Up front Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Financial Commitment Indicates a need to pay before a service starts; emphasizes trust in the provider. The gym requires fees up front for a year's membership. Pro Tip 2/3No Later Charges Assures that there are no additional payments after the initial transaction. The online course was expensive, but it was all paid up front. Pro Tip 3/3Immediate Expense Highlights the immediate outlay of money, sometimes implying a better deal. They offered a discount if I paid up front.