You can join Planet Fitness and pay without a checking account, but your payment options will be limited
Planet Fitness accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account withdrawals as payment methods. If you don't have a checking account, you can still use a debit card or credit card to pay your membership dues. The gym does not accept cash, check, or money order payments in person or online.
Your payment method is set up when you join and is charged monthly on the same date each month. If your card declines or expires, Planet Fitness will attempt to charge it again, but if payment fails repeatedly, your membership will be suspended until you update your payment information.
Key Takeaways
- A debit card or credit card is the only way to pay for Planet Fitness membership without a checking account.
- Planet Fitness does not accept cash, checks, or money orders as payment methods.
- Your payment method is charged automatically each month on the date you joined.
- If your card is declined, you have a short window to update your payment information before your membership is suspended.
Debit cards work the same way as checking accounts for Planet Fitness
A debit card linked to a savings account, prepaid card, or money market account will work just as well as one linked to a checking account. Planet Fitness does not distinguish between account types—it only needs a valid debit card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back.
Prepaid debit cards are a common choice for people without traditional bank accounts. You can load money onto them at retailers like Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens, or through direct deposit if your employer offers it. Make sure your prepaid card has enough balance before your monthly billing date, or the charge will decline.
If you use a prepaid card, set a phone reminder a few days before your billing date so you have time to load funds if needed. Some prepaid cards charge monthly maintenance fees, so compare options before choosing one.
Credit cards are another option if you don't have a checking account
Planet Fitness accepts all major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You do not need a checking account to get a credit card, though the card issuer will run a credit check and may require a deposit if you have limited or poor credit history.
Using a credit card to pay for your gym membership means the charge goes on your monthly credit card bill instead of being withdrawn directly from an account. This can be useful if you want to track gym expenses separately or earn rewards points, but it also means you're carrying a balance if you don't pay off the card in full each month.
What happens if your payment method fails
If your card is declined on your billing date, Planet Fitness will typically attempt to charge it again over the next few days. During this time, you can usually still use your membership. If the charge continues to fail after three to five attempts, your membership will be frozen.
To reactivate your membership, you'll need to visit a Planet Fitness location or call their member services line and provide a new valid payment method. There is no additional fee to reactivate, but your membership will remain suspended until you update your information. Some locations may require you to come in person to resolve the issue.
How to update your payment method
You can update your payment information through the Planet Fitness mobile app or website using your member login. Go to your account settings, find the payment method section, and enter your new card details. Changes usually take effect within a few hours.
If you prefer not to use the app or website, you can visit any Planet Fitness location and ask a staff member to update your payment method in person. Bring your new card with you. This is also the fastest way to reactivate a suspended membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for Planet Fitness with a gift card instead of a card on file?
No. Planet Fitness requires a valid debit or credit card on file for automatic monthly billing. Gift cards can be used to pay for a membership upfront, but you still need to provide a card for recurring charges after the gift card balance runs out.
What if I don't have any card at all?
You cannot join Planet Fitness without a debit or credit card. The gym does not offer payment plans, cash payment, or other alternatives. If you don't have access to a card, you may want to look into opening a prepaid debit card account, which requires no credit check and can be set up in minutes at most retailers.
Will Planet Fitness charge me if I cancel my membership?
No, but you must cancel before your next billing date. If you cancel after your monthly charge has already gone through, that charge will not be refunded. Contact Planet Fitness through the app, website, or in person at least three to five business days before your billing date to avoid an unwanted charge.
Can I use someone else's card to pay for my membership?
Technically yes, but Planet Fitness may ask for the cardholder's ID if there's a dispute or if the card is declined. Using someone else's card without permission is fraud. If you need help paying for a membership, ask the cardholder to add you as an authorized user on their account instead.