Planet Fitness counts over eighteen million members and operates more than two thousand four hundred gyms in every state of the union, making it one of the largest fitness companies in the world. Its appeal rests on a simple promise: members may train in a setting that discourages intimidation and, at many sites, do so at any hour they choose.
But a service of this scale cannot satisfy everyone alike. Some have spoken of inconvenient changes to opening times; others point to missing facilities, rising fees, or the desire for a gym closer at hand. Such reasons are enough to make one consider how to cancel Planet Fitness membership.
If you wish to cancel, the process is straightforward but must be followed with care. This guide sets out the necessary actions, explains how to close the account properly, and offers advice on preventing further payments once you have chosen to withdraw.
How To Cancel Planet Fitness Membership?
The rules for ending a membership are not the same in every branch. Each club has its own agreement, and for this reason you must turn first to the branch where you joined. There a staff member will explain the terms that apply to you and answer whatever questions you may raise.
In most cases there are two accepted methods if you are wondering how to cancel Planet Fitness membership. The simplest is to go to your home club and complete a form. The second is to write a letter to the club, and it is safest to send it by certified post.
Is Online or Phone Cancellation Possible at Planet Fitness?
For the great majority the answer is no. A few may be permitted to do so, depending on the kind of membership they hold or the branch they belong to, but the company has never made the rule plain. The only sure course is to ask directly, for the conditions differ from case to case.
Best Time to Cancel Your Planet Fitness Plan
When planning how to cancel Planet Fitness membership, keep in mind that it may take as long as a week for your cancellation to be processed and the payments to cease. If you choose to end your contract by post, you must allow time for the letter to arrive, since the notice must reach the club at least seven days before the next charge is due.
In addition to the monthly fee of either fifteen or twenty-four dollars, depending on the plan, the company also collects an annual payment of 49 dollars. This sum is used for the upkeep of the premises, the renewal of equipment, and other running costs. The date of this annual charge varies with the membership you hold and the time at which you joined.
To avoid being billed for this fee after you have resolved to leave, you must complete the cancellation before the twenty-fifth day of the month preceding the month in which the annual charge would be taken.
Planet Fitness Membership Cancellation Charges Explained
There is a fee for leaving early. If your contract requires a minimum term and you cancel before it ends, you must pay 58 dollars as a buyout. Should you later decide to return, you may also be asked to pay the joining fee again, as well as the annual charge.
Temporarily Freezing Your Planet Fitness Account
In some cases, yes. If you are unable to train for medical reasons, the club may allow you to freeze your account for a fixed period. This is often better than ending the contract outright, for it can save you the cost of a new start-up fee or the buyout charge for breaking the term.
To arrange a hold you must speak directly to staff at your branch, who will explain the rules and any fees that apply. If an annual charge falls during the hold, it may be deferred. Once the hold ends, your account becomes active again and the length of your commitment, or the expiry of any prepaid plan, is extended by the same amount of time.
If you miss a payment, the company may add late fees to your account. The exact charge, and any other penalties that may follow, can be found in the contract you signed when you joined.
Alternatives to Cancelling Your Planet Fitness Subscription
There are choices other than pausing or canceling. You may transfer your membership to another branch if you move far away, provided that the contract is at least three months old and you pay the transfer fee. You may also downgrade your plan if the costs are too high or if you find you do not use the extra benefits of the higher tier.
In some cases you can change your home club online. If this cannot be done, the staff at your branch will guide you. To downgrade, however, you must go to the club in person and complete the request there. It should be noted that memberships cannot be handed over to another person, for they are not transferable.
How Virtual Cards Can Help You Avoid Hassle
The act of canceling a subscription is not always straightforward, even when done online. Many firms design the process to be slow and frustrating. They may rely on vague wording, awkward layouts, or repeated sales offers to press you into staying. Faced with this, it is easy to make a mistake, miss a step, and be charged for another month of a service you no longer want. At times, errors in the company’s system may cause you to be billed even when you have followed the rules exactly.
Though early termination fees cannot be avoided, there is a way to guard against hidden or repeated charges. One method is to use a virtual card when paying for a subscription. Such a card is tied to your real account but masks your details with random numbers when you make a payment. Providers such as Privacy allow you to set limits on these cards, giving you greater control over what can be taken and when.
Conclusion
Cancelling with Planet Fitness does not need to be like breaking out of a fitness prison, even though their cancellation procedure may leave you wishing you had just stayed at home and used YouTube and home workouts. The company has a good philosophy of being a judgment-free zone, but their judgment-filled cancellation requirements, including certified mail, early termination fees, and branch-specific policies, indicate they are not quite ready to be ghosted.
The main lesson? Exit strategy should be planned as a military operation Note that annual fee, set aside the fifty-eight bucks in case you bail before the year is up, and think about whether freezing your membership is preferable to a full amputation. Keep in mind that gyms count on your best intentions and your lack of follow-through–don’t allow them to bench press your wallet as you bench press your fitness goals. Other times the most difficult exercise is leaving
FAQs
Q1: How much does it cost to cancel early?
Be ready to cough up fifty-eight dollars to get out of your fitness obligation. This buyout fee is applicable in case you are running before the end of the minimum contract period On the positive side, it is less expensive than the hourly fee of a personal trainer to guilt you back into the gym.
Q2: Can I put my membership on hold instead of canceling?
Yes and it could be your wallets best friend. In case you have any medical problems or short-term life upheaval, Planet Fitness will freeze your account on a predetermined time frame. This is better than paying the breakup fee and possibly having to pay joining fees again in the future when you inevitably talk yourself into thinking that this time it will be different with your fitness regime.
Q3: When should I cancel to avoid the annual fee?
Put it in your calendar as though it were tax time – you have to cancel before the twenty-fifth of the month before your annual fee is due. This forty-nine-dollar facility enhancement fee has a devious knack of popping up when you have already checked out mentally. And miss this deadline and you will be paying for gym equipment that you will never use.
Q4: Can I transfer my membership to someone else?
No, memberships are not transferable, any more than your college loan or that tattoo you got at spring break. But you can also transfer your own membership to another Planet Fitness facility in case you are relocating, as long as your contract is at least three months old and you pay the transfer fee. It is like switching schools, only with additional monthly fees.
