Definition: A mutual fund load is a fee charged when an investor makes a transaction in fund shares. Loads may be charged upon purchase of fund shares (front-end load) or upon sale of fund shares (back-end loads). There are also funds that do not charge loads, which are known as “no-load” funds.
Also Known As: A front-end load is known as a sales commission, and a back-end load is known as a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC).