Quick Answer
Planet Fitness only accepts cancellations in two ways, in person at your home club or by certified mail. Phone, app, and email cancellations are not accepted under the corporate policy.
On a no commitment Classic or Black Card membership, you can cancel any time, but you have to submit the request before the 10th of the month to avoid being billed for the next cycle.
If you are still inside a 12 month commitment, expect a 58 dollar buyout fee unless you qualify for a medical or relocation exemption.
How Planet Fitness handles cancellation requests
Planet Fitness is built on the franchise model. Each club is independently operated, which is why cancellations are routed through your specific home location rather than a national help line. The corporate policy is firm on this: only the home club can process a cancellation, and only through one of two channels.
Method 1: Cancel in person
This is the quickest route if your home club is nearby.
- Visit your home location during staffed hours, not in the overnight unstaffed window.
- Speak to the front desk or, if available, a club manager.
- Sign the digital signature pad to confirm cancellation.
- Ask for the printed or emailed confirmation before you leave.
Take a photo of the confirmation receipt. Do not leave without it.
Method 2: Cancel by certified mail
If you cannot get to your home club, use USPS Certified Mail with return receipt.
- Write a short letter with your full name, member ID, current address, and a clear cancellation request.
- Address it to your home club's street address, not the corporate office.
- Use Certified Mail with return receipt and keep the tracking number.
The signed delivery slip is your legal proof of notice. Save it.
The 10th of the month rule
For no commitment memberships, your cancellation has to be received before the 10th of the month to stop the next monthly charge. If notice lands on the 11th or later, one more cycle will be billed before access closes. Plan the certified mail send date around this.
Annual fee and the 12 month commitment
Two extra charges catch members off guard.
- Annual fee. About 49 dollars, billed once a year a few weeks after sign up. If your cancellation arrives just before the annual fee posts, you avoid it. If it arrives just after, you pay it.
- Buyout on the 12 month commitment. Standard amount is 58 dollars unless you qualify for an exemption.
Exemptions that waive the buyout
Planet Fitness will waive the early termination fee in two main situations.
- Permanent move. New address is more than 25 miles from any Planet Fitness club, supported by a lease, utility bill, or driver licence.
- Medical reason. A signed physician letter confirming you cannot continue training.
Submit the supporting document with the cancellation, otherwise the buyout posts automatically.
Cancelling the Black Card upgrade
If you have a Black Card, the cancellation covers both the base membership and the Black Card tier. You do not need a separate request for the upgrade.
What to do if you keep getting billed
- Return to the home club with the signed confirmation or certified mail receipt.
- Ask the manager to escalate the request to the franchise owner.
- If the issue is not resolved within two billing cycles, dispute the charge with your bank as an unauthorised recurring transaction.
Avoiding the annual fee trap
The 49 dollar Planet Fitness annual fee posts 6 to 8 weeks after sign up, then on the same date each year. If your cancellation arrives in the week before, you avoid the charge. If it arrives in the week after, you pay it. Check your member portal for the next annual fee date and time the certified mail send accordingly.
Cancelling for a family member or partner
If the membership is in your name but the user has moved away or is unable to use the club, you can still cancel using the same channels. The cancellation has to come from the contract holder, not the user. Some clubs accept a notarised letter of authorisation if the contract holder cannot visit in person.
What happens to the keytag and app
The PF app will still let you log in after cancellation but check ins will fail. The plastic keytag stops working at the door scanner at the end of the last paid billing cycle. There is nothing to return.
Reactivating later
If you cancel and want to come back, you can usually rejoin with a new sign up but you will pay the current joining fee and any new annual fee. There is no formal returning member discount.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel Planet Fitness in the app?
No. The app does not support cancellations under the corporate policy.
Can I email a cancellation?
Email is not listed as a valid channel. Use in person or certified mail.
How much is the early termination fee?
Typically 58 dollars on the 12 month commitment contract, waivable with valid relocation or medical proof.
Will my Black Card guest privileges end the day I cancel?
Access continues until the end of the last billing cycle that was paid for, then closes automatically.
