carrying charge

American  

noun

1. a charge made for carrying an account, usually computed as a percentage of the principal owed.

2. cost incurred while an asset is unproductive.

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carrying charge British  

noun

1. the opportunity cost of unproductive assets, such as goods stored in a warehouse

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carrying charge Idioms  

1. Interest charged on the balance owed when paying on an installment plan, as in What is the carrying charge for this credit card? The term denotes the amount charged for carrying the remaining debt. [Late 1800s]

2. The cost incurred when an asset is unproductive, as when aircraft are grounded during a strike, real estate cannot be developed owing to zoning laws, or similar circumstances. For example, The carrying charge for owning this building may send us into bankruptcy .

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Etymology

Origin of carrying charge

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

They are getting tired of the costs associated with living in a large home, bogged down by the carrying charges for the house and the continuous upkeep.

From Seattle Times

The anonymous petition blames “some very wealthy and selfish shareholders” for the rejected offer, which, it states, will lead to increased carrying charges and “no new lobbies for a long time.”

From Seattle Times

“Well, there’s interest and carrying charge. Some people find it convenient.”

From Literature

They pay “carrying charges” rather than rent and have a bigger stake than traditional renters.

From Washington Times

The monthly carrying charges for each apartment total $15,986, according to the spokesman.

From New York Times