Many people wonder how to end their Planet Fitness membership. Can I cancel Planet Fitness online? No, usually you cannot cancel your Planet Fitness membership online or by email. What is the Planet Fitness cancellation fee? The cancellation fee can vary, but you might face one if you end your membership before your contract term is up. Is there a 30-day notice Planet Fitness requires? Yes, generally, Planet Fitness requires a 30-day notice period before your cancellation becomes final.
Ending your Planet Fitness membership needs specific steps. It is not as simple as clicking a button online. You must follow their rules carefully. This guide will walk you through the process. It covers the two main ways to cancel: going in person or sending a letter.
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Why You Might Need to End Your Membership
Life changes happen. Maybe you are moving to a new town. Perhaps you have health reasons. Or maybe you just do not use the gym anymore. Whatever the reason, stopping your membership requires action. Just stopping payments is not enough. If you stop paying without cancelling properly, you could face problems. Planet Fitness could keep charging you. They might even send your account to a collections agency. This can hurt your credit score. So, learning How to end Planet Fitness membership the right way is important.
Grasping the Planet Fitness Cancellation Policy
To cancel without trouble, you need to know the rules. The Planet Fitness cancellation policy is clear about how you must cancel. They generally require you to cancel in one of two ways:
- Go to the gym in person. You must go to your home club. This is the club where you first joined.
- Send a letter by mail. You must send a letter to your home club. This letter should be sent by certified mail.
These are the official ways to cancel. Doing anything else, like calling or emailing, usually will not work.
Ways to Cancel Your Membership
There are two main paths to take when you want to cancel. Each path has its own steps. You can Go to Planet Fitness in person to cancel. Or you can Mail a cancellation letter to Planet Fitness. Both methods need you to be careful and follow the rules.
Going to Planet Fitness in Person to Cancel
This is often the most direct way. You go to your home gym. You speak to the staff there.
Steps for In-Person Cancellation:
- Find your home club: You must go to the exact gym location where you signed up. You cannot cancel at a different Planet Fitness gym.
- Go during business hours: Make sure you go when staff are available to help you. Avoid busy times if you want more attention.
- Talk to the front desk staff: Tell them you want to cancel your membership. They will give you the needed forms.
- Fill out the cancellation form: Provide all the information they ask for. This usually includes your name, membership number, and signature.
- Ask for a copy: This is a very important step. Ask for a copy of the signed cancellation form. This is your proof that you started the cancellation process. Keep this paper safe.
- Understand the final date: The staff should tell you when your membership will officially end. Remember the 30-day notice Planet Fitness requires. Your membership will likely continue for at least 30 days after you submit the form. You might have one more billing cycle.
Pros and Cons of In-Person Cancellation:
- Pros:
- You get immediate help.
- You can ask questions on the spot.
- You walk away with proof of cancellation right away.
- Cons:
- Requires a trip to the gym.
- Might feel awkward or pressured.
Mailing a Cancellation Letter to Planet Fitness
If you cannot go to the gym, mailing a letter is the other option. This method requires careful steps to ensure it is done right.
Steps for Mailing a Cancellation Letter:
- Write the cancellation letter: Your letter needs specific information.
- Your full name
- Your membership number
- Your address
- Your phone number
- A clear statement that you want to cancel your membership.
- Your signature.
- Optional: A brief reason for cancelling (though not usually required).
- Address the letter: Find the address of your home Planet Fitness club. Send the letter directly to them. Do not send it to their main company headquarters.
- Choose the right mail service: You must send the letter by Planet Fitness certified letter. This service costs extra, but it is worth it. Certified mail provides tracking. More importantly, it gives you a return receipt. This receipt is proof that the gym received your letter.
- Go to the post office: Take your letter to the post office. Tell them you want to send it by certified mail with a return receipt.
- Keep your receipts: The post office will give you a tracking number and mailing receipt. When the gym receives the letter, you will get the return receipt back in the mail. Keep both of these documents. They are your proof of mailing and proof of delivery.
- Wait for confirmation: The gym should process your cancellation after receiving the letter. Again, factor in the 30-day notice Planet Fitness requires. Your membership will end at least 30 days after they get the letter. You might be billed one last time.
Pros and Cons of Mailing a Letter:
- Pros:
- Convenient if you live far away or cannot visit the gym.
- Provides official proof of delivery via certified mail.
- Cons:
- Takes longer than cancelling in person.
- Requires going to the post office.
- Risk of error if the letter is not written or sent correctly.
Specific Situations
Sometimes, you might need to cancel under special conditions.
Cancelling Planet Fitness Black Card
The process to Cancel Planet Fitness Black Card is the same as cancelling a standard membership. You must follow the same steps: either go in person to your home club or send a certified letter to your home club. The type of membership does not change the cancellation method. However, remember that Black Card memberships often have extra benefits and maybe slightly different contract terms. Always check your specific agreement.
Moving Away
If you move far from your home club, cancelling by mail is often the best option. Make sure your letter is addressed to your original home club. Sending a certified letter is especially important in this situation, as you cannot easily visit in person to check on the status.
Medical Reasons
Planet Fitness may have policies regarding cancellation due to medical reasons. Sometimes, providing a doctor’s note might allow for an earlier cancellation or waiving of certain fees. This depends on your specific contract and the club’s local rules. It is best to contact your home club directly or check your membership agreement if you need to cancel for health reasons.
Delving into Fees and Contracts
Fees are a big part of the cancellation process. You need to understand what you might owe.
The Planet Fitness Cancellation Fee
A Planet Fitness cancellation fee might apply depending on your membership type and how long you agreed to be a member.
- Term Memberships: If you signed up for a membership with a specific length, like a 12-month contract, you might have an Early termination fee Planet Fitness charges if you cancel before the term is over. This fee can vary. It might be a set amount (like $58) or equal to the remaining months of your contract. This fee is designed to cover the gym’s cost because you are not staying for the full time you promised.
- Month-to-Month Memberships: If you have a membership that renews every month without a long-term contract (often called a “no commitment” membership), you usually do not pay an Early termination fee Planet Fitness might charge for term memberships. You just need to give the required 30-day notice.
It is very important to read your Planet Fitness contract terms to know if you have a term membership and what the early termination fee is.
Understanding the Annual Fee
Planet Fitness also charges an annual fee (sometimes called a “yearly fee”). This fee is billed once a year, usually a couple of months after you join. If your cancellation effective date falls after your annual fee billing date but before you cancel, you will likely still be charged the annual fee. The 30-day notice period is key here. If you cancel less than 30 days before your annual fee is due, you will probably be charged it before your membership ends. To avoid the annual fee, you need to cancel more than 30 days before its scheduled billing date.
The 30-Day Notice Period
The 30-day notice Planet Fitness requires means your membership does not end the day you submit your cancellation request. It continues for at least 30 days from that date.
- Example: If you cancel on October 15th, your membership will likely remain active until at least November 15th.
- Billing: Because of this notice period, you will probably be billed for one more month’s dues after you cancel. If your billing date is, say, the 5th of the month, and you cancel on October 15th, you will still be billed on November 5th. Your membership would then end sometime after November 15th, completing the 30-day notice after the last successful payment covers that period.
Planning your cancellation around your billing date and the annual fee date is wise to avoid unexpected charges.
Deciphering Your Planet Fitness Contract Terms
When you sign up, you agree to Planet Fitness contract terms. These terms explain everything about your membership. They cover:
- Your monthly fee.
- Your annual fee date and amount.
- Whether you have a term contract (like 12 months) or month-to-month.
- The Early termination fee Planet Fitness charges if you break a term contract early.
- The cancellation policy, including the 30-day notice Planet Fitness requires.
It is very important to read this document. If you still have your copy, look it over. If not, you can ask the staff at your home club for a copy of the standard contract terms or information about your specific agreement. Knowing what your contract says is the best way to understand potential fees and timing.
Tips for a Smooth Cancellation Process
To make cancelling easier, follow these tips:
- Read your contract: Know your membership type, annual fee date, and contract end date.
- Choose your method: Decide if you will cancel in person or by certified mail.
- Gather information: Have your membership number and home club address ready.
- Time it right: If possible, cancel more than 30 days before your next billing date and more than 30 days before your annual fee is due to avoid extra charges.
- Get proof: Always get a copy of the signed cancellation form (in person) or keep your certified mail receipts (by mail). This is your only real proof you tried to cancel.
- Follow up: If you do not stop being billed after the expected final payment, contact your home club immediately. Show them your proof of cancellation.
What Happens After You Cancel?
After you submit your request and the 30-day notice passes, your membership should become inactive. You will not be able to use the gym anymore. You should also stop being billed monthly dues and future annual fees. Keep checking your bank or credit card statements for a couple of months to make sure the payments have stopped. If you see any charges you believe are wrong, contact the gym right away and provide your proof of cancellation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Just stopping payments: This is the biggest mistake. It leads to late fees and potential collections.
- Cancelling at the wrong club: You must cancel at your home club.
- Cancelling online or by phone/email: These methods are usually not accepted and your membership will remain active.
- Not getting proof: Without proof, it is hard to argue if there is a billing issue later.
- Ignoring the 30-day notice: Not realizing you will be billed one more time.
- Not reading the contract: Not knowing about the early termination fee or annual fee timing.
Table Comparing Cancellation Methods
| Feature | In-Person Cancellation | Mailed Cancellation (Certified Letter) |
|---|---|---|
| Required Location | Your home Planet Fitness club | Your home Planet Fitness club’s address |
| Proof Obtained | Signed copy of cancellation form | Certified mail receipt & return receipt |
| Speed | Immediate initiation of process | Depends on mail time |
| Interaction | Direct with staff | No direct interaction |
| Cost | Free (besides travel) | Cost of certified mail |
| Convenience | Requires physical trip | Can be done from anywhere with a post office |
| Likelihood of Success (if done correctly) | High | High |
How to Write a Cancellation Letter Sample
Here is a simple sample letter you can use. Remember to fill in your specific details.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address (Optional)] [Date] Planet Fitness [Your Home Club’s Full Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Membership Cancellation Request Dear Planet Fitness, I am writing to request the cancellation of my gym membership. My full name is [Your Full Name], and my membership number is [Your Membership Number]. I joined Planet Fitness at the [Your Home Club Location, e.g., Main Street] location. According to my membership agreement and the Planet Fitness cancellation policy, I understand a 30-day notice is required. Please process my cancellation based on this requirement. Please send written confirmation of my membership cancellation and the effective date to the address listed above. Thank you for your time and assistance. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Typed Name]
Remember to send this letter via Planet Fitness certified letter with a return receipt requested.
Final Thoughts on Ending Your Membership
Cancelling a gym membership can feel tricky, but having the right information makes it much simpler. Knowing the Planet Fitness cancellation policy, understanding potential fees like the Planet Fitness cancellation fee or Early termination fee Planet Fitness might charge, and following the official methods (Mail a cancellation letter to Planet Fitness or Go to Planet Fitness in person to cancel) are key steps. Pay attention to the 30-day notice Planet Fitness requires and check your Planet Fitness contract terms. By being prepared and keeping records, you can smoothly end your membership without unexpected costs or hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I cancel my Planet Fitness membership by phone?
A: No, generally Planet Fitness does not allow cancellation by phone. You must cancel in person or by certified mail.
Q: Can I cancel my Planet Fitness membership online?
A: No, you typically cannot cancel a Planet Fitness membership online through their website or app.
Q: How much is the Planet Fitness cancellation fee?
A: The Planet Fitness cancellation fee varies. If you have a term contract and cancel early, the fee could be around $58 or equal to the remaining balance of your contract. If you are month-to-month, you usually do not pay an early termination fee, but you might owe one last month’s dues due to the 30-day notice.
Q: Do I have to pay the annual fee if I cancel?
A: If your cancellation is processed within 30 days before your annual fee is due, you will likely be charged the annual fee. To avoid it, cancel more than 30 days before its billing date.
Q: What is a Planet Fitness certified letter?
A: A Planet Fitness certified letter is a way of sending mail through the postal service that provides proof of mailing and proof of delivery. You get a receipt when you mail it and another receipt confirming the gym received it.
Q: What is the 30-day notice Planet Fitness requires?
A: It means that after you submit your cancellation request (in person or by mail), your membership remains active for at least 30 more days. You will likely have one final billing cycle during this period.
Q: How do I know if I have a term contract or month-to-month?
A: Check your Planet Fitness contract terms that you signed when you joined. It will specify the length of your membership agreement.
Q: Can I freeze my membership instead of cancelling?
A: Planet Fitness does offer a membership freeze option. Policies on freezes vary by club and membership type. Often, you can freeze for a limited time (e.g., 3 months) for medical reasons with a doctor’s note or sometimes for other reasons. Check with your home club for their specific freeze policy. Freezing might be a better option if you plan to return later.
Q: What if my home club is now closed?
A: If your specific home club location has closed, contact Planet Fitness member services or visit their website for guidance on how to proceed with cancellation. They should have a process in place for members of closed locations.
Q: Will cancelling my Black Card membership affect my annual fee for next year?
A: Yes, if you cancel your Black Card membership properly before the next annual fee billing date, you will not be charged that annual fee. Remember the 30-day notice rule applies here too.
Q: How long does the cancellation process take?
A: Once you submit your request, the gym needs time to process it, plus the required 30-day notice period. Your membership will likely end at least 30 days after they receive your request. You will probably be billed one last time during this period.
Q: What should I do if Planet Fitness keeps charging me after I cancelled?
A: Contact your home club immediately. Provide them with your proof of cancellation (the signed form copy or your certified mail receipts). If they do not resolve it, you may need to dispute the charges with your bank or credit card company and potentially file a complaint with consumer protection agencies.