Planet Fitness is known for its affordable memberships and “judgment-free” gym environment. However, there may come a time when you want to cancel your membership due to relocation, changing fitness goals, or simply a shift in priorities. Canceling a Planet Fitness membership is not as simple as pushing a button on the app, so it’s important to understand the process and requirements to avoid any unnecessary charges. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to successfully cancel your Planet Fitness membership.
1. Review Your Membership Agreement
Before you initiate the cancellation process, it’s essential to review your original membership agreement. This document outlines the terms of your membership, including any cancellation policies, notice periods, and potential fees. Planet Fitness offers different types of memberships, including the Classic and Black Card memberships, which may have slightly different cancellation procedures. Checking your agreement helps you understand any obligations you might have and whether you’re within the agreed contract period, as some memberships require you to stay active for a certain number of months.
2. Decide on the Best Time to Cancel
The timing of your cancellation can affect whether or not you’ll be charged additional fees. Many Planet Fitness locations require at least a 30-day notice to process cancellations, which means you may still be billed for one additional month after submitting your cancellation request. It’s also worth noting that Planet Fitness typically charges an annual membership fee, often billed on the anniversary of your sign-up date. If your annual fee is approaching, you may want to cancel before this charge to avoid paying for another year.
3. Choose Your Cancellation Method
Unlike some modern gyms that allow you to cancel online, Planet Fitness requires either an in-person visit or a written request sent via certified mail to cancel a membership. Unfortunately, you can’t cancel your membership over the phone or through the Planet Fitness app. Here’s how you can go about it:
Option 1: Cancel in Person
1. Visit your local Planet Fitness gym where you signed up for your membership.
2. Bring a valid photo ID and ask to speak to a staff member about canceling your membership.
3. The staff will guide you through filling out a cancellation form, which is necessary to process your request.
4. Make sure you ask for a confirmation that your membership will be canceled and inquire about any additional charges, if applicable.
Option 2: Cancel by Certified Mail
1. Write a cancellation letter stating your name, membership ID number (if available), contact information, and a clear request to cancel your membership.
2. Address the letter to your home Planet Fitness location, as each gym handles cancellations for its members. Be sure to include the club’s address and any other specific instructions.
3. Send the letter via certified mail to ensure there’s proof of delivery. This method protects you in case there’s a dispute about when the cancellation request was received.
4. Keep a copy of your cancellation letter and the certified mail receipt as evidence in case you need to follow up.
4. Follow Up to Confirm Cancellation
To ensure that your membership has been successfully canceled, follow up with Planet Fitness about a week after submitting your request. If you canceled in person, ask for a confirmation email or cancellation receipt. If you canceled by mail, check in with the gym to make sure they received and processed your request. This step helps prevent any surprises with future billing.
5. Monitor Your Bank Statements
After you’ve canceled, keep an eye on your bank statements for the next one to two billing cycles. If you notice any unexpected charges, contact the gym immediately and provide them with any receipts or confirmations you received during the cancellation process.
While canceling a Planet Fitness membership may seem more complex than necessary, understanding the procedure and requirements can help make the process smoother. By following these steps, you can ensure a hassle-free cancellation, allowing you to focus on your next steps toward health and wellness without unexpected charges.