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

That’s because the savings they would get from the price drop on electricity would be more than the amount they pay for the new fixed charge.

From Seattle Times • May 8, 2024

In the same year began his system of “hotel-coupons,” providing accommodation at a fixed charge.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 3 "Convention" to "Copyright" by Various