fixed charge

American  

noun

1. an expense that cannot be modified.

2. a periodic obligation, as taxes, interest on bonds, etc.

3. fixed charges, such charges as depreciation, rent, interest, etc., arising out of the maintenance of fixed assets.

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fixed charge British  

noun

1. an invariable expense usually at regular intervals, such as rent

2. a legal charge on specific assets or property, as of a company

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Etymology

Origin of fixed charge

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

The fixed charge is only paid by homeowners on the estate and not by those renting from social housing provider Karbon Homes.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Connswater Shopping Centre in east Belfast is to close in two weeks, with direct fixed charge receivers appointed.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2025

Regulators said the revenue from the fixed charge would be paired with a roughly 20 percent reduction in rates assessed by how many kilowatts of energy were used per hour by a home or business.

From New York Times • May 10, 2024

The California Public Utilities Commission will vote on whether to let the state’s big investor-owned utilities — including Pacific Gas & Electric — add a fixed charge to people’s power bills each month.

From Seattle Times • May 8, 2024

There was a fixed charge of a shilling the oracle.

From Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 02 by Fowler, F. G. (Francis George)