What is the Entry Load in Mutual Funds? Meaning & How It Works

Mutual fund investments come with associated costs, and understanding these is crucial for maximising returns. Why? Because these costs can add up and eat away from your final returns, thereby reducing the net value of your investment. While exit load, total expense ratio (TER), and brokerage fees are the typical ones, one cost that is often overlooked is the entry load. Entry load in mutual funds is not common these days, but investors must understand it nonetheless to make informed decisions.

What is the Entry Load in a Mutual Fund?

The entry load is a fee charged by fund houses when you invest in a mutual fund scheme. It acts as a percentage of your total investment amount and is deducted upfront. Essentially, it reduces the net amount that is invested in the scheme. For example, if the entry load is 2% on an investment of ₹1,00,000, ₹2,000 is deducted as the fee, and only ₹98,000 is invested in the fund. 

Entry Load: A Brief History

Entry loads were once a standard practice in the mutual fund industry to compensate distributors and cover administrative costs. However, in 2009, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) abolished entry loads to promote transparency, make mutual funds more appealing and cost-effective to the general public, and protect investors. Now, most mutual funds do not charge entry loads, although there may still be exceptions in specific schemes or for international funds. 

How is Entry Load Calculated? 

Entry load is calculated as a percentage of your investment amount.  

Formula:  

Entry Load = Investment Amount × Entry Load Percentage  

For instance, let us consider an investment of ₹ 50,000 at an entry Load levied by the AMC of 1%. Using the formula: 

Entry Load Amount: ₹ 50,000 × 1% = ₹ 500 

So, while you have paid ₹ 50,000 as investment amount, only the remaining ₹ 49,500 is actually invested in the mutual fund scheme. 

Why Do Some Mutual Funds Charge an Entry Load? 

While entry loads have been largely removed due to SEBI regulations, certain funds or situations may still impose them. These fees are designed to: 

1. Cover Distribution Costs: Mutual funds often rely on brokers or agents to reach investors. Entry loads compensate these intermediaries for their efforts, including marketing and customer acquisition. 

2. Manage Administrative Expenses: Funds incur costs for processing investments, such as compliance checks and documentation, which entry loads help offset. 

3. Encourage Long-Term Investments: Entry loads discourage short-term or speculative investments, ensuring stability and reducing frequent inflows and outflows that could disrupt fund management. 

What is the Impact of Entry Load on Your Investment Returns 

An entry load can significantly affect your returns by reducing the initial capital invested. Consider this detailed example: 

1. Scenario with Entry Load: You invest ₹1,00,000 in a fund with a 2% entry load. This fee deducts ₹ 2,000, leaving ₹98,000 for actual investment. If the fund grows by 10% in a year, your returns will be ₹9,800 (10% of ₹98,000) and the total value of your investment will be ₹1,07,800.  

2. Scenario without Entry Load: With the full ₹ 1,00,000 invested, your returns at the same 10% growth rate would be ₹10,000 and the total value of your investment will be ₹1,10,000.  

This ₹ 2,200 difference may seem small initially, but over time, compounded returns on reduced capital can result in substantial opportunity loss. Moreover, the higher your one-time investment, the higher the deduction due to entry load, in absolute figure. 

Do All Mutual Funds Come With An Entry Load? 

Currently, most mutual funds in India no longer charge entry loads due to SEBI's investor-friendly regulations. However, some exceptions still exist: 

1. International Funds: Funds focused on foreign markets or global assets may apply entry loads due to higher distribution costs. 

2. Niche Funds: Specialised schemes like thematic or sectoral funds might impose these charges under specific circumstances. 

It’s essential to read the scheme-related documents (SID) carefully to identify any applicable charges and compare funds to avoid unnecessary fees. 

Key Factors to Consider Before Investing in Funds with Entry Load 

Before choosing a fund with an entry load, consider the following: 

1. Understand the Charges: Always review the scheme information document (SID) for clear details about fees. 

2. Evaluate Cost-Effectiveness: Compare funds with similar performance but no entry load to identify better options. 

3. Align with Long-Term Goals: If the entry load aligns with high returns and fits your investment horizon, it may still be worth considering. 

4. Consider the Investment Amount: Larger investments mean higher entry load deductions, impacting returns significantly. 

Advantages of No-Entry Load Schemes - H2 

Opting for no-entry load schemes offers several benefits, including: 

1. Higher Investment Allocation: The full amount gets invested, maximising growth potential. 

2. Transparent Costs: There are no upfront deductions, making it easier to calculate net returns. 

3. Enhanced Returns: Full capital allocation ensures better compounding over time, leading to higher wealth accumulation. 

4. Ease of Comparison: Without entry loads, comparing funds becomes simpler and more transparent for investors. 

Conclusion

Understanding entry loads and their implications is crucial for making informed investment decisions. Although entry loads have largely been abolished in India, they still exist in niche funds or international schemes. By prioritising funds with no entry loads, you can maximise your capital’s growth potential while reducing unnecessary expenses. Always review scheme documents thoroughly, evaluate alternatives, and align your choices with your financial goals to achieve optimal returns.