Planet Fitness uses your checking account to collect membership fees automatically
Planet Fitness requires a checking account because the gym bills your account monthly for membership dues. The company does not accept credit cards, debit cards, or cash for ongoing membership payments — only bank account withdrawals. This setup lets Planet Fitness pull money directly from your bank on a set schedule, usually the day you join or the first of each month, depending on your membership tier.
The gym uses this method because it reduces the cost of processing payments and cuts down on failed transactions. When a payment comes straight from a checking account, the gym avoids credit card processing fees and has a more direct line to your money. For you, it means Planet Fitness can offer low monthly rates — some locations charge $10 or less per month — because they save money on payment processing.
You will need to provide your checking account number, routing number, and authorization to withdraw funds when you sign up. Planet Fitness will ask for this information either in person at the gym or online through their website. The gym keeps this information on file and uses it to bill you each month for as long as your membership remains active.
Key Takeaways
- Planet Fitness withdraws membership fees directly from your checking account each month rather than charging a credit or debit card.
- You must provide your bank account number and routing number at signup, along with written authorization for automatic withdrawals.
- The gym can only withdraw funds on the date you agreed to — typically the day you joined or the first of the month — and cannot charge you outside that schedule without a new authorization.
- If you close your checking account or want to stop the withdrawals, you must cancel your membership in writing or contact the gym directly to prevent overdraft fees.
- Some Planet Fitness locations may accept other payment methods if you explain you do not have a checking account; contact your local gym to ask about alternatives.
What happens if your account does not have enough money on withdrawal day
If your checking account does not have enough funds when Planet Fitness attempts to withdraw your membership fee, your bank will likely decline the transaction. Planet Fitness may then try again a few days later, or they may flag your account as delinquent. Either way, you could face overdraft fees from your bank if the withdrawal pushes your account below zero.
Most gyms will freeze your membership access after one or two failed payments. You will not be able to use the facility until you pay the overdue amount. Some locations will also charge a late fee on top of the missed membership payment, though this varies by location and your membership agreement.
To avoid this, make sure your checking account has enough money to cover your membership fee before the withdrawal date. If you know you will not have funds available, contact Planet Fitness before the payment date and ask about your options — some gyms will work with you to reschedule the withdrawal or set up a payment plan.
How to authorize and manage your bank account information
When you join Planet Fitness, you will fill out an authorization form that gives the gym permission to withdraw funds from your checking account. This form asks for your account number, routing number, and your signature. You can complete this in person at the gym or online through Planet Fitness's membership portal.
Once your account is set up, Planet Fitness will have your bank information on file. You can view your membership details and payment history through the Planet Fitness app or website, though you cannot change your bank account information online at most locations. If you need to update your account number — for example, if you switched banks — you will need to contact your local gym or call Planet Fitness customer service to make the change.
Keep a record of the authorization you signed. This document proves you gave permission for the withdrawals and protects you if there is a dispute later. If you ever need to stop the withdrawals, you can cancel your membership, which will end the authorization.
Canceling your membership and stopping the withdrawals
To stop Planet Fitness from withdrawing money from your checking account, you must cancel your membership. Simply stopping the payments on your own — by closing your account, requesting a stop payment from your bank, or ignoring the gym — does not officially end your membership and can damage your credit if the gym pursues the debt.
Most Planet Fitness locations require you to cancel in person at the gym where you joined, though some allow cancellation by phone or mail. You will usually need to provide written notice, and the gym may require you to pay any outstanding balance before they process the cancellation. Check your membership agreement or contact your local gym for their specific cancellation process.
After you cancel, Planet Fitness should stop attempting to withdraw funds within a few business days. Confirm with your bank that no further charges appear on your account. If the gym continues to charge you after you have canceled, contact your bank and file a dispute — you have the right to reverse unauthorized charges.
What to do if you do not have a checking account
Planet Fitness's standard policy requires a checking account, but some locations may work with you if you do not have one. Call or visit your nearest gym and explain your situation. A few gyms have made exceptions for members who offer alternative payment arrangements, though this is not may provide and depends on the manager's discretion.
If your local Planet Fitness will not budge, you have other options. Some credit unions and banks offer second-chance checking accounts designed for people with no banking history or a damaged credit record — these accounts often come with lower fees and simpler requirements than traditional checking accounts. Opening one of these accounts takes a few days to a week and would let you meet Planet Fitness's requirement.
Another route is to ask whether a family member or trusted friend would be willing to let you use their checking account for the gym membership. They would need to authorize the withdrawals, so make sure you both understand the arrangement and that you have the funds to cover the payment each month.
How Planet Fitness protects your bank information
Planet Fitness stores your checking account information in a secure system and does not share it with third parties. The gym is required by law to protect your financial data under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which sets standards for how financial institutions and businesses handle sensitive information. This means Planet Fitness must use encryption, limit employee access to your account details, and notify you if there is a data breach.
That said, no system is completely risk-free. If you are concerned about giving your bank account number to a business, you can ask Planet Fitness what security measures they use and whether they have had any past data breaches. You can also monitor your checking account regularly for unauthorized charges and report any suspicious activity to your bank right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Most Planet Fitness locations require a checking account specifically, not a savings account. Savings accounts are not set up for recurring automatic withdrawals the same way checking accounts are. Contact your local gym to confirm their policy, as some locations may make exceptions.
What if I want to change the withdrawal date?
You will need to contact Planet Fitness directly to request a different withdrawal date. Not all gyms allow this, and the change may require you to cancel your current membership and sign up again with a new start date. Call your local gym or customer service to ask what options are available.
Does Planet Fitness charge a fee if a payment fails?
Planet Fitness itself typically does not charge a fee for a failed payment, but your bank will charge you an overdraft fee if the withdrawal pushes your account below zero. The gym may also charge a late fee or freeze your membership access until you pay the overdue amount. Check your membership agreement for the gym's specific policy.
Can I dispute a charge if Planet Fitness keeps withdrawing money after I cancel?
Yes. If the gym continues to charge you after you have canceled your membership, contact your bank and file a dispute. Your bank can reverse the unauthorized charges and may refund any overdraft fees the gym's charges caused. Keep copies of your cancellation request as proof.
Is my bank account information safe with Planet Fitness?
Planet Fitness is required by law to protect your financial data using encryption and secure systems. However, you should monitor your checking account regularly for unauthorized charges and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately. If there is a data breach, Planet Fitness must notify you.