Thinking about cancelling your Planet Fitness membership? Whether you’re moving, switching gyms, or just not using it anymore, probably wondering how to cancel without unnecessary hassle. Unlike many online subscriptions, cancelling Planet Fitness isn’t always as simple as clicking a button. Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through the process step by step. Cancel Your Planet Fitness Membership
Why You Might Want to Cancel Planet Fitness Membership
There are many reasons people cancel:
You’ve moved to a new city without a nearby club
Prefer working out at home
Found a gym that better suits your fitness goals
Financial reasons or budget cuts
No matter your reason, the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps.
Things to Know Before Cancelling
Contract Details
Some memberships have a 12-month commitment. If you cancel early, you might face a cancellation fee.
Cancellation Fees
If you’re on a month-to-month plan, you can cancel anytime without a big penalty.
Under a 12-month contract, expect a $58 buyout fee (varies by location).
Billing Cycle
Planet Fitness bills monthly, usually on the same date. Make sure to cancel before your next billing cycle to avoid extra charges.
Ways to Cancel Planet Fitness Membership
Unfortunately, Planet Fitness does NOT allow cancellation via phone, app, or email. You have only two options:
In-Person at Your Home Club
By Certified Mail
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling In-Person
Visit your home club (the one where you signed up).
Ask the front desk for a cancellation form.
Fill out the form with your membership details.
Request a copy or receipt of the cancellation for your records.
💡 Tip: Go during non-peak hours to avoid waiting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling by Mail
Write a cancellation letter including:
Your name
Membership ID number
Address & phone number
A clear statement requesting cancellation
Send it via certified mail to your home club’s address.
Keep the mail receipt as proof.
Planet Fitness Black Card Membership Cancellation
The Black Card membership has perks like tanning and guest passes, but the cancellation process is the same. If you’re still under the 12-month commitment, you’ll need to pay the buyout fee unless you wait until the term ends.
What Happens If You Stop Paying Without Cancelling?
Don’t do this! If you just stop paying, Planet Fitness may send your account to collections, which can hurt your credit score. Always cancel officially.
How to Avoid Extra Charges
Cancel before the 10th of the month, as many clubs process billing mid-month.
Get written proof of cancellation to avoid disputes.
Can You Freeze or Pause Your Membership Instead?
Yes, some locations allow you to freeze your membership for medical or travel reasons. This is a good option if you’re unsure about cancelling completely.
Refund Policy After Cancelling
Planet Fitness typically does not refund unused days, so time your cancellation wisely.
What If You’re Still Within the Commitment Period?
If you signed a 12-month contract, you’ll either:
Pay the buyout fee (around $58)
Or wait until the contract ends before cancelling
Alternatives to Cancelling
Transfer to another Planet Fitness location if you’re moving.
Downgrade your plan to a cheaper one.
Pause your membership temporarily.
Tips for a Smooth Cancellation Process
Review your contract before cancelling
Cancel early to avoid the next billing
✅ Always keep proof of cancellation
✅ Follow up after a week to confirm
Conclusion
Cancelling your Planet Fitness membership isn’t as simple as an online click, but it’s manageable. You have two main options—in-person or by certified mail. Just remember to review your contract, cancel before the next billing date, and always keep proof.
If you think you might return in the future, consider freezing your membership instead of fully cancelling.
Why Is It So Hard to Cancel Planet Fitness Membership?
Cancelling your gym membership shouldn’t feel like trying to escape a timeshare. But if you’ve ever tried to cancel your Planet Fitness membership, you probably know the struggle is real. Many members have found it surprisingly difficult to stop being billed, even after following what they thought were the proper steps.
Let’s dive into why cancelling Planet Fitness is so hard, what tactics they use, how to protect yourself, and how to actually get it done the right way.
Understanding the Planet Fitness Membership Model
Planet Fitness is known for its affordable pricing, laid-back vibe, and “Judgement Free Zone.” Their $10/month model attracts millions of casual gym-goers across the U.S. But that model only works if members keep paying, whether they show up or not.
Strategy banks on a large number of people paying monthly dues without ever showing up at the gym. That’s where the “hard to cancel” issue starts to make sense.
Why People Want to Cancel in the First Place
You might think, “It’s just $10, who cares?” But even small charges add up. People cancel for many reasons:
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Moving to a new city
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Budget constraints
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Switching to a different gym
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Not using the membership at all
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Bad customer service experiences
And when that tiny charge becomes a long-term expense, it gets frustrating, especially when you’re not using the service anymore.
The Planet Fitness Cancellation Process
What Planet Fitness Requires for Cancellation
Cancelling a gym membership should be simple, right? Wrong.
Planet Fitness requires that you cancel in person at the original location where you signed up. That’s right. Even if you’ve moved across the country, they want you to show up — or send a certified letter.
In-Person Cancellation Only
This means dragging yourself to the front desk, speaking to a manager, and hoping they don’t pressure you into staying.
Certified Mail Option
The only other option? Send a certified letter with your cancellation request. Not email. Not phone. Not an online form. Snail mail.
No Option to Cancel Online or by Phone
It’s 2025, and yet there’s still no way to cancel online or via app. That’s almost unheard of in this digital age. The lack of digital options is a strategic move to create friction and make it harder for you to cancel on impulse.
Why Their Process Feels Outdated
Outdated on purpose. Making the process inconvenient increases the chances you’ll procrastinate or give up. For many, that means continuing to be billed indefinitely.
Reasons Why It’s So Hard to Cancel Planet Fitness
Lack of Transparency
Many members report that they weren’t told how to cancel during sign-up. Some didn’t even know about the in-person rule until it was too late.
Pushy Staff or Guilt Tactics
If you cancel in person, staff may try to guilt-trip you into staying — “Are you sure?” “You haven’t even used your free trainer session!” “It’s only $10!” Cue the awkwardness.
Delayed or Ignored Requests
People who send certified letters often report that the gym claims they never received them. Others say they cancelled in person but were still billed.
Confusing Contract Terms
There’s a lot of legal fine print in those contracts — from annual fees to cancellation windows. If you miss the 5-7 day notice window before your billing date, you could get charged for another month.
Monthly Dues Still Being Charged After Cancellation
This is perhaps the most infuriating part — getting charged after you’ve cancelled. Good luck getting a refund. You’ll often be told, “There’s nothing we can do.”
The Business Logic Behind Difficult Cancellations
Retention Strategies in the Gym Industry
The fitness industry thrives on “aspirational” customers — people who intend to work out but never show up. Gyms want to keep these people signed up for as long as possible.
Planet Fitness’s Low-Cost Model
At $10/month, it’s cheaper for them to keep you paying and ignore your cancellation. The burden of proof is on you, not them.
Relying on “Breakage” Revenue
This is the gym industry term for money earned from members who don’t use the services. Planet Fitness profits massively from breakage.
Member Experiences and Horror Stories
Reddit & Review Site Complaints
Search Reddit or the Better Business Bureau, and you’ll find hundreds of posts complaining about Planet Fitness cancellation nightmares.
Class Action Lawsuits and Legal Scrutiny
Planet Fitness has faced multiple lawsuits for improper billing, poor cancellation practices, and a lack of customer service support.
Real Examples from Cancel Attempts
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The man moved to a different state and still had to send a certified letter.
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A woman cancelled in person, got a cancellation receipt, yet was charged two months later.
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One member had to call corporate repeatedly just to stop charges.
How to Cancel Planet Fitness the Right Way
Step-by-Step Cancellation Guide
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Go in person to your original Planet Fitness location.
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Ask for the cancellation form at the front desk.
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Fill out the form and request a copy for your records.
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Ask them to confirm the cancellation in writing.
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Monitor your bank account for the next two months.
What to Bring and Expect
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A photo ID
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Your membership info
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Patience, possibly a little confrontation
Getting Confirmation in Writing
Don’t leave without written proof. If they refuse, document the visit and follow up with a certified letter.
How to Avoid Issues in the Future
Read the Fine Print Before Joining
Ask questions. Don’t assume you can cancel online.
Use Prepaid Debit Cards for Sign-Up
Using a prepaid card limits how much they can charge you later.
Ask About Cancellation at Signup
If they dodge the question, that’s a red flag.
Alternatives to Planet Fitness
Other Gyms with Better Policies
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Anytime Fitness: Easier cancellations, more transparency
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YMCA: Flexible policies and community focus
At-Home Fitness Subscriptions
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Peloton App
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Apple Fitness+
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YouTube workouts (Free!)
Outdoor or Free Options
Walking, running, hiking, or community fitness classes are great alternatives.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It in the Long Run?
Planet Fitness might be a bargain at first glance, but the hidden inconvenience of cancellation often leaves a bad taste. If a gym makes it this hard to cancel, is it worth signing up for in the first place?
The hassle, the fine print, and the endless charges can turn what seemed like a great deal into an annoying, drawn-out mess. Be smart, protect yourself, and always read the contract before signing anything.
FAQs
I cancel Planet Fitness without going in person?
Only if you send a certified letter to your home club. There’s no phone, email, or online option.
Can I cancel Planet Fitness online?
No, you can only cancel in person or by certified mail.
Will I be charged if I cancel before 12 months?
Yes, there’s usually a $58 buyout fee for early cancellation.
How much notice do I need to cancel?
Cancel at least a week before your next billing date to avoid extra charges.
Can I transfer my membership instead of cancelling?
Yes, you can transfer your membership to another club if needed.
What if I lost my contract?
Your home club can look up your membership details for you.