Payment methods Planet Fitness accepts instead of a bank account
Planet Fitness accepts debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid cards — you do not need a checking account to join. Most locations also take payment through their mobile app using a saved card, and some gyms accept cash for the initial enrollment fee, though the monthly membership still requires a card on file.
The membership itself costs money each month, and Planet Fitness needs a way to charge you automatically. A checking account is one way to do that, but it is not the only way. If you have any card with a Visa or Mastercard logo — whether it is a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card — you can use that instead.
The enrollment fee (sometimes called a startup fee or annual fee) varies by location and promotion, but typically runs between $0 and $50. Some locations waive it during promotional periods. You pay this upfront, and the monthly charge begins after that. Both can go on the same card.
Key Takeaways
- Debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid cards all work for Planet Fitness membership — you do not need a checking account.
- Planet Fitness requires a card on file for automatic monthly charges, but the card does not have to be linked to a bank account.
- Some locations accept cash for the initial enrollment fee, but you still need a card for the recurring monthly membership charge.
- Prepaid cards from retailers like Walmart or Green Dot work as long as they carry a Visa or Mastercard logo and have enough balance to cover the monthly fee.
Using a debit card instead of a checking account
A debit card works the same way as a checking account for Planet Fitness purposes — the gym charges your card each month, and the money comes out of whatever account backs that card. If your debit card is linked to a savings account instead of a checking account, that is fine. Planet Fitness does not care which type of account the card draws from.
Bring your debit card to the gym when you sign up, or provide the card number online through the Planet Fitness website or app. You will also need a valid ID and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The staff will run the card for the enrollment fee and set up the monthly charge.
Make sure your card has enough balance to cover both the enrollment fee and the first month's membership before you go in. If the card declines, you will have to reschedule or use a different payment method.
Prepaid cards and how they work with Planet Fitness
Prepaid cards — cards you load money onto yourself — work for Planet Fitness as long as they display a Visa or Mastercard logo. Common prepaid cards include Green Dot, Walmart MoneyCard, NetSpend, and Chime (which also functions as a checking account alternative). You load money onto the card at a store or online, and then use it like a debit card.
The main thing to watch is the balance. Planet Fitness will attempt to charge your card on the same day each month. If the card does not have enough money on it when the charge goes through, the payment will decline. Unlike a checking account with overdraft protection, most prepaid cards simply reject the charge — they do not let it go negative.
If a charge declines, Planet Fitness will usually try again a few days later. If it declines multiple times, the gym may suspend your membership. You can reload the card and contact Planet Fitness to restart your membership, but it is simpler to keep enough balance on the card to cover the monthly fee.
Credit cards as an alternative
A credit card works just as well as a debit card for Planet Fitness membership. You provide the card number during signup, and the gym charges it each month. The bill goes to your credit card statement, and you pay your credit card company as usual.
Using a credit card can be useful if you want to track the gym charge on a statement or if you are building credit history. It also gives you the fraud protections that credit cards typically offer — if someone uses your card number fraudulently, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company.
The downside is that you are paying interest if you carry a balance, so only use a credit card if you plan to pay the full statement each month.
Cash payments and what they cover
Some Planet Fitness locations accept cash for the enrollment fee when you sign up in person. However, you still need a card on file for the monthly membership charge — the gym cannot bill you in cash each month. So even if you pay the enrollment fee in cash, you will have to provide a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card before you leave.
Call your local Planet Fitness before you go in to confirm whether they accept cash for the enrollment fee. Policies vary by location, and some gyms have moved to card-only payments entirely. The phone number is on the Planet Fitness website.
Setting up your membership online or in person
You can start the signup process online through the Planet Fitness website or app, or you can go to a gym location in person. Online signup is faster if you already have a card ready, but you may still need to visit the gym to show ID and proof of address before your membership activates.
In-person signup takes longer but handles everything at once. Bring a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your card. The staff will verify your information, run the card for the enrollment fee and first month, and give you access to the gym that day.
If you sign up online, you will receive an email confirmation with your membership details. You can usually start using the gym within a few hours, but some locations require you to visit in person first to complete the process.
What to do if your card keeps declining
If Planet Fitness repeatedly cannot charge your card, the gym will eventually suspend your membership. This happens most often with prepaid cards that run out of balance, but it can also happen if your card expires or if your bank blocks the charge for fraud protection.
Contact Planet Fitness directly — call the location where you have a membership or use the customer service number on your membership card. Explain what happened and provide a new card number if you have one. The gym can restart your membership once the payment goes through.
If you do not have another card available, ask whether the gym accepts payment by phone or in person at the front desk. Some locations will let you pay cash or use a different card on the spot to get your membership running again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid card if it does not have my name on it?
No. Planet Fitness requires the name on your card to match the name on your ID. If you are using someone else's card, the gym will not accept it. You need a card in your own name, even if someone else loaded money onto it for you.
What happens if my card expires while I have an active membership?
Planet Fitness will attempt to charge your expired card and the charge will decline. Contact the gym and provide a new card number. Your membership will be suspended until the payment goes through, but you can restart it the same day once you give them a working card.
Do I have to use the same card every month?
No. You can update your payment method anytime through the Planet Fitness app or website, or by calling your gym location. This is useful if your card expires, you want to switch to a different card, or you need to change which account the charges come from.
Can I pay my Planet Fitness membership in cash every month?
No. Planet Fitness requires a card on file for automatic monthly charges. You cannot pay in cash each month. Some locations accept cash for the enrollment fee only, but the recurring membership charge must come from a card.
What if I do not have any kind of card?
You will need to get one before you can join Planet Fitness. A prepaid card is the fastest option — you can buy one at most grocery stores or retailers, load it with cash, and use it immediately. Alternatively, you could open a basic checking or savings account at a bank and request a debit card, though that takes a few days.