Planet Fitness uses your checking account to collect membership dues automatically
Planet Fitness requires a checking account because the gym charges membership fees through automatic bank withdrawals, not credit cards or debit cards. When you sign up, you provide your bank account number and routing number so Planet Fitness can pull your monthly fee directly from your account on a set date each month. This is their standard payment method for all membership tiers.
The gym does this for the same reason many subscription services do: automatic withdrawals reduce the number of failed payments and make it easier for them to collect fees consistently. It also means you cannot pay with a credit card, prepaid card, or cash at the gym itself — the account withdrawal is built into how their billing system works.
If you do not have a checking account, Planet Fitness will not process your membership. Some locations may offer alternatives in rare cases, but the standard policy across the chain is checking account only.
Key Takeaways
- Planet Fitness collects membership fees through automatic bank withdrawals from your checking account, not through credit or debit card charges.
- You must provide your bank account number and routing number at signup, and the gym will withdraw your monthly fee on a scheduled date.
- If you do not have a checking account, you cannot join Planet Fitness under their standard membership policy.
- The automatic withdrawal method is how Planet Fitness ensures consistent payment collection and reduces failed charges.
What happens when Planet Fitness withdraws your membership fee
On your billing date each month, Planet Fitness initiates an ACH debit — an automated clearing house transaction — that pulls your membership fee directly from your checking account. The amount depends on your membership level: the Black Card membership costs more than the standard membership, and the fee varies slightly by location.
The withdrawal typically posts to your account within one to three business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank's processing schedule. You should see the charge listed in your checking account under the merchant name "Planet Fitness" or a similar descriptor. If you have set up account alerts with your bank, you may receive a notification when the withdrawal clears.
If your account does not have enough funds on the withdrawal date, the transaction may fail and you could face an overdraft fee from your bank. Planet Fitness may also charge a failed payment fee or suspend your membership temporarily until payment goes through.
How to set up your checking account information at signup
When you join Planet Fitness in person or online, you will be asked to provide your bank account number and routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank; you can find it on the bottom left of your checks or by calling your bank. Your account number is the unique identifier for your checking account, also printed on your checks.
Planet Fitness will also ask you to authorize the automatic withdrawals by signing an agreement. This agreement gives the gym permission to debit your account on a recurring basis. Keep a copy of this authorization for your records.
Make sure the account information you provide is correct before you submit it. If you enter the wrong routing number or account number, the withdrawal will fail and you may face fees from both your bank and Planet Fitness.
What to do if you do not have a checking account
If you do not currently have a checking account, you have a few options. The most straightforward is to open a checking account at a bank or credit union before you sign up for Planet Fitness. Many banks offer basic checking accounts with no monthly fee, and the process usually takes less than an hour in person or online.
Some credit unions and online banks offer checking accounts with low or no minimum balance requirements, which can be a good fit if you do not keep much money in the account. You do not need to use the account for anything other than Planet Fitness membership payments if you do not want to.
A few Planet Fitness locations have made exceptions for members who cannot provide a checking account, but this is not standard policy and you should not count on it. If you want to ask about alternatives, contact your local Planet Fitness directly before you attempt to sign up.
How to update or change your checking account information
If you need to switch to a different checking account — for example, if you close your current account or move banks — you can update your payment information through your Planet Fitness account online or by calling the gym directly. Log into your member account on the Planet Fitness website or app, find the billing or payment settings section, and enter your new bank account number and routing number.
Alternatively, visit your local Planet Fitness in person and ask a staff member to update your account information. Bring your new checks or your bank's routing number so you have the correct information on hand.
Make sure your new account information is active before your next billing date. If you update your account after the withdrawal has already been processed, the old account will be charged and you may need to contact Planet Fitness to request a refund or credit.
What to do if a withdrawal fails or you want to cancel
If a withdrawal fails because your account does not have enough funds, Planet Fitness may retry the charge one or more times. Each failed attempt can trigger an overdraft fee from your bank. Contact Planet Fitness as soon as you realize the payment failed so you can make a manual payment or resolve the issue before your membership is suspended.
If you want to cancel your membership, you must contact Planet Fitness directly — cancellation is not automatic even if you stop using the gym. Depending on your membership agreement, you may have a cancellation fee or a notice period. Once your cancellation is processed, Planet Fitness will stop withdrawing fees from your account, but you should confirm this by checking your bank statements for a few months after cancellation.
If Planet Fitness continues to withdraw fees after you have canceled, contact your bank and file a dispute. You can also request that your bank block future transactions from Planet Fitness if the gym refuses to stop charging you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
No. Planet Fitness specifically requires a checking account because the ACH debit system is designed for checking accounts. Savings accounts are not set up to receive recurring automatic withdrawals in the same way. You must open a checking account to join.
What if my bank does not accept ACH debits?
Nearly all U.S. banks and credit unions accept ACH debits, so this is very unlikely. If your bank has unusual restrictions, contact them directly to confirm whether they allow automatic clearing house transactions. If they do not, you would need to switch banks or open an account at a different institution to join Planet Fitness.
Does Planet Fitness charge a fee if my withdrawal fails?
Planet Fitness may charge a failed payment fee in addition to any overdraft fee your bank charges. The gym's fee varies by location. Your bank will also charge an overdraft fee if your account does not have enough funds. Contact your local gym to ask what their failed payment policy is.
Can I pay Planet Fitness with cash or a credit card instead?
No. Planet Fitness does not accept cash payments or credit card charges for membership dues. Automatic bank withdrawals are their only payment method. You must have a checking account and authorize recurring ACH debits to maintain your membership.
How long does it take to update my checking account information?
Updates usually take effect within one to two business days. If you update your information close to your billing date, the old account may still be charged for that month. Contact Planet Fitness to confirm when your new account information will be used for the next withdrawal.