So, how much is Planet Fitness per month? Planet Fitness offers gym memberships that are known for being very affordable. The cost per month depends on which membership you pick. There are generally two main options: the Classic membership, which costs about $10 a month, and the Black Card membership, which costs about $24.99 a month. These prices can vary slightly based on your location or special offers, but that gives you a good idea of the general Planet Fitness membership cost.
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Grasping the Basic Costs
When you think about joining a gym, the monthly fee is usually the first thing you consider. Planet Fitness keeps this part simple. They have two main types of memberships. Each one has a different monthly price and gives you different benefits. Let’s look at them closer to understand the basic Planet Fitness monthly fee options.
The Classic Membership
This is the most basic and cheapest option Planet Fitness has. It’s often called the ‘Classic’ membership.
- Monthly Fee: This is typically around $10. This makes it one of the most affordable gym memberships you can find anywhere. It’s a very low Planet Fitness monthly fee.
- What You Get: With the Classic membership, you get access to the Planet Fitness gym where you signed up. This is called your “home club.” You can use all the exercise machines and weights in that specific gym. You also get access to the gym’s trainers for group fitness classes and basic fitness guidance.
- Limitations: You can only use the one gym location you joined. You cannot bring a guest with you when you work out. You also don’t get access to the special Black Card perks like tanning beds, massage chairs, or hydro massage beds.
This option is great if you just want a simple, low-cost place to exercise near your home or work. It’s perfect for someone who doesn’t need fancy extras and only plans to use one location. This shows the core of the Planet Fitness classic membership cost.
The Black Card Membership
The Black Card membership is Planet Fitness’s premium option. It costs more per month but comes with many extra benefits.
- Monthly Fee: This membership typically costs about $24.99 per month. It’s higher than the Classic plan, but still quite affordable compared to many other gyms. This is the Planet Fitness Black Card price.
- What You Get: The Black Card membership offers a lot more value if you plan to use the extra features.
- Use Any Location: You can visit any Planet Fitness club in the world, not just your home club. This is great if you travel or want to work out near different places.
- Bring a Guest: You can bring one guest with you for free every time you visit, as long as your guest stays with you. This is a big perk if you like working out with a friend or family member.
- Access to PF Black Card® Perks: This includes access to special amenities available at most locations, such as:
- Tanning beds (stand-up or lay-down).
- Massage chairs.
- Hydro massage beds (water-based massage).
- Total Body Enhancement booths (light therapy, varies by location).
- Discounts: You often get 20% off selected items at the Planet Fitness retail store and discounts on drinks.
The Black Card membership is a popular choice because the extra perks and the ability to use any gym location make the higher Planet Fitness monthly fee worth it for many people. It offers more flexibility and added ways to relax after your workout. Looking at the Planet Fitness membership options, these are the two main tiers to consider.
Breaking Down All Fees
Gym memberships often have more costs than just the monthly fee. Planet Fitness is pretty upfront about their costs, but it’s important to know about all the different fees you might pay. This helps you understand the full Planet Fitness prices and plans.
The Monthly Payment
This is the main fee you pay regularly.
- Classic Monthly Fee: As mentioned, this is usually around $10 plus taxes. It’s a set amount that comes out of your bank account each month.
- Black Card Monthly Fee: This is usually around $24.99 plus taxes. Like the Classic fee, it’s a set amount billed monthly.
Both memberships require you to set up automatic payments from a bank account. They usually don’t let you pay with a credit card or cash each month. This is how they manage the regular Planet Fitness monthly fee payments easily.
The Initial Cost (Startup and Enrollment)
When you first join Planet Fitness, you usually have to pay a one-time fee to start your membership. This fee might be called a startup fee or an enrollment fee. Sometimes both terms are used for the same thing, or there might be a small difference depending on the club or promotion.
- Startup Fee: This is a fee paid when you first sign up. It can vary greatly depending on current promotions. Sometimes it’s $0, sometimes it’s $1, and sometimes it can be higher, like $29 or even more, especially if there isn’t a special offer running.
- Enrollment Fee: This is often another term for the startup fee. The Planet Fitness enrollment fee is a one-time charge to get your membership started.
Planet Fitness often runs promotions where they greatly reduce or even completely remove the startup or enrollment fee. These deals can make joining much cheaper upfront. It’s always a good idea to check their website or visit a club to see what the current offers are for the Planet Fitness startup fee.
The Yearly Expense (Annual Fee)
Besides the monthly fee, Planet Fitness also charges a yearly fee. This is a single charge that happens once every year.
- What it is: This fee helps the gym with things like maintaining the equipment, making repairs, and improving the facility.
- How much it is: The annual fee is typically about $49. It’s the same for both the Classic and the Black Card memberships.
- When it’s charged: This fee is usually charged once a year, often around October 1st, regardless of when you joined. So, if you join in March, you’ll still be charged the annual fee in October of the same year, and then every October after that.
It’s very important to remember this annual fee when you calculate the total cost of your membership over a year. It adds about $4 per month to your average cost, even though it’s paid as one lump sum. This is a key part of the Planet Fitness annual fee structure.
Other Possible Costs (Less Common)
While less common for most members, a few other costs could come up:
- Late Fees: If your monthly payment fails (for example, if there isn’t enough money in your bank account), Planet Fitness might charge a late fee.
- Cancellation Fees: Planet Fitness memberships are usually no-commitment. This means you can cancel at any time without a cancellation fee, as long as you follow the correct cancellation process and give enough notice (usually canceling before the 10th of the month to avoid being billed for the next month). If you don’t follow the rules, you might face issues, but they don’t typically have long-term contracts with penalties for ending early.
So, when asking how much is Planet Fitness membership, remember to think about the monthly fee, the one-time startup/enrollment fee when you join, and the yearly annual fee. These make up the main costs.
Weighing Your Options
Now that you know the different fees, how do you decide which Planet Fitness membership is right for you? It comes down to what you need and how you plan to use the gym. Looking at the Planet Fitness membership options side-by-side helps.
Classic vs. Black Card: Which is Right?
Let’s put the two main plans head-to-head.
| Feature | Classic Membership | Black Card Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | Around $10 | Around $24.99 |
| Startup Fee | Can vary ($0 – $29+ depending on offer) | Can vary ($0 – $29+ depending on offer) |
| Annual Fee | ~$49 (once a year) | ~$49 (once a year) |
| Access | Your Home Club Only | Any Planet Fitness Location Worldwide |
| Bring a Guest | No | Yes (one guest per visit, stays with you) |
| Use of Black Card Perks | No | Yes (Tanning, Massage Chairs, Hydro Massage) |
| Retail Discounts | No | Yes (20% off) |
| Drink Discounts | No | Yes |
This table makes the differences in the Planet Fitness prices and plans quite clear.
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Choose Classic If:
- You want the absolute lowest monthly cost.
- You only plan to work out at one specific Planet Fitness location.
- You don’t need or won’t use the extra perks like tanning or massage.
- You always work out alone.
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Choose Black Card If:
- You want the flexibility to visit any Planet Fitness location (useful if you travel for work or fun, or if there are multiple clubs convenient for you).
- You like to work out with a friend or family member often.
- You want to use the tanning beds, massage chairs, or hydro massage beds.
- You feel the extra $15 a month is worth it for these added benefits.
Think about your habits and needs. If you only go to the gym a couple of times a week at the same location and just use the cardio or weight machines, the Classic plan saves you money each month. But if you travel frequently, use the Black Card perks even once or twice a month, or bring a guest regularly, the Black Card often provides better value despite the higher Planet Fitness Black Card price.
Considering Value and Use
Beyond the simple cost difference, think about how much value you’ll get.
- How often will you go? Even the $10 Classic fee is only a good value if you actually go to the gym. If you go just twice a month, you’re paying $5 per visit (plus the annual fee portion). If you go 10 times a month, it’s only $1 per visit.
- Will you use the Black Card perks? Tanning, massage chairs, and hydro massage cost money elsewhere. If you would pay for these services anyway, the Black Card could save you money overall.
- Does the ability to use any location matter? If you travel even occasionally or have a Planet Fitness near work and one near home, the Black Card’s flexibility is a major plus.
- Bringing a guest: If you and a friend or partner both want to join, one person getting a Black Card and bringing the other could be cheaper than both getting Classic memberships, depending on how often you go together.
Look at the Planet Fitness membership cost in terms of how much you will use it. A higher monthly fee can be better value if it encourages you to go more often or use perks that improve your experience.
Finding the Best Deals
Planet Fitness is known for its low prices, but you can often find ways to make the initial joining cost even lower. They frequently have special offers. Knowing where to look for these deals on the Planet Fitness startup fee and enrollment fee can save you money upfront.
Watching for Promotions
Planet Fitness regularly runs promotions throughout the year.
- $0 Enrollment Fee: This is a common promotion, especially at certain times of the year (like New Year’s or back-to-school season). This means you skip the initial joining fee entirely.
- $1 Startup Fee: Another popular deal where the initial fee is just one dollar. This is a very low Planet Fitness enrollment fee to start your membership.
- Limited-Time Offers: Sometimes they might have special deals on the monthly rate for the first few months or package the startup/enrollment fee with other benefits.
These promotions primarily affect the upfront Planet Fitness startup fee or enrollment fee, not the monthly cost or the annual fee. But they can make it much easier and cheaper to start your membership. Keep an eye out for these if you’re not in a hurry to join.
Checking the Local Club
Gym prices can sometimes vary slightly from one location to another, even within the same franchise.
- Local Pricing: While national rates are usually similar, the exact Planet Fitness membership cost might differ by a dollar or two in some areas.
- Local Promotions: Individual clubs might run their own promotions alongside national ones. Visiting the club you plan to use most often is a good idea. You can ask about current deals in person.
Checking with your specific local club is the best way to get the exact, most up-to-date information on their Planet Fitness prices and plans, including any current specials on the Planet Fitness startup fee or enrollment fee.
Looking Online
The official Planet Fitness website is a great resource for finding out costs and promotions.
- Find Your Club: Use the website to find the specific club you’re interested in. The website will usually show the current pricing and promotions available for that location.
- Membership Page: The main membership page on the Planet Fitness website will detail the different Planet Fitness membership options (Classic and Black Card) and their standard features and prices.
- Deal Announcements: Special promotions on the Planet Fitness startup fee or enrollment fee are usually advertised prominently on the website.
Comparing information online and checking with your local club ensures you get the most accurate picture of the how much is Planet Fitness membership costs and any deals that can lower your initial expense.
The Process of Joining
Joining Planet Fitness is usually a simple process. You can sign up either online or by visiting the gym in person. Before you join, it helps to know what you’ll need.
What You Need
- Bank Account Information: Planet Fitness requires automatic monthly payments. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number for a checking account. They typically do not accept credit cards for the monthly fee, though you might use one for the initial startup/enrollment fee depending on the promotion.
- Identification: You’ll need a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license, to verify who you are.
- Payment for Initial Fees: Be prepared to pay the startup fee (or enrollment fee) and potentially the first month’s prorated fee when you sign up.
Signing Up (Online vs. In-Club)
You have two main ways to become a member.
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Signing Up Online:
- Pros: It’s convenient. You can do it anytime, anywhere. You can often see current promotions easily.
- Cons: You don’t get to see the gym beforehand. You can’t ask questions in person right away. Sometimes you still need to go to the club to finalize things like getting your picture taken for your membership record and getting your membership number.
- Process: Go to the Planet Fitness website, select your desired club, choose your membership type (Classic or Black Card), enter your details and payment information.
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Signing Up In-Club:
- Pros: You can tour the gym before joining to see the equipment and feel the vibe. Staff can answer all your questions about the Planet Fitness membership cost, the different Planet Fitness membership options, and any current promotions on the Planet Fitness startup fee or enrollment fee. They can guide you through the whole process.
- Cons: You have to make a trip to the gym during their staffed hours.
- Process: Visit the front desk. Tell them you want to join. A staff member will explain the options, show you around if you like, and help you fill out the paperwork and set up payment. You’ll get your membership details right away.
Both methods work. Signing up in person lets you experience the gym and ask questions directly, which can be helpful.
Handling Membership Details
Once you’re a member, you might have questions about payments, taking breaks, or leaving the gym. It’s good to know how Planet Fitness handles these things.
Managing Payments
Your monthly Planet Fitness monthly fee is taken out of your bank account automatically each month.
- Automatic Draft: The payment is typically drafted around the 17th of each month. It’s important to make sure the funds are available in your account on that date to avoid late fees.
- Updating Information: If your bank account information changes (for example, if you get a new account or card), you’ll need to update this information with Planet Fitness. You can usually do this by visiting your home club.
Understanding the billing cycle helps you manage your money and avoid problems.
Pausing Your Membership
Life happens, and sometimes you might need a break from the gym. You might wonder if you can pause, or freeze, your Planet Fitness membership.
- General Policy: Planet Fitness’s standard policy does not usually allow for temporary freezing of memberships for short periods, especially the lower-cost Classic membership.
- Medical Holds: In some cases, if you have a documented medical reason (like an injury that prevents you from working out), some clubs might allow a medical hold, but this is not guaranteed and requires proof.
- Alternative: For most situations where you need a break, the typical approach with a no-commitment membership is to cancel your membership and then rejoin when you are ready to start again. You would need to pay the startup/enrollment fee again when you rejoin, unless there is a promotion.
Because their memberships are low-cost and often no-commitment, pausing is not a standard feature like it might be at more expensive gyms.
Canceling Your Membership
Knowing how to cancel is important, even with a low-cost membership. Planet Fitness has specific rules for canceling. This is key to stopping the Planet Fitness monthly fee.
- How to Cancel: You cannot cancel your Planet Fitness membership over the phone or by email. You generally have two ways:
- In Person: Go to your home club and speak with the staff at the front desk. They have a cancellation form you need to fill out and sign. This is the most common and recommended way.
- Certified Letter: You can send a certified letter to your home club requesting cancellation. This method gives you proof that you sent the request. Include your membership information in the letter.
- Notice Period: You usually need to cancel by the 10th of the month to avoid being billed for the next month. For example, if you want your membership to end and not be charged on the 17th of May, you need to cancel by April 10th. If you cancel after April 10th, you will still be charged on May 17th, and your membership will be active until mid-June.
- Avoiding Fees: Since Planet Fitness memberships are typically no-commitment, you won’t pay a cancellation fee if you follow the correct procedure and give enough notice. The key is meeting the deadline before the next billing cycle starts.
Understanding the cancellation process is vital. Don’t just stop the bank payment, as this can lead to late fees and other issues. Follow their specific steps to cancel your Planet Fitness membership properly.
Common Questions Answered
Here are some common questions people ask about the Planet Fitness membership cost and rules.
Is there a contract?
Planet Fitness memberships are typically “no-commitment.” This means you don’t sign a long-term contract that locks you in for a year or more with a penalty for leaving early. You pay month-to-month. However, you do agree to their terms, which include paying the annual fee and following the cancellation procedure (canceling by the 10th of the month at your home club or by certified mail). So, while not a long contract, there are rules you agree to.
Can I use any Planet Fitness location with the Classic membership?
No, the Classic membership only lets you use the specific Planet Fitness gym where you originally signed up. This is your “home club.” To use any location, you need the Black Card membership.
How do I cancel?
You must cancel in person at your home club or by sending a certified letter to your home club. You cannot cancel online, by phone, or by email. Make sure you cancel by the 10th of the month to avoid being charged for the next billing cycle.
What is the annual fee for?
The annual fee, typically around $49, is charged once a year (usually October 1st). It helps Planet Fitness cover costs like maintaining equipment, making repairs, and upgrading the facilities. It’s the same fee for both Classic and Black Card members.
Can I bring a different guest each time with the Black Card?
Yes, with the Black Card membership, you can bring one guest with you per visit. It can be a different guest each time. Your guest just needs to stay with you during the workout, and they might need to show ID and sign in.
Deciphering the Total Cost
In sum, the Planet Fitness monthly fee is very low, starting at about $10 for the Classic plan and around $24.99 for the Black Card. But remember there are other costs too. You’ll likely pay a startup or enrollment fee when you first join (though promotions often make this $0 or $1). And there’s a yearly annual fee, about $49, which everyone pays regardless of their plan.
To figure out your true average monthly cost over a year, you can add the yearly fees to the monthly fees and divide by 12.
- Classic: ([$10/month * 12 months] + ~$49 annual fee + ~$0-29+ startup fee) / 12 months
- Example with $1 startup fee: ($120 + $49 + $1) / 12 = $170 / 12 = ~$14.17 per month on average for the first year. It’s about $14.08 per month in following years (just monthly + annual).
- Black Card: ([$24.99/month * 12 months] + ~$49 annual fee + ~$0-29+ startup fee) / 12 months
- Example with $1 startup fee: ($299.88 + $49 + $1) / 12 = $349.88 / 12 = ~$29.16 per month on average for the first year. It’s about $29.07 per month in following years.
These calculations show the actual average cost is a bit higher than just the monthly fee advertised, especially when you include the annual fee. But even with these fees, Planet Fitness remains one of the most budget-friendly gyms around.
When considering Planet Fitness prices and plans, look at the total cost, including the Planet Fitness startup fee, Planet Fitness enrollment fee, Planet Fitness annual fee, and the monthly charges for the Classic or Black Card membership. Compare the Planet Fitness classic membership cost versus the Planet Fitness Black Card price based on the features you need. Checking for promotions on the Planet Fitness startup fee or enrollment fee can also lower your initial out-of-pocket expense.
Ultimately, the cost of a Planet Fitness membership is designed to be affordable and straightforward, making fitness accessible for many people. Just be sure to understand all the parts of the Planet Fitness membership cost before you sign up. Visiting your local club is the best way to get the exact numbers for your area and see if any special deals are running.