Gym fee glossary
Initiation fee
An initiation fee is a non-recurring charge due when you start a membership.
What it means
The same charge may be called a signup fee, enrollment fee, startup fee, access card fee, key fee, or activation fee.
Why it matters
Even one-time fees matter when comparing the first year because they are part of what you actually pay to join.
How gains.fyi counts it
Non-optional signup-style fees are included in required fees and upfront due today when they appear to be due at signup.