Can you cancel your Planet Fitness membership easily? Yes, you can end your membership, but you must follow specific steps set by Planet Fitness. Is there a fee? Sometimes, a cancellation fee applies, especially if you cancel before your contract term ends. You usually need to give a Planet Fitness 30 day notice before your next billing date. You cannot simply cancel online or by calling the general Planet Fitness customer service phone number for most cases; you usually need to go in person or send a certified letter.
Image Source: i.redd.it
Grasping the Planet Fitness Cancellation Policy
You joined Planet Fitness. Great! But maybe things change. Now you want to leave. How do you do it? Planet Fitness has rules about this. These rules make up their cancellation policy. You need to know these rules to cancel your membership right.
The rules are not the same for everyone. It depends on your membership type. It also depends on when you joined. And it depends on your home club’s specific rules.
Most of the time, you cannot just click a button online. You cannot usually cancel by phone either. This can feel tricky. But knowing the steps makes it easier.
Figuring Out Your Membership Type
Planet Fitness has different memberships. The two main kinds are the Classic membership and the Black Card membership. How you cancel can be a bit different.
- Classic Membership: This is the basic plan. It might be a yearly contract. Or it might be month-to-month. A contract means you agree to stay for a year. If you leave early, you might pay a fee.
- Black Card Membership: This costs more. It lets you use any Planet Fitness club. It often comes with a yearly commitment too. Cancelling a Planet Fitness Black Card works much like cancelling a Classic membership. But you still need to follow the same steps.
Check your contract. It tells you what type of membership you have. It also tells you if you have a yearly commitment. This is very important for cancelling without extra fees.
The Notice Period: Planet Fitness 30 Day Notice
Most Planet Fitness memberships need a 30-day notice to cancel. What does this mean? It means you must tell them you want to cancel at least 30 days before your next billing date.
Why 30 days? This gives them time to stop your payments. If you tell them less than 30 days before your bill is due, you might get charged for one more month.
For example:
* Your bill is always on the 10th of the month.
* You want to stop being a member in July.
* You must cancel on or before June 9th.
* If you cancel on June 15th, which is less than 30 days before July 10th, you will likely be billed on July 10th. Your membership would then end before the August bill.
Timing is key. Plan ahead to avoid paying for another month you don’t want.
Deciding on the Cancellation Method
Planet Fitness gives you two main ways to cancel:
1. Cancel in person at your home club.
2. Cancel by sending a letter through the mail.
Some people find going in person easier. You can talk to someone. You get confirmation right away. Others prefer sending a letter. This gives you a written record.
Let’s look at each way.
How to Cancel Planet Fitness In Person
Going to your home club is a common way to cancel. It is often seen as the easiest way.
Your “home club” is the gym where you first signed up. You must go to that specific club. You cannot just walk into any Planet Fitness.
Here are the steps:
h4 Getting Ready to Go
- Know your membership details: Have your membership number ready. Know your billing date.
- Check your contract: Find out if you are still in a contract period. This helps you know if a fee might apply.
- Timing: Remember the Planet Fitness 30 day notice. Go to the club at least 30 days before your next bill. Try to go during less busy hours. Mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays might be best.
h4 What to Do at the Club
- Find a manager or staff member: Tell them you want to cancel your membership.
- Ask for the form: You will need a Planet Fitness cancellation form. This is a special paper you fill out. It officially starts the cancellation process.
- Fill out the form: Write down all the needed information. Your name, membership number, contact info. Make sure it’s correct.
- Give a reason (optional): They might ask why you are leaving. You can give a simple reason. You don’t have to give a long story.
- Ask for confirmation: This is very important! Ask for a copy of the signed cancellation form. Or get a written note showing the date you cancelled. This is your proof. Keep it safe.
h5 Why In Person Might Be Good
- You get help if you have questions.
- You can fix any issues right there.
- You walk out with proof of your cancellation.
h5 What to Watch Out For
- You must go to your home club. This can be hard if you moved far away.
- Staff might try to get you to stay. Just be firm and polite.
- Make sure they give you written proof. Don’t leave without it.
Remember to keep that copy of the Planet Fitness cancellation form. It is your proof if there are problems later.
Cancelling Planet Fitness by Mail
If you cannot go to your home club, sending a letter is the other main option. This is often needed if you moved far away.
You need to send a formal letter. This letter must be sent by certified mail.
h4 What is Certified Mail?
Certified mail is a special service from the post office. When you send a letter this way, the post office tracks it. The person who gets the letter must sign for it. You get a receipt showing they received it. This is proof that Planet Fitness got your request.
Why is this important? It protects you. If Planet Fitness says they never got your letter, you have the signed receipt as proof. This Planet Fitness certified letter is your official record.
h4 Writing Your Cancellation Letter
Your letter needs specific information. Write it clearly and keep it simple.
Here is what your letter should include:
- Your Full Name: The name on your membership.
- Your Membership Number: Find this on your key tag or contract.
- Your Address: The address linked to your account.
- Your Phone Number: A way for them to contact you if needed.
- Your Email Address: Another way to contact you.
- A clear statement: Say you want to cancel your membership. State the effective date (remembering the 30-day notice).
- The Name and Address of Your Home Club: This is where you send the letter.
h5 Example Letter Outline
[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] Planet Fitness [Name of Your Home Club] [Address of Your Home Club] Subject: Membership Cancellation Request – [Your Membership Number] Dear Planet Fitness, I am writing to request the cancellation of my Planet Fitness membership, account number [Your Membership Number]. According to the Planet Fitness cancellation policy, I am providing more than 30 days notice before my next billing date. My last expected billing date should be [Your next billing date or date 30+ days after letter sent]. I request that my membership be cancelled effectively after this date. I understand that I may need to pay a cancellation fee if applicable based on my contract terms. Please inform me if any fees are due. Please process this request and send me written confirmation of my membership cancellation to the address or email listed above. Sincerely, [Your Signature (if printing)] [Your Typed Full Name]
h4 Sending the Letter
- Print and sign the letter: Make a copy for yourself.
- Go to the post office: Ask to send the letter by certified mail with return receipt requested.
- Keep the receipt: The post office will give you a tracking number and receipt. Keep this safe.
- Wait for the return receipt: The green card (return receipt) will be mailed back to you after someone at Planet Fitness signs for the letter. This green card is your proof of delivery.
h5 Why Sending Mail Might Be Good
- You don’t have to visit the club.
- You get official proof they received your request (the certified mail receipt).
- It’s a clear, written record.
h5 What to Watch Out For
- It takes time. Mail takes days. Processing takes more days.
- You must send it to the correct address for your home club. Find this address online or call your club.
- Make sure you send it certified mail with return receipt. Regular mail is not enough proof.
- Remember the 30 day notice period starts when they receive the letter, not when you mail it.
Potential Costs: The Planet Fitness Cancellation Fee
Will you have to pay money to cancel? Maybe. It depends on your contract.
- Yearly Contract: If you signed a contract for a year, you agreed to be a member for 12 months. If you cancel before the 12 months are up, you might pay an early cancellation fee. This fee is often around $58, but it can differ. Check your contract for the exact amount.
- Month-to-Month: If you are on a month-to-month plan, you usually do not pay an early cancellation fee. You just need to give the required 30 day notice.
- Yearly Fee: Be careful about the yearly fee. Planet Fitness charges this fee once a year, usually in the spring (often around May-July). If you cancel close to when this fee is due, you might be charged the full yearly fee plus any cancellation fee, depending on the timing and policy. Cancel well before your yearly fee date if possible.
Read your membership agreement carefully. It explains any fees you might owe.
What Doesn’t Usually Work for Cancelling
Many people ask if they can cancel other ways.
* Online: Can I cancel my Planet Fitness membership online? No, usually not. The website does not have a cancellation option for most members.
* Phone: Can I call the Planet Fitness customer service phone number to cancel? No, the general customer service number is for questions, not cancelling. You need to go to your home club or send a certified letter.
* Email: Can I email my home club? No, email is usually not accepted as a formal cancellation method.
* Just stopping payments: If you stop paying your monthly fee, your membership will not be cancelled. Instead, your account will become overdue. Planet Fitness might send your account to a collections agency. This can hurt your credit score. Do not just stop paying. Follow the proper cancellation steps.
Another Option: Planet Fitness Membership Freeze
Instead of cancelling completely, you might want to pause your membership. This is called a membership freeze.
Can you freeze your membership? Yes, Planet Fitness allows this.
- Why freeze? Maybe you are sick, traveling, or have a short-term issue. Freezing lets you stop payments and stop using the gym for a while.
- How long? You can usually freeze for up to 3 months.
- Is there a cost? Sometimes there is a small fee to freeze. Check with your club.
- How to freeze? You usually need to go to your home club in person to request a freeze. They might need a doctor’s note if it’s for health reasons.
- Does it stop fees? Freezing stops your monthly payments. However, if the annual fee is due during your freeze period, you might still be charged that annual fee.
Freezing is a good choice if you plan to come back. It saves you from the cancellation steps and maybe an early cancellation fee. But remember, it’s not permanent like cancelling.
Summarizing the Cancellation Ways
Here is a quick look at how to cancel:
| Method | Where to Go/Send To | What You Need | Required Steps | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Your Home Planet Fitness Club | Membership number, ID | Talk to staff, fill out Planet Fitness cancellation form | Copy of signed form or written confirmation |
| By Mail | Your Home Planet Fitness Club Address | Membership number, Letter drafted | Write letter, send via Planet Fitness certified letter | Certified mail receipt, Return receipt card |
Remember the Planet Fitness 30 day notice applies to both methods. Send the letter early or go to the club early based on your billing date.
Tips for a Smooth Cancellation
- Know your contract: Read it before you try to cancel. Know your term length, billing date, and any fees.
- Go to your home club: This is key for in-person cancellation.
- Send certified mail: If mailing, this is your proof. Get the return receipt.
- Get proof of cancellation: Do not leave the club without a signed form copy. Do not consider the mail process done until you have the return receipt.
- Check your bank statements: After you cancel, watch your bank account. Make sure they stop charging you. If they charge you after the cancellation date, you have proof to dispute it.
- Be polite but firm: Staff might try to keep you as a member. That’s their job. Politely say you wish to cancel.
- Plan around the annual fee: If your annual fee is coming up, cancel well before it’s charged. This means giving your 30 day notice before the annual fee date.
Comprehending Common Issues
Sometimes cancelling is not smooth. Here are issues you might face:
- Being Charged After Cancelling: This happens if the 30 day notice was not met before the billing date. Or sometimes errors happen. If you have your proof (signed form or certified mail receipt), contact the club first. Show them your proof. If that doesn’t work, contact Planet Fitness corporate. If needed, dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company, providing your cancellation proof.
- Home Club Location: If you moved, going to the home club is hard. That is why the certified mail option exists. Make sure you mail it to the right club address.
- Disputed Receipt of Mail: This is why certified mail with return receipt is vital. If they say they didn’t get it, you have the signed green card saying they did.
- Being Told You Can’t Cancel: This should not happen if you follow the policy. Be sure you are talking to a manager. Show them you know the Planet Fitness cancellation policy allows for cancelling.
- High Cancellation Fee: If you are in contract, the fee is in your agreement. You agreed to it when you signed up. Sometimes, in special cases (like a documented move very far away or serious illness), a club manager might work with you. But don’t expect this. The contract rules usually apply.
Deciphering the Contract Details
Your contract is the most important document. When you joined, you signed it. It has all the rules for your membership.
It tells you:
* Your membership type (Classic, Black Card).
* If you have a yearly commitment.
* How long the yearly commitment is (usually 12 months).
* Any early cancellation fee amount.
* Your monthly billing date.
* The date the annual fee is charged and the amount.
* The requirements for cancelling (30 day notice, in-person or mail).
If you can find your copy, read it carefully before trying to cancel. If you don’t have it, ask your home club for a copy.
Wrapping Up the Cancellation Process
Cancelling a Planet Fitness membership takes specific steps. You cannot do it online or with a simple phone call. You must either visit your home club or send a certified letter.
Always remember the Planet Fitness 30 day notice requirement. This prevents extra charges.
Be prepared for a Planet Fitness cancellation fee if you are still in your first year contract.
Get proof when you cancel. A signed Planet Fitness cancellation form copy from the club or the return receipt from your Planet Fitness certified letter is your evidence.
Know the Planet Fitness cancellation policy. It guides you through the process.
If you just need a break, ask about a Planet Fitness membership freeze instead of cancelling.
By following these steps carefully, you can successfully end your Planet Fitness membership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4 Can I cancel my Planet Fitness membership online?
No, you usually cannot cancel online through the Planet Fitness website or app. You must cancel in person at your home club or send a certified letter.
h4 What is the Planet Fitness 30 day notice?
You must give Planet Fitness at least 30 days notice before your next billing date to cancel your membership without being charged for the next month.
h4 Is there a Planet Fitness cancellation fee?
There might be a cancellation fee if you cancel while you are still in your yearly contract period. This fee is often around $58 but check your specific contract. There is usually no fee if you are past your contract term or on a month-to-month plan, as long as you give the 30-day notice.
h4 How to cancel Planet Fitness in person?
Go to your home Planet Fitness club. Talk to a manager or staff member. Fill out the Planet Fitness cancellation form. Ask for a copy of the signed form as proof.
h4 How to cancel Planet Fitness by mail?
Write a letter stating your name, membership number, address, and request to cancel. Send this letter via certified mail with return receipt requested to the address of your home Planet Fitness club. The certified mail receipt and the signed return receipt are your proof.
h4 What is a Planet Fitness certified letter?
A Planet Fitness certified letter is a letter sent through the postal service that is tracked and requires a signature upon delivery. It provides proof that your cancellation request was delivered to Planet Fitness. This is the required way to cancel by mail.
h4 Can I use the Planet Fitness customer service phone number to cancel?
No, the general Planet Fitness customer service phone number is for questions. You cannot cancel your membership by calling this number.
h4 What is the Planet Fitness cancellation policy?
The policy requires you to cancel either in person at your home club using their form or by sending a certified letter to your home club. It also requires a 30 day notice before your next billing date and may involve an early cancellation fee if you are in a contract term.
h4 Can I cancel Planet Fitness Black Card membership differently?
No, cancelling a Planet Fitness Black Card membership follows the same process as cancelling a Classic membership. You still need to cancel in person at your home club or send a certified letter, following the 30-day notice rule.
h4 What happens if I just stop paying my monthly fee?
Do not just stop paying. If you stop payments, your account will become overdue. Planet Fitness can send your account to collections, which can harm your credit score. Follow the proper cancellation steps instead.
h4 Can I pause my membership instead of cancelling?
Yes, you can usually put your membership on hold or ‘freeze’ it for up to 3 months. Ask your home club about the Planet Fitness membership freeze option if you plan to return.
h4 What proof of cancellation should I keep?
If cancelling in person, keep a copy of the signed Planet Fitness cancellation form. If cancelling by mail, keep the certified mail receipt and the signed return receipt card from the post office.
h4 What if I moved and my home club is far away?
In this case, the required method is typically to cancel Planet Fitness by mail using a Planet Fitness certified letter sent to your original home club’s address.
h4 Will I be charged the annual fee if I cancel?
If your annual fee is scheduled to be charged within 30 days of when you cancel, you might still be billed for it, depending on the exact timing and your contract. To avoid this, make sure your cancellation notice is given well over 30 days before both your monthly billing date and your annual fee date.
h4 My club is closed or moved. How do I cancel?
Contact Planet Fitness corporate customer service for guidance. They should provide instructions based on your club’s situation. You might still need to send a certified letter to a specific address they provide.
h4 How long does it take for the cancellation to process?
Once they receive your cancellation request (either the form in person or the certified letter), they need time to process it. This process takes a few days, but the effective date of cancellation is tied to when you gave the 30-day notice before your billing cycle. Make sure to monitor your bank statement after.
h4 Why is it so hard to cancel?
Planet Fitness’s policy requires in-person or certified mail cancellation to ensure requests are formal and verified. While it might seem inconvenient compared to online options, these methods provide a clear record of your intent to cancel.