Canceling a gym membership can feel like navigating a maze. If you’re a Planet Fitness member looking to end your membership, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves unsure about the process, fees, or requirements.
Don’t worry! This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about canceling your Planet Fitness membership in a simple, stress-free way.
Table of Contents
Why Cancel Your Planet Fitness Membership?
People cancel memberships for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you’re not using the gym enough to justify the cost. Perhaps you’ve found a new workout routine at home or joined another fitness center.
Or, life might just be too busy right now. Whatever your reason, Planet Fitness makes canceling straightforward, but there are a few things to understand before you start.
Planet Fitness offers affordable memberships, with plans like the Classic Membership (around $10/month) and the Black Card Membership (around $22.99/month). However, their cancellation process has specific rules. Knowing these will save you time and avoid surprises like extra charges.
Understanding Planet Fitness Membership Types
Before diving into the cancellation process, let’s quickly review the two main Planet Fitness membership types. This will help you understand any fees or terms tied to your plan.
| Membership Type | Monthly Cost | Key Features | Cancellation Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Membership | ~$10 | Access to home club, basic equipment | May have a buyout fee if under a 12-month commitment |
| Black Card Membership | ~$22.99 | Multi-club access, guest privileges, perks like tanning | Same commitment terms, but higher buyout fee |
Both memberships often come with a 12-month commitment. If you cancel before this period ends, you might face a buyout fee. Check your contract or contact your home club to confirm your terms.
How to Cancel Your Planet Fitness Membership
Planet Fitness doesn’t allow cancellations over the phone or online (in most cases). You’ll need to take specific steps, either in person or by mail. Here’s a clear guide to follow:
Step 1: Review Your Membership Agreement
Start by checking your membership contract. This document outlines your commitment period, cancellation fees, and billing details. You can find it in the email you received when you signed up or ask your home club for a copy. Look for:
- Commitment period (usually 12 months)
- Buyout fee (if canceling early)
- Billing cycle (to avoid extra charges)
If you’re past the commitment period, cancellation is usually fee-free, but double-check to be sure.
Step 2: Choose Your Cancellation Method
Planet Fitness offers two ways to cancel: in person or by certified mail. Here’s what each involves:
- In-Person Cancellation: Visit your home club (the one you signed up at) and request a cancellation form.
- Mail Cancellation: Send a cancellation letter to your home club’s address via certified mail.
Online cancellation isn’t typically an option, but some locations may allow you to start the process through their website or app. Call your club to confirm.
Step 3: Prepare for In-Person Cancellation
If you’re canceling in person, head to your home club during staffed hours (check their schedule online). Bring:
- Your Planet Fitness membership card or ID number
- A government-issued ID
- Any payment information tied to your account
At the club, ask for a cancellation form. Fill it out completely, including your name, membership ID, and reason for canceling. The staff will process your request, and you should receive confirmation. Ask for a copy of the form or a receipt for your records.
Step 4: Prepare for Mail Cancellation
If you can’t visit the gym, you can cancel by mail. Write a short letter that includes:
- Your full name
- Membership ID number
- Home club address
- A clear statement requesting cancellation
- Your contact information
Here’s a sample letter format:
Dear Planet Fitness Team,
I am writing to cancel my membership, effective immediately. My name is [Your Name], and my membership ID is [Your ID Number]. My home club is located at [Club Address]. Please process my cancellation and confirm receipt. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Send the letter via certified mail to ensure it’s tracked. Keep a copy of the letter and the mailing receipt.
Step 5: Verify Cancellation and Stop Payments
After submitting your request, confirm that your membership is canceled. Call your home club a few days later or check your bank account to ensure no further charges. If you see unexpected charges, contact the club immediately. For mail cancellations, allow 7-10 business days for processing.
If your membership was tied to automatic payments, notify your bank or credit card provider to stop recurring charges. This step prevents accidental billing after cancellation.
Fees to Watch Out For
Canceling a Planet Fitness membership is usually straightforward, but fees can catch you off guard. Here are the main ones to know:
- Buyout Fee: If you’re under a 12-month commitment, you may owe a fee to end your membership early. This is typically $58 for Classic Memberships and higher for Black Card Memberships.
- Annual Fee: Planet Fitness charges an annual fee (around $39-$49) once a year. If you cancel close to this billing date, you might still be charged.
- Final Month’s Payment: Some clubs require you to pay for the current billing cycle, even if you cancel mid-month.
To avoid fees, time your cancellation after your commitment period and before the annual fee date. Check your contract for exact dates.
Tips to Make Cancellation Smooth
Canceling doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here are some tips to keep things easy:
- Cancel Early in the Billing Cycle: Submit your request at the start of your billing cycle to avoid an extra month’s charge.
- Keep Records: Save copies of your cancellation form, letter, or mailing receipts in case of disputes.
- Be Polite: Gym staff are more likely to help if you’re friendly and clear about your request.
- Check for Promotions: If you’re canceling due to cost, ask about lower-cost plans or promotions before you leave.
What If You Run Into Issues?
Sometimes, cancellations don’t go as planned. Maybe the gym charges you after you cancel, or they claim they never received your letter. If you face problems:
- Contact the Club: Call or visit your home club and explain the issue. Have your cancellation receipt or letter handy.
- Escalate to Corporate: If the club doesn’t resolve the issue, reach out to Planet Fitness corporate via their website or customer service line (1-844-880-7180).
- Check Your Bank: If unauthorized charges appear, dispute them with your bank or credit card provider.
Persistence is key. Most issues can be resolved with clear communication and proper documentation.
Alternatives to Cancellation
If you’re on the fence about canceling, consider these options:
- Freeze Your Membership: Pause your membership for a small fee instead of canceling entirely.
- Downgrade Your Plan: Switch from a Black Card to a Classic Membership to save money.
- Transfer Your Membership: Some clubs allow you to transfer your membership to another person. Ask your club for details.
These options might work better if you plan to return to Planet Fitness later.
FAQs: Planet Fitness Cancel Membership
Q. Can I cancel my Planet Fitness membership online?
A. No, Planet Fitness typically requires in-person or mail cancellation. Some clubs may offer online options, so check with your home club first.
Q. Will I get a refund for the current month?
A. Refunds depend on your club’s policy and billing cycle. Most clubs don’t refund the current month, but you can use the gym until the cycle ends.
Q. What happens if I don’t pay the buyout fee?
A. If you don’t pay, your account may be sent to collections, which can affect your credit. Pay the fee or negotiate with your club to avoid this.
Q. Can I freeze my membership instead of canceling?
A. Yes, Planet Fitness allows you to freeze your membership for a small fee (usually $0-$5/month). Contact your club to arrange this.
Final Thoughts
Canceling your Planet Fitness membership doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the steps above—checking your contract, choosing a cancellation method, and verifying the process—you can end your membership smoothly.
Keep an eye on fees, save your records, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your club if you have questions. Whether you’re taking a break from the gym or exploring new fitness goals, you’re now equipped to handle the process with confidence.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is based on general Planet Fitness policies as of April 2025. Policies and fees may vary by location or change over time. Always check with your home club or review your membership agreement for the most accurate details. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
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