Anyone who has attempted to cancel their Planet Fitness membership knows that the process isn’t always as simple as it seems. However, cancelling a gym membership should be as simple as signing up for one. Planet Fitness, which runs thousands of clubs in the US and abroad, is well-known for its affordable prices and “Judgement Free Zone®” philosophy. Although the organisation is excellent at making fitness novices feel welcome, its cancellation policy has come under fire for being less intuitive.
From comprehending your contract conditions to handling typical issues, this post takes you step-by-step through the entire process of terminating a Planet Fitness membership so you can make an informed and self-assured choice.
Knowing the Fundamentals of Your Membership
It’s critical to understand your membership type before you even start the cancellation procedure. There are typically two primary tiers offered by Planet Fitness:
Classic Membership: This gives you access to your home club but offers little benefits.
Black Card Membership: This premium plan offers tanning beds, massage chairs, and access to all Planet Fitness locations.
Terms pertaining to termination, fees, and notice periods may vary depending on the type of membership. Additionally, you should confirm whether you are committed to a 12-month term or a monthly arrangement. We’ll talk about the buyout charge that may be incurred if you decide to cancel a contract that you haven’t finished.
Step 1: Examine your agreement
Find the contract you originally signed or access your account online. You should confirm:
Your home club (you have to cancel here)
The next billing date and your billing cycle
Whether there is a minimum term for your membership
If there are any costs associated with early termination
Although it could seem time-consuming, this step is essential to preventing unforeseen fees or issues down the road. Members’ ignorance of the fine print is the root cause of many problems.
Step 2: Select Your Method of Cancellation
Although there may be exceptions based on local regulations, Planet Fitness generally prohibits cancellations over the phone or online, in contrast to many digitally-first businesses. Generally speaking, there are two common approaches:
1. Cancel in person
The most straightforward and recommended approach is this one. Ask for a membership cancellation form at the front desk when you visit your home club during staff hours. Typically, the procedure takes no more than ten minutes. You can be asked to present identification or a written notification by certain clubs.
2. Cancel by Mail
Compose an official letter of cancellation that contains the following:
Your entire name
Barcode or membership ID number
Phone number and address
A brief message expressing your desire to cancel
To guarantee a delivery record, send the letter by certified mail to the postal address of your home club. Keeping a copy for your records is advised.
bTimely cancellation of a Planet Fitness membership is one of the most crucial factors. Monthly dues are paid to Planet Fitness on the seventeenth of every month, while annual fees are paid once a year, usually eight weeks after joining.
To prevent further charges:
At least seven days prior to the 17th, submit your cancellation.
Cancel before the 25th of the month before the annual fee is due if you wish to avoid paying it.
For instance, to avoid paying your annual fee in July, make sure you cancel by June 25th.
Step 4: Recognise the buyout if you have a contract.
Planet Fitness usually charges a buyout fee of $58 if you decide to cancel early while remaining in your 12-month contract. This is a fixed sum meant to cover the balance of your contract. Verify with your home club since the cost may differ somewhat depending on the region.
For some situations, there are exceptions:
Health conditions that keep you from exercising
Moving to a place without a Planet Fitness nearby
Financial difficulty (documents required)
The club may choose to forego the buyout money in these circumstances.
Step 5: Verify That Billing Ends
It’s crucial to keep an eye on your credit card or bank statements after submitting your cancellation request. Although they are uncommon, billing problems can happen, particularly if your form was not processed completely.
When cancelling in person, request a confirmation receipt.
Keep a copy of the letter and your certified mail receipt in case of postal cancellations.
To be sure the procedure was completed, look for any costs in the month following cancellation.
Get in touch with the club right once and provide your evidence of cancellation if a charge is made after your cancellation date.
What Happens If You Cannot Attend in Person?
Some members are unable to visit their home club because of employment or health issues, or they have moved away from it. In these situations:
Your best option is to cancel your mail.
Calling the new club (particularly in California) and moving their home club there has been successful for some members, and it can open up more digital opportunities.
Although this varies greatly, clubs may provide email or online submission alternatives in jurisdictions where consumer laws require simple cancellations.
To find out what possibilities are available in your region, always give your home club a call.
Legal Modifications: How Membership Cancellations Will Develop in the Future
Regulatory agencies have started to take tough measures against companies that make it difficult to terminate memberships in recent years. Some states have passed laws requiring online cancellations for services that were signed up for online, while consumer groups have urged for more openness and digitally friendly procedures.
Although not yet widely embraced by all clubs, this trend is anticipated to return the convenience balance to the customer. If such choices are available in your area, ask your gym or keep an eye on local consumer protection laws.
Typical Mistakes to Avoid
Believing that your membership can be cancelled by customer service: Cancellations can only be handled by your home club.
Ignoring your cancellation deadline: Unwanted fines may be incurred for late cancellations.
Presuming you stopped going, therefore it’s cancelled: No matter how long you haven’t used your membership, it will remain active until you formally cancel.
Stopping payment without cancelling: You risk being sent to collections if you use your bank to prevent the gym’s charges.
Options Other Than Complete Cancellation
Consider freezing your membership if you’re considering cancelling for short-term reasons like travel, an injury, or a hectic schedule. Although freezing alternatives are not formally advertised by Planet Fitness, certain locations will comply upon request. By doing this, future reactivation costs or expired promotions might be avoided.
Additionally, if you’re moving, think about switching your membership to a club in your new neighbourhood, particularly if you have a Black Card.
Concluding Remarks: Regaining Command of Your Membership
Although it takes careful consideration, cancelling a Planet Fitness membership is not difficult. With a little planning, you can prevent needless fees and annoying delays, from knowing your payment cycle to selecting the best cancellation method.
Documentation and communication are crucial. Always obtain written confirmation before cancelling, whether in person or by letter. Read your contract, be tenacious, and be aware of your deadlines. You can proceed knowing that your membership won’t surprise you on your bank account the following month once your cancellation has been verified.