Ready to cancel your Planet Fitness membership? This guide helps you do it. You usually have two main ways to cancel: go to your home gym in person or send a letter by certified mail. There is often a fee to cancel early, but if your contract is over or you have a good reason (like moving far away), you might not pay it. Knowing the Planet Fitness cancellation policy helps you avoid extra charges, like the annual fee. You generally cannot Cancel Planet Fitness online.
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Comprehending the Rules Before You Cancel
Before you stop your membership, it helps to know the rules. Planet Fitness has a policy for canceling. This policy tells you how to cancel and if you will pay a fee.
Most memberships require you to go to the gym to cancel. Some let you mail a letter. Checking your contract is a good first step. It tells you the exact rules for your membership.
Why is this important? Because if you don’t follow the rules, they might still charge you. You could get hit with a Cancel Planet Fitness membership fee you didn’t expect. You might also get charged the annual fee if you miss the cutoff date.
Grasping the Membership Types
Planet Fitness has different memberships. The two main ones are the Classic and the Black Card.
- Classic Membership: This is the basic one. You use just one gym.
- Black Card Membership: This costs more. You can use any Planet Fitness. You can bring a guest. You get other perks too.
If you have a Planet Fitness Black Card, the rules for canceling are usually the same. You still follow the same steps. Just make sure you clearly state you want to cancel the Black Card membership.
Fathoming the Cancellation Methods
Planet Fitness gives you two main ways to cancel. You can go to your home gym. Or you can send a letter.
Let’s look at each way. We will explain the steps. We will also tell you what you need to do it right.
Canceling In Person
Going to the gym yourself is often the easiest way to cancel. You can talk to someone. You can fill out the paperwork right there. This way, you know it is done.
Here are the steps to cancel in person:
Hitting Your Home Gym
You must go to the Planet Fitness location where you first joined. This is called your “home gym.” You cannot cancel at a different Planet Fitness, even with a Black Card.
Go during staff hours. Don’t go when it’s just key-card entry. You need to talk to the people who work there. Call ahead or check online for their staff hours.
Talking to the Staff
When you get there, tell the person at the front desk you want to cancel your membership. They will likely ask for your member information. Have your member number ready. You can usually find this on your key tag or in the Planet Fitness app.
They will get the right person to help you. This might be the manager or another staff member trained to handle cancellations.
Filling Out the Planet Fitness Cancellation Form
Planet Fitness uses a special form to cancel. You will need to fill out this Planet Fitness cancellation form. It asks for your name, member number, and reason for leaving.
Read the form carefully before you sign it. Make sure all your information is correct. Ask questions if you don’t understand something on the form.
Why is the form important? It is the official paper that says you want to stop your membership. Planet Fitness uses this form to process your request. Without it, they might not cancel your account.
Getting Proof You Canceled
This is a very important step. After you fill out the form, ask for a copy. They should give you a copy of the signed form. This copy is your proof. It shows that you went to the gym and asked to cancel on a certain date.
If they cannot give you a copy right away, ask when you can get one. Maybe they can email it to you. Make sure you get some kind of paper or digital proof.
Keep this proof safe. You might need it later if there are problems. For example, if they keep charging you, this paper shows you tried to cancel.
Checking Your Bank Account
After you cancel in person, watch your bank account. Check your statements for the next month or two. Make sure Planet Fitness stops charging you.
Look for the monthly fee. Also, look for the annual fee if it was coming up. If you see charges after you canceled, use your proof to fight them.
Canceling Planet Fitness in person gives you the chance to handle everything at once. You get the form, fill it out, and get proof. This makes it a strong way to cancel.
Canceling By Mail
If you cannot go to the gym, you can send a letter. This letter must be sent by certified mail. This is also a safe way to cancel.
Here are the steps to cancel by mail:
Learning the Planet Fitness Cancellation Address
You need the right address. You must send the letter to your home gym’s address. Do not send it to their main company office.
Find the address for your specific Planet Fitness location. You can usually find this on their website or by calling the gym. Make sure it is the correct and full address.
Why is the address key? Sending the letter to the wrong place means they won’t get it. Your membership won’t be canceled.
How to Write a Planet Fitness Cancellation Letter
Writing the letter is not hard. It needs to have key information. Keep it simple and clear.
Here is what your letter should include:
- Your Full Name: Write your first and last name. Make sure it matches the name on your membership.
- Your Member Number: This number helps them find your account fast. Put it in the letter.
- Your Address and Phone Number: Include your contact information.
- A Clear Statement: Say clearly that you want to cancel your membership. For example, “I am writing to cancel my Planet Fitness membership.”
- Membership Type: Say if you have the Classic or Black Card membership. If you want to Cancel Planet Fitness Black Card, state this clearly.
- The Effective Date: Say when you want the cancellation to take place. Usually, this is after your next billing date. You should send the letter with enough time for them to get it before the next bill.
- Your Signature: Sign the letter at the bottom.
Here is a simple example of what your letter could look like:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address (Optional)]
[Your Planet Fitness Member Number]
[Date]
Planet Fitness
[Your Home Gym’s Full Address]
Subject: Cancellation of Membership
Dear Planet Fitness,
I am writing to cancel my membership, account number [Your Member Number].
My name is [Your Name]. I am canceling my [Classic or Black Card] membership.
I would like my membership to be canceled on [Date, e.g., the end of my current billing cycle].
Please send me written proof that my membership has been canceled.
Thank you for your time and help.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Keep a copy of this letter for your records.
Using Certified Mail
This is the most important part of canceling by mail. You must send the letter using certified mail with return receipt requested.
Go to the post office. Tell them you want to send the letter by certified mail with return receipt. They will give you green and white forms.
Fill out the forms. One part goes on the envelope. One part you keep. The return receipt is a small green card. When Planet Fitness gets your letter, someone there signs this green card. The post office then mails the signed green card back to you.
This signed green card is your proof. It shows that Planet Fitness got your cancellation letter. It also shows the date they got it. This proof is very strong if there are problems later.
The post office clerk will stamp your copy of the certified mail form. Keep this copy. It has a tracking number. You can use the tracking number online to see when the letter was delivered.
Giving Enough Time
Mail takes a few days to arrive. Planet Fitness also needs time to process your request. Send your letter well before your next billing date.
Most gyms require you to cancel a certain number of days before the next bill. This is part of the Planet Fitness cancellation policy. Check your contract. It is often 7 days, but it could be more. Sending it 10-14 days before your bill is a good idea.
Checking Your Bank Account (Again)
Just like with in-person cancellation, check your bank statements. Make sure the monthly fees stop. Watch out for the annual fee date too. Use your certified mail receipt and the return receipt as proof if needed.
Canceling by mail takes more steps, but it is a good option if you can’t go to the gym. The certified mail makes sure you have proof they got your request.
Why You Generally Cannot Cancel Planet Fitness Online
Many people want to Cancel Planet Fitness online. It would be easy, right? You could just click a button.
But Planet Fitness usually does not let you cancel online. They do not have a way to Cancel Planet Fitness online through their website or app.
Why? Gyms often make cancellation a bit harder. They want to keep you as a member. Requiring you to come in or send a certified letter makes you take extra steps. It also gives them a chance to talk to you. Maybe they can offer you a deal to stay.
So, do not waste time looking for a way to Cancel Planet Fitness online. Focus on the in-person or certified mail methods.
Handling Fees When You Cancel
Fees are a big reason people worry about canceling. You want to avoid paying extra money you don’t owe.
There are two main fees to watch out for: the monthly fee and the annual fee. There might also be a fee if you cancel early.
The Monthly Fee
This is the fee you pay every month for your membership. To stop paying this, you must cancel before the billing date.
As mentioned, check your contract or ask the gym how many days before the billing date you need to cancel. If your bill is on the 15th of the month, and they need 7 days’ notice, you must cancel by the 8th. If you cancel after the cutoff date, they will charge you for the next month. This is normal. Your cancellation will then take effect after that next billing cycle ends.
The Annual Fee
Planet Fitness charges an annual fee once a year. This fee is often about $40. It helps cover gym upkeep and other costs.
This fee is set to happen on a specific date each year. You must cancel before this date to avoid being charged the Planet Fitness annual fee.
Check your contract or ask the gym when your annual fee date is. Mark it on your calendar. If you plan to cancel, make sure you do it well before this date, following the notice period rules.
For example, if your annual fee is charged on June 1st, and the gym needs 7 days’ notice, you must cancel by May 25th (or earlier to be safe). If you cancel on May 26th, they will charge you the annual fee on June 1st. You will then have to pay the annual fee, even if you cancel shortly after. This is part of the Planet Fitness annual fee cancellation timing you need to watch.
Avoiding the annual fee is a key part of avoiding fees when you leave. Plan your cancellation date carefully.
Early Cancellation Fee
Some Planet Fitness memberships have a contract for a certain time, like one year. If you cancel before this time is up, you might have to pay an early cancellation fee.
This fee is also called a buyout fee. The cost varies. It could be $50, $100, or more. Your contract will tell you if you have an early cancellation fee and how much it is.
If you are past your contract term (for example, you joined on a 1-year deal, and it’s now been 18 months), you usually do not pay an early cancellation fee.
Check your contract first to see if this fee applies to you. If you have to pay it, weigh the cost against the remaining monthly fees. Sometimes paying the early fee is cheaper than paying for several more months you won’t use.
Waiving the Early Fee
Can you get out of the early cancellation fee? Sometimes. The Planet Fitness cancellation policy might allow this under certain life events.
Moving far away is a common reason. If you move more than a certain number of miles from any Planet Fitness location, they might let you cancel without the fee. You often need to provide proof, like a copy of your new lease or utility bill with your new address.
Getting a serious injury or illness that prevents you from using the gym might also be a reason. You would likely need a doctor’s note.
These reasons depend on your specific contract and state laws. Ask the gym staff about these options if they apply to you. Be ready to provide proof.
Considering a Membership Freeze
What if you don’t want to cancel forever? What if you just need a break? Planet Fitness offers a membership freeze option.
A membership freeze means you pause your membership. You stop paying for a while. You cannot use the gym during this time.
How the Planet Fitness Membership Freeze Works
You can usually freeze your membership for a set period, like 3 to 6 months. You might be able to do this once per year.
To freeze your membership, you usually have to go to the gym. You fill out a form. There might be a small fee to freeze your account, or it might be free depending on your membership and gym.
Freezing stops the monthly payments. It can also push back your annual fee date. For example, if your annual fee is in June and you freeze in May for 3 months, the fee might be charged in September instead.
Is a Freeze Right For You?
A membership freeze is a good choice if:
- You are traveling for an extended time.
- You have a temporary injury.
- You need a short break for financial reasons.
- You plan to come back to the gym within a few months.
It saves you the trouble of canceling and then rejoining later. Rejoining might mean paying a new sign-up fee.
However, if you know you won’t use the gym for a long time or ever again, canceling is the better choice. A freeze is just a pause, not an end. After the freeze time is up, your payments start again automatically.
Ask your home gym about their specific Planet Fitness membership freeze rules. They can tell you how long you can freeze, if there is a fee, and how it affects your annual fee date.
Comparing Cancellation Methods
Let’s look at the two main ways to cancel side-by-side. This can help you pick the best way for you.
Feature | Canceling In Person | Canceling By Mail |
---|---|---|
Where to Go | Your home gym location | Post office |
What You Need | Member number, ID, perhaps proof of move/injury | Member number, letter, certified mail forms |
Getting Proof | Get a copy of the signed cancellation form | Get certified mail receipt & return receipt |
Speed | Can be done quickly if staff is ready | Takes a few days for mail delivery and processing |
Talking to Staff | Yes, directly | No direct talk, only through writing |
Handling Issues | Can ask questions right away | Must call or wait for a response |
Convenience | May require a trip to the gym | Can prepare letter at home, but must go to post office |
Typical Cost | Free (besides potential cancellation fee) | Cost of certified mail ($4-$8+) |
As you can see, both methods work. Going in person is often faster and lets you get answers right away. Sending certified mail provides strong proof if you can’t get to the gym.
Tips for a Smooth Cancellation
No one wants problems when they cancel a service. Here are some tips to make leaving Planet Fitness easier:
- Read Your Contract: Know the rules, especially about the notice period and annual fee date. Know if you have an early cancellation fee.
- Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute. Start the process well before your next billing date or annual fee date.
- Choose Your Method: Pick the way that works best for you – in person or certified mail.
- Gather Information: Have your member number ready.
- Be Clear: State clearly that you want to cancel your membership. Use the Planet Fitness cancellation form or write a clear letter.
- Get Proof: This is key. Get a copy of the form or your certified mail receipts.
- Keep Records: Save the letter copy, the form copy, and the mail receipts. Keep them in a safe place.
- Watch Your Bank: Check your bank statements after canceling. Make sure the charges stop.
- Be Polite: The staff at the gym are just doing their job. Being polite can help the process go smoothly.
- Follow Up: If you don’t get confirmation after a reasonable time (like a week or two), call the gym. Use your proof (form copy or tracking number) when you call.
What to Do If There Are Problems
Sometimes, even if you follow all the steps, things go wrong. Planet Fitness might keep charging you.
If this happens, stay calm. You have your proof.
Step 1: Contact the Gym
Call your home gym first. Explain that you canceled on [Date] using [Method – in person or mail]. Give them your member number. Tell them you have proof (a copy of the form or certified mail receipt). Ask them why you were charged and ask for a refund.
Step 2: Escalate If Needed
If the local gym does not help, you might need to contact Planet Fitness corporate. Your contract or their website might have contact information. Explain your situation again, providing all details and stating you have proof.
Step 3: Dispute the Charge
If the gym or corporate does not fix it, contact your bank or credit card company. Tell them Planet Fitness is charging you wrongly. Provide them with your proof of cancellation. They can often help you get the money back through a chargeback process.
Using certified mail or getting a copy of the form is what protects you here. Without that proof, it is much harder to show you followed the rules.
Grasping the Final Steps
Once you have canceled and confirmed that the charges have stopped, you are done. You have successfully ended your Planet Fitness membership. You avoided unwanted fees by knowing the rules and following the process.
Remember that the Planet Fitness cancellation policy requires you to be active in the process. You cannot just stop going. You cannot just stop paying (that hurts your credit). You have to use their specific methods: go in person or send certified mail to the correct Planet Fitness cancellation address.
If you had a Black Card, remember that canceling it ends your access to multiple gyms and guest privileges. If you only wanted to use just one gym, sometimes you can downgrade your membership instead of canceling completely, but this is not always an option and does not stop the annual fee. Cancellation is the only way to truly stop all fees (except potentially an early cancellation fee).
The steps are clear: check your contract, pick your method (in person or certified mail), get your documents ready, follow the steps carefully, get proof, and check your bank account. Doing these things will help you Avoid Fees: How To Cancel Planet Fitness Membership without trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Cancel Planet Fitness Online?
No, generally you cannot Cancel Planet Fitness online. They usually require you to cancel in person at your home gym or by sending a letter via certified mail.
Do I Have to Pay a Fee to Cancel Planet Fitness?
Maybe. It depends on your contract. If you are still in your first year of a term agreement, you might pay an early cancellation fee. If you are past your contract term, you usually do not pay an early fee. However, you must still cancel before your next billing date and annual fee date to avoid those charges.
How Do I Avoid the Planet Fitness Annual Fee When Canceling?
You must cancel your membership before the date the annual fee is scheduled to be charged. Check your contract or ask the gym for this date. Make sure you cancel according to their required notice period (e.g., 7 days before the billing/annual fee date). Send your certified mail letter or go in person with enough time.
How Do I Write a Planet Fitness Cancellation Letter?
Your letter should include your full name, member number, address, phone number, a clear statement that you want to cancel, the type of membership (Classic or Black Card), and the date you want the cancellation to be effective. Sign and date the letter. Send it by certified mail with return receipt to your home gym’s address.
Where Do I Send My Cancellation Letter?
Send your certified mail cancellation letter to the Planet Fitness cancellation address of your home gym. This is the location where you first joined. Do not send it to a different gym or their main corporate office.
What is a Planet Fitness Membership Freeze?
A Planet Fitness membership freeze lets you temporarily pause your membership payments and access. You can usually freeze for a few months. It is good if you need a short break but plan to return. You typically do this in person at the gym. Payments start again automatically after the freeze ends.
How Do I Cancel Planet Fitness Black Card?
You cancel a Planet Fitness Black Card the same way you cancel a Classic membership: in person at your home gym or by certified mail. Make sure you state clearly in the form or letter that you are canceling your Black Card membership.
What is the Planet Fitness Cancellation Form?
The Planet Fitness cancellation form is the paper document you fill out at the gym when you cancel in person. It records your information and request to cancel. Ask for a copy after you fill and sign it.
What is the Planet Fitness Cancellation Policy?
The Planet Fitness cancellation policy sets the rules for ending your membership. It includes how you must cancel (in person or certified mail), how much notice you need to give before billing dates (often 7 days), and rules about early cancellation fees and membership freezes. Your specific contract has the details for your membership.
What Proof Do I Need That I Canceled?
If you cancel in person, get a signed copy of the Planet Fitness cancellation form. If you cancel by mail, get the certified mail receipt from the post office and wait for the green certified mail return receipt card to be mailed back to you after the gym receives your letter. Keep these documents safe.