How Planet Fitness Charges You and What to Do If Payment Fails
How Planet Fitness Processes Your Membership Payment
Planet Fitness charges your payment method on the same day each month—usually the day you signed up, or the day your billing cycle begins. The charge appears as "Planet Fitness" or "PF" on your bank or credit card statement. Most memberships use automatic recurring billing, which means the gym pulls the money from your account without asking you each time.
The payment goes through an ACH transfer (if you gave them a bank account) or a card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) if you provided a debit or credit card. Planet Fitness does not hold the money in escrow—it hits your account immediately, and you should see it clear within one to three business days depending on your bank.
The amount you pay depends on your membership tier. Planet Fitness offers different plans—Black Card, Black Card Plus, and standard memberships—each with a different monthly fee. Some locations charge a one-time enrollment fee when you first join, which may appear as a separate charge on your first statement.
Key Takeaways
- Planet Fitness charges your account automatically on the same date each month, and the charge clears within one to three business days.
- If a payment fails, Planet Fitness will usually retry it within a few days, but your membership may be suspended if payment is not collected.
- You can update your payment method through the Planet Fitness app or website, or by calling your local gym or customer service.
- Canceling your membership requires written notice, not just stopping payments, because stopping payments alone does not end the automatic billing.
- If you are charged after cancellation or dispute a charge, contact Planet Fitness customer service with your membership number and the date of the disputed charge.
What Happens When a Payment Fails
If your card is declined or your bank account has insufficient funds, Planet Fitness will attempt to collect the payment again. The gym typically retries the charge within two to five business days. During this time, your membership remains active, but if the payment is not collected within a set window (usually 10 to 15 days), your account will be suspended.
A suspended membership means you cannot use the gym facilities or access the app. You will not be charged again while suspended, but you also lose access to your membership benefits. The suspension is temporary—once you provide a working payment method and the failed charge clears, your membership reactivates.
Planet Fitness may also charge a failed payment fee if your bank allows it, though this varies by location and bank. Check your bank's overdraft or returned-item fees, as those may apply separately from any gym fee.
How to Update Your Payment Method
The fastest way to update your payment information is through the Planet Fitness mobile app. Open the app, go to your account settings, find "Payment Method" or "Billing," and enter your new card or bank account details. The change takes effect immediately for your next scheduled charge.
If you do not use the app, you can update your payment method on the Planet Fitness website by logging into your account. You will need your username and password. If you do not remember your login, use the "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in page.
You can also call your local Planet Fitness gym or the customer service line to update your payment method over the phone. Have your membership number ready. If you call a local gym, they may transfer you to a billing department, or they may ask you to handle it online or through the app.
Canceling Your Membership Without Ongoing Charges
Stopping payments does not cancel your Planet Fitness membership. If you simply block the charge or close your payment method, Planet Fitness will mark your account as past due and may send your account to a collection agency. The only way to stop charges is to formally cancel your membership.
Most Planet Fitness locations require you to cancel in person at the gym or in writing. Some gyms accept cancellation requests through the app or website, but this varies by location. Contact your local gym to ask which method they accept. If you cancel in person, ask for a written confirmation or take a photo of the cancellation form.
If you cancel by mail or email, send a written request to your gym's address or the corporate office. Include your full name, membership number, and the date you want the cancellation to take effect. Keep a copy of your cancellation request and any confirmation you receive. Cancellations typically take effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you may be charged one more time after you request cancellation.
Disputing a Charge or Unauthorized Billing
If you see a charge on your statement that you do not recognize or that you believe is incorrect, contact Planet Fitness first. Call customer service or your local gym with your membership number, the date of the charge, and the amount. Explain the issue—for example, you canceled but were still charged, or you were charged twice in one month.
Planet Fitness can often reverse a charge or issue a credit within a few business days if the error is on their end. Keep records of your cancellation request, any confirmation numbers, and the dates you contacted the gym. If Planet Fitness does not resolve the issue, you can dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company.
To dispute a charge with your bank, log into your online banking or call the customer service number on the back of your card. You will need to provide the transaction date, amount, and reason for the dispute. Your bank will investigate and may issue a temporary credit while they look into it. This process typically takes 10 to 30 days.
Enrollment Fees and Other One-Time Charges
When you join Planet Fitness, you may see a one-time enrollment or startup fee on your first statement. This is separate from your monthly membership charge and appears only once. The amount varies by location and membership tier, so check your membership agreement or receipt to see what you agreed to pay.
Some Planet Fitness locations waive the enrollment fee during promotions. If you joined during a promotion but were still charged, contact your gym to request a refund or credit. Bring your membership agreement or the promotional offer you saw when you signed up.
You may also see charges for personal training sessions, guest passes, or other add-ons if you purchased them. These appear as separate line items on your statement. If you do not recognize an add-on charge, ask your gym whether you authorized it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day of the month does Planet Fitness charge me?
Planet Fitness charges you on the same day each month that your billing cycle started—usually the day you signed up or the day your membership began. You can check your exact billing date in the app or by calling your gym. If your billing date falls on a day that does not exist in a given month (like the 31st), the charge may process on the last day of that month instead.
Can I pause my membership instead of canceling?
Some Planet Fitness locations offer membership freezes or holds for a limited time, usually 30 to 90 days. During a freeze, you are not charged, but your membership remains active and you can reactivate it when you return. Ask your local gym whether they offer this option and what the process is. Freezes are not available at all locations.
Why was I charged after I canceled?
Cancellations usually take effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you may be charged one final time after you request cancellation. If you canceled on the 15th and your billing date is the 20th, you will likely be charged on the 20th for that final month. If you were charged after your billing cycle ended, contact Planet Fitness to request a refund.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about my membership?
Planet Fitness policies on refunds vary by location and state. Some gyms offer a short window (often 3 to 7 days) to cancel and receive a refund of your enrollment fee or first month's charge. Check your membership agreement or contact your local gym to see what their refund policy is. If your state has consumer protection laws that require a cooling-off period, that may override the gym's standard policy.
What if my bank account or card information changes?
Update your payment method as soon as your information changes. If you do not update it before your next billing date, the charge will fail and your membership will be suspended. You have a grace period (usually 10 to 15 days) to provide a new payment method before the suspension becomes permanent. Update your information through the app, website, or by calling your gym.