diff --git a/api/database.py b/api/database.py
index 0c86ab1..e580696 100644
--- a/api/database.py
+++ b/api/database.py
@@ -77,6 +77,13 @@ def initialize_db() -> None:
             """
         )
 
+        # Initialize default settings
+        # Use JSON string for array values
+        cursor.execute(
+            "INSERT OR REPLACE INTO settings (name, value) VALUES (?, ?)",
+            ("rate_options", json.dumps(["half_hour", "hour"])),
+        )
+
         conn.commit()
 
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------