in about 30 minutes without any tools. In addition, they have very low monthly monitoring fees and they give their customers a 60-day trial to make sure everything is to their satisfaction. Here are the SimpliSafe pros and cons.

    • Affordable, easy-to-use equipment
    • Installation is a breeze
    • System is extremely responsive
    • App is well-designed and intuitive
    • New monitoring is a major security bonus

    • Keypad was a little finicky
    • Mounting system could use some work
    • Some pieces of equipment are a little bulky

    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.

    Monitoring Options None
    Installation DIY
    Smart Platform Integration Alexa, Google Home, and August Smart Locks
    Equipment Cost $169
    Monthly Monitoring Cost None
    Contract Length None
  • 2 abode - Best Equipment Design

    abode Product Image
    SecureScore™ 8.0
    Customer Service
    7.3
    Value
    8.3
    Equipment
    8.2
    Features & Technology
    8.3
    Ease Of Use
    8.0
    SecureScore™
    8.0

    One of the main concerns many people have when considering a home security system is the good credit requirement and rightfully so. Years ago, it seemed almost all of the available brands required you to sign a long-term contract. And, before they would approve your home security system contract and purchase, you had to have good credit. However, things have changed and there are only a handful of brands now that still have that requirement today and abode is not one of them.

    • Competitive Equipment Costs
    • No Long-Term Contracts
    • Fast DIY Wireless Installation
    • 30-Day Equipment Trial Period
    • 1-Year Equipment Warranty
    • Hub With Built-In HD Camera
    • CUE Home Automation Platform
    • Environmental Disaster Sensors
    • No Monthly-Fee Option
    • Low Monthly Monitoring Rates
    • Integrates With Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Z-Wave Compatible Devices

    • Setup Could Be More Intuitive
    • Limited Equipment in Starter Kits
    • No Touch-Screen Panels
    • Customer Service Could Be Improved

    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.

    Monitoring Options Professional and DIY
    Installation DIY
    Smart Platform Integration Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit
    Equipment Cost $199
    Monthly Monitoring Cost $20
    Contract Length Month-to-month
  • 3 Cove Security - Best DIY Installation

    Cove Security Product Image
    SecureScore™ 8.8
    Customer Service
    8.9
    Value
    8.8
    Equipment
    9.2
    Features & Technology
    8.6
    Ease Of Use
    8.4
    SecureScore™
    8.8

    Here’s another high-quality, low-cost home security system for folks with poor credit. Cove can be ordered in a matter of minutes, without giving your Social Security number away. When we tested this DIY system, we were most impressed with the professional 24/7 monitoring that rivals SimpliSafe in price at only $14.99 per month. The 4G LTE cellular monitoring really works, too. The police showed up at one point while we were using Cove, a testament to the system’s effectiveness. We didn’t love the oversized sensors. And we’d like to see an outdoor camera made available. But overall, Cove is one of our top picks if you’re not-so-hot on the credit front.

    • Simple DIY Installation
    • No Contracts, Month-to-Month Service
    • Smartphone Controls
    • Touch-screen Control Panel
    • 1080p HD Indoor and Outdoor Cameras
    • Alexa and Google Assistant Compatible
    • Low-Cost Monitoring
    • Lifetime Warranty Option

    • App Experience Could Be Improved
    • Limited Home Automation Features
    • No Self-Monitoring Option

    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.

    Monitoring Options 24/7 professional and DIY
    Installation DIY
    Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home
    Equipment Cost $87
    Monthly Monitoring Cost $50
    Contract Length Month-to-month
  • 4 Scout - Best Return Policy

    Scout Product Image
    SecureScore™ 7.1
    Customer Service
    7.6
    Value
    8.1
    Equipment
    5.5
    Features & Technology
    7.5
    Ease Of Use
    6.8
    SecureScore™
    7.1

    Another great low-cost home security option is Scout. With Scout, there aren’t any long-term contracts, they have low monthly rates, which start at $9.99 per month, and they have a 60-day return policy. Scout actually manufactures all the devices it sells and their equipment is a DIY wireless installation so you won’t have to pay for professional installation. And as far as their equipment goes, they have some of the best designed highest quality home security equipment in the industry. Here are the Scout pros and cons.

    • Low Monthly Rates
    • DIY Installation
    • No Long-Term Contracts
    • Wireless Equipment
    • Wi-Fi Communication w/ 4G Cell Backup
    • Mobile Control
    • Compatible with Smart Home Devices
    • Compatible with Environmental Sensors
    • 60-Day Return Policy

    • No Professional Installation
    • Up-Front Equipment Expense
    • Narrow Range of Scout Products
    • Scout Products On Backorder
    • Backup Power Just 12 Hours

    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.

  • 5 Canary - Best All-in-one Camera

    Canary Product Image
    SecureScore™ 8.6
    Customer Service
    8.6
    Value
    8.8
    Equipment
    7.9
    Features & Technology
    8.7
    Ease Of Use
    8.9
    SecureScore™
    8.6

    Canary is a popular all-in-one DIY security system that can be controlled via your mobile device. It comes with some great features which include a 90+ decibel siren, video recording, motion detection, environmental sensors for air quality, temperature, and smoke. Another great thing about the Canary system is that it can be used by itself or can be easily connected to multiple devices and controlled using an app. The Canary system is wireless, weatherproof, and only costs $199 which is about the middle of the road compared to other security options.

    • Up to 1080p HD Video Quality
    • Modern, Sleek Design
    • Works Indoors or Outdoors
    • Canary Pro Has Air Quality Monitoring and Built-in Siren
    • Basic Functionality Without Contract
    • AI-Powered Person Detection
    • Super Easy Installation
    • Smart Home Automation with Google and Alexa Assistants
    • Advanced Safety Features

    • Occasional Missed Motion
    • Only 3 Cameras Available
    • Somewhat Pricey Cloud Storage Fee
    • Slow Communication with App
    • May Experience Buffering and Network Slowdowns
    • No Package Detection

    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.

    Connectivity Wi-fi, ethernet
    Power Wired, battery
    Field of View Up to 147°
    Resolution Up to 1080p
    Storage Cloud
    Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home

Features of Home Security Systems for People with Poor Credit

Many people scour the internet looking for home security systems for people with bad credit. However, before you begin, it's in your best interest to understand what the different options and features are so you can decide which ones you really need and which ones you don't.

Mobile Alerts

The best home security systems for people with poor credit offer impressive features. Mobile Alerts, for instance, are triggered at the time of security breach. These alerts are sent to your mobile device via text, email, or phone call. And they allow you to jump into action to protect your home. Ahem, we recommend putting down the samurai sword and calling the police.

Entryway Sensors

Regardless of your credit score, you must secure your apartment or home against criminals. Entryway Sensors are a standard feature of security systems. Mount these magnetic sensors on door frames and windows. Now sit back and enjoy the sweet life of home protection. If the magnetic sensors separate, the alarm sounds and alerts are sent. Entryway Sensors are your first line of defense.

Expandable

Bad credit? Purchase a basic security system and expand on it over time. An expandable home security system allows you to customize, customize, customize! Add third-party equipment such as security cameras, smart locks, automatic garage openers, and more. Your home security and smart home automation is turning into a full-on ecosystem right before your eyes. Now that’s home security done right.

Wireless

Wireless home security systems are ideal for people with low credit scores. These easy-to-install DIY systems require zero hardwiring, zero tools, and not a single hole drilled into your walls. Moving to a different apartment or house? No problem. Take your system with you wherever you go. It’s easy to see why wireless home protection is exploding in popularity.

Hardwired

Some folks are die-hard fans of hardwired systems. While they typically require a contract and professional installation, they do bring certain advantages to the table. Depending on the provider, hardwired security systems can offer a more comprehensive home security experience. Also, they generally don’t require steep upfront costs, but rather a low monthly fee spread out over the contract length.

Remote Control

No credit? No problem. Access, monitor, and control your home security system on-the-go. That’s the benefit of Remote Control, an impressive feature that keeps you in command no matter your location. Get hands-free access, arm and disarm your system, and control a range of home security features via a small keychain-sized fob or mobile device.

Motion Detectors

Motion Detectors are strategically mounted inside your home or apartment. When these devices detect motion, they immediately sound the alarm and send alerts. The more advanced motion detectors are capable of distinguishing between people and pets, and some even boast facial recognition technology. Outfit your home with motion detectors to secure it inside and out.

Control Panel

Welcome to the motherboard of your home security system. Modern Control Panels are stacked with wide-angle touchscreens, allowing you to control your security and automation system with the swipe of a finger. Many no-contract home security systems come with sleek control panels. So don’t let poor credit keep you from having the best security equipment on the market today.

Ownership

Sidestep the credit check with outright ownership of your home security system. The option of owning your system from day 1 is especially attractive for people with bad credit, and it’s entirely possible with no-contract, self-monitored systems. You will likely have to pay the upfront cost for the equipment, but you won’t be locked into a long-term contract with monthly payments.

Rob Gabriele
Written By
Rob Gabriele
Managing Editor & Home Security Expert

As a home security expert and Managing Editor for SafeHome.org, Rob Gabriele has written and edited over 1,000 articles related to home security. His expertise is in smart home protection with thousands of hours of testing and research under his belt. Formerly a reporter and producer for the USAToday network, Rob has been a writer and editor for over 10 years. He holds a Master’s of Science with an emphasis on writing from the University of Montana, and he currently lives in Indianapolis, IN.