The Ultimate Guide to Canceling Planet Fitness Membership

Struggling to cancel your Planet Fitness membership? Our ultimate guide simplifies the process, covering everything from understanding your contract to avoiding fees and different cancellation methods. Get step-by-step instructions and tips to make your cancellation smooth and hassle-free.
Canceling a Planet Fitness membership can feel complex. Whether you're switching gyms, moving, or no longer using it, canceling is essential. Planet Fitness has different contract terms and policies. It’s important to know the steps to avoid fees. This guide will explain everything you need to know. The information is from official documents, FAQs, and personal experiences.
Understanding the Planet Fitness Membership Agreement
Before canceling, you need to understand the contract. Even if you joined under a "no contract" promotion, you agreed to terms. These terms include policies for canceling and possible fees. Planet Fitness memberships are either monthly or annual. The rules differ for each.
If you're unsure about your contract, review it now. Pay close attention to these details:
- Do you have a minimum term to complete, like a one-year commitment?
- Are there early cancellation fees?
- What are the billing cycle dates? These are key to avoiding extra charges when canceling.
Types of Planet Fitness Memberships
Planet Fitness offers two types of memberships. Knowing your type helps with the cancellation process. The two types are:
- Classic Membership: This basic membership costs about $10 per month. It gives access to your home club and basic amenities.
- PF Black Card® Membership: This premium membership costs around $24.99 per month. It offers perks like access to all locations, use of massage chairs, tanning beds, and guest passes.
Membership Transfer and Payment Methods
If you're considering transferring your membership instead of canceling, it's simple. You can transfer your membership online if you meet certain conditions. First, you need to be a member for at least 90 days. You also shouldn't have transferred your membership in the past 90 days. Additionally, you cannot have outstanding dues or fees at your current club. Lastly, this option is only available if you have a monthly membership, not a prepaid one.
Many Planet Fitness locations only accept payments through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) via checking accounts. This method ensures that your membership continues without interruption. If your credit card expires or is lost, EFT prevents the need for constant updates.
Cancellation Deadlines and Fees
Timing is crucial for canceling. Here's what you need to know:
- Monthly Memberships: Cancel before the 10th to avoid billing on the 17th. It takes up to seven days to process cancellations. Planet Fitness needs this notice to stop billing.
- Annual Memberships: If you have an annual membership, cancel by the 25th of the month before your billing date. For example, if your fee is due in March, cancel before February 25.
- Early Termination Fees: Canceling before your contract term ends may result in a $58 buyout fee. If you’ve completed the minimum term, you can cancel without this fee.
Understanding the Annual Fee
Planet Fitness charges an Annual Fee, usually between $39 to $49. This fee is billed once a year and is separate from your monthly dues. The billing date is based on your join date. Cancel before this fee is charged to avoid paying it. If the fee is charged before you cancel, it’s generally non-refundable.
Ways to Cancel Your Planet Fitness Membership
There are several ways to cancel. The available methods may depend on your membership type and location.
- In-Person Cancellation: This is the most common way to cancel. Visit your home club with your membership ID and identification, like a driver’s license. The staff will help you with the process. They will ask you to sign to confirm the cancellation. Make sure to ask for written proof of cancellation. This can help if there's a billing dispute later. Also, check with your bank or credit card to ensure no further charges.
- Canceling by Certified Letter: If visiting the club isn’t convenient, you can cancel by mail. This is a good option if you want a record of your cancellation. Write a letter requesting cancellation. Include your membership details. Add any documents to waive fees, such as a doctor’s note or proof of relocation. Send it by certified mail to your home club. Ask for proof of delivery.
- Online Cancellation (Limited): Some members can cancel online, but not everyone. Check with your club to see if this option is available for you. It may only be possible for certain membership types or locations.
- Phone Cancellation: Planet Fitness prefers in-person or written cancellations. However, you can start the process by phone. Call your home club and ask for a manager. They may ask you to come in or send a letter. But this can be a good first step.
Canceling Through Unsubby
At Unsubby, we make canceling your Planet Fitness membership easy and hassle-free. As an online cancellation platform, we handle the entire process for you. No need to visit your home club in person or send a certified letter. Simply use our online form to provide your membership details. Once submitted, we’ll take care of contacting Planet Fitness on your behalf.
With Unsubby, you’ll receive a confirmation once your cancellation is processed. This ensures you have proof in case of any future billing disputes. Our platform is designed to save you time and remove the stress of navigating cancellation policies. Whether you’re canceling due to relocation, injury, or simply no longer using the gym, Unsubby makes it quick and secure. Try canceling your Planet Fitness membership through Unsubby today, and experience a smoother cancellation process.
Waiving Cancellation Fees: Special Circumstances
In some cases, you may be able to avoid cancellation fees. Planet Fitness may waive fees in certain situations:
- Medical Reasons: If you can’t use the gym because of illness or injury, ask for a fee waiver. Provide a doctor’s note explaining the situation.
- Relocation: If you’re moving more than 25 miles from a Planet Fitness, you might qualify for a waiver. Include proof of your new address or a relocation letter. You can also map the distance from your new home to the nearest Planet Fitness.
- Military Deployment: Active-duty military members may be eligible for special terms. Provide deployment orders with your cancellation request. Some Planet Fitness locations offer military discounts. This might be an alternative to canceling.
If you don’t qualify for a fee waiver, cancellation fees typically apply. The buyout fee for early cancellation is usually $58. However, this fee only applies if you cancel before your contract term ends.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Canceling
There are common mistakes people make when canceling Planet Fitness. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Missing Deadlines: Don’t miss the deadline to cancel. Cancel before the monthly billing date or the annual billing date to avoid extra charges.
- Not Getting Written Confirmation: Always ask for proof of cancellation, either in-person or by mail. Without it, you may have trouble proving you canceled if you're billed later.
- Ignoring Bank Statements: After canceling, keep an eye on your statements. Make sure no extra charges appear. If there are issues, contact Membership Services right away.
- Assuming Cancellation is Automatic: Don’t assume your membership will automatically cancel. It won’t cancel just because you stop going to the gym or your credit card expires. Always follow the proper procedures.
Membership Freeze Option
If you’re not ready to cancel but need a break, you can freeze your membership. This is a good option if you have a temporary situation.
You can usually freeze your membership for up to three months. During this time, you won’t be billed. However, some locations charge a small fee to maintain frozen status. Contact your home club to freeze your membership.
What Happens After Cancellation?
After canceling, you may still have some final fees. If you cancel in the middle of a billing cycle, you may need to pay for the next month. When you cancel in person, ask about any outstanding charges. If you cancel by mail, include a request for clarification.
Post-Cancellation Checklist
After canceling, follow these steps:
- Make sure your membership is marked as “cancelled” in Planet Fitness' system.
- Return any property, like a key fob, if required.
- Check your bank or credit card statement for extra charges.
- Keep your cancellation confirmation for a few months in case of disputes.
Checking Your Account After Cancellation
Even after your membership is canceled, it’s important to monitor your bank or credit card statements. Make sure no additional charges are made. If you notice any unexpected fees, contact Membership Services immediately. It’s also helpful to keep your written cancellation confirmation in case of any future disputes.
Rejoining After Cancellation
If you decide to rejoin after canceling, you may have to pay a new initiation fee. Promotional rates you had before may not be available. If you think you might return soon, freezing your membership could be a better option than canceling.
Upgrading or Downgrading Your Membership
If you want to upgrade or downgrade your membership, you can easily do so. Upgrading is simple and can be done online. Just visit the Planet Fitness website, log in with your membership credentials, and follow the instructions. If you prefer, you can also upgrade by visiting your home club in person. Downgrading works in a similar way. Club staff can assist you with any changes you want to make to your membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cancel my Planet Fitness membership?
Cancellations usually take up to seven business days to process. Be sure to submit your request before your next billing date.
Can I cancel at any Planet Fitness location?
No. You must cancel at your home club, which is the location where you signed up. If you transferred your membership, you’ll need to cancel at your current home club.
Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
Planet Fitness generally doesn’t offer refunds for unused parts of your membership. However, this may vary by location. It's best to check with your home club.
What happens to my annual fee if I cancel my membership?
If the annual fee has already been charged, it’s usually non-refundable. To avoid paying it, make sure to cancel before the fee is charged.
Can I cancel over the phone?
While Planet Fitness prefers in-person or written cancellations, you can call your home club to ask about the process. They may still ask you to come in or send a written request.
What if I signed up through a third-party site or app?
If you joined through a partner site or app, you may need to cancel through that platform. Contact the third-party service for instructions on how to cancel.
Can I cancel if I'm under 18?
If you're under 18, your parent or guardian will likely need to be involved. Visit your home gym with them to discuss the cancellation process.
What if I'm dissatisfied with Planet Fitness services?
Being unhappy with the services doesn’t usually let you cancel immediately without fees. However, it’s worth talking to gym management. They might offer solutions to the issues you’re facing.
How do I cancel extra services like personal training?
Personal training and other services have separate agreements. Speak with gym management or the service provider about canceling them. The process may be different from canceling the main membership.
What happens to my gym access after I request cancellation?
Usually, you can access the gym until the end of your billing cycle. It’s best to confirm this with your home club when canceling.
Can I transfer my membership to someone else?
Planet Fitness memberships are non-transferable. Each person must sign up for their own membership.
What if I prepaid for an annual membership?
Prepaid annual memberships might not be refundable if canceled early. It’s worth checking with your home club to explore your options.
Will canceling affect my credit score?
Canceling your membership itself won’t affect your credit score. However, unpaid fees might be sent to collections. This could impact your credit.
Does Planet Fitness have any additional services and policies?
Planet Fitness offers more than just basic gym access. PF Black Card® members can bring a guest, use tanning beds, and access massage chairs. These perks, however, do not apply to regular members. If you need help understanding these perks or other policies, it's always a good idea to check with your local club. Policies and services may vary depending on location.
Being informed and prepared will make canceling easier. Always ask questions and get written proof of cancellation. This guide will help you navigate the process smoothly.
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