Fixed rate (or fixed APR)

An annual percentage rate that does not change throughout the year, unlike an introductory APR that changes after a specific period of time. The credit card reform law President Obama signed in May 2009 changed the rules for cards advertised as having fixed rates. Previously, fixed rates could be changed with as little as 15 days’ notice. Under the reform law, fixed rates must remain fixed for at least a year, and then can be raised with 45 days’ notice to consumers.