How to Cancel Planet Fitness Membership (2026)

If you are reading this, you are probably frustrated.

You tried to find a “Cancel” button on the Planet Fitness app. It wasn’t there. You tried to call your local club. They told you they “can’t do it over the phone.” You might have even tried to delete your credit card from the file, only to find out they are still billing your checking account.

Welcome to the Planet Fitness Cancellation Loop.

It is famously difficult to quit the “Judgement Free Zone.” In fact, it is part of their business model. They know that if they make you drive to the gym or write a physical letter, you will probably procrastinate. And while you procrastinate, they keep charging you $10 a month.

But don’t worry. I have done this myself. I have helped hundreds of readers do it.

Here is the only verified, step-by-step guide on how to cancel Planet Fitness membership in 2026 without losing your mind.

The “Click to Cancel” Myth (Important 2026 Update)

First, let’s address the elephant in the room.

You might have heard about a new FTC “Click to Cancel” Rule that was supposed to force gyms to let you cancel online.

Here is the bad news: That rule is currently in legal limbo.

While the government tried to pass it in 2025, major gym lobbies fought back. As of early 2026, most Planet Fitness locations still do not allow online cancellation. Unless you live in a state with strict consumer protection laws (like California, New York, or Tennessee), you generally cannot cancel via the website.

You have to do it the old-fashioned way.

Method 1: The “In-Person” Approach (Fastest)

This is the method Planet Fitness wants you to use. Why? Because it gives their sales team one last chance to talk you out of it.

If you are brave enough to face the awkward conversation, this is the fastest way to stop the charges.

Step 1: Check Your “Home Club”

You cannot walk into any Planet Fitness to cancel. You must go to the specific location where you signed up (your “Home Club”).

• Tip: If you moved and your Home Club is now 500 miles away, skip to Method 2. You can’t do this in person.

Step 2: Go During “Manager Hours”

Don’t go at 10 PM on a Saturday. The teenager working the front desk likely doesn’t have the authority to process cancellations.

• Best Time: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Step 3: The Script

When you get to the desk, be polite but firm. They might offer you a “freeze” instead of a cancellation.

• You: “Hi, I need to cancel my membership effective immediately.”

• Them: “Are you sure? We can freeze your account for 3 months for free!”

• You: “No thank you. I am moving/changing gyms. Please process the cancellation today.”

Step 4: Get The Receipt (Crucial!)

Do not leave that building until you have a printed or emailed confirmation.

• Why? I have heard horror stories of people signing the form, leaving, and getting charged for 6 more months because the staff “lost the paper.”

• Pro Move: Take a photo of the signed cancellation form with your phone right there on the counter.

Method 2: The “Certified Letter” (Best for Introverts)

If you have social anxiety, hate confrontation, or have moved away from your home club, this is the best method for you.

It requires a trip to the Post Office, but it is legally bulletproof.

Step 1: Write the Letter

You don’t need a lawyer. You just need a simple document stating your intent. I have created a template for you below.

Step 2: The Template

Copy and paste this into a Word document or simply hand-write it.

To: Planet Fitness [Your Home Club Name] Attn: Membership Cancellation Address: [Insert Club Address]

From: [Your Name] Member ID: [Your Member ID found in the App] Date: January 25, 2026

Subject: Notice of Membership Cancellation

To Whom It May Concern,

Please accept this letter as formal notice to cancel my Planet Fitness membership immediately.

According to my contract, I am providing this written notice to stop all future billing.

• Name: [Your Name]

• Phone: [Your Phone Number]

• Email: [Your Email]

• Member ID: [Your Member ID]

Please send a confirmation of this cancellation to my email address listed above. I do not authorize any further charges to my credit card or bank account after this date.

Sincerely,

[Sign Your Name Here]

Step 3: Send it “Certified Mail”

This is the secret weapon.

• Go to the Post Office.

• Ask to send the letter “Certified Mail with Return Receipt.”

• It will cost about $4 – $5.

Why do this? This gives you a tracking number. When the gym receives the letter, someone has to sign for it. The Post Office then mails you a green card (the receipt) proving they got it.

If Planet Fitness ever tries to send you to collections for “unpaid dues,” you just show them that green card and the case is closed.

Common Cancellation Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Even if you do everything right, things can go wrong. Here are the most common “gotchas” when learning how to cancel Planet Fitness membership.

1. The “Buyout Fee”

If you signed a “12-Month Commitment” Black Card deal and you are quitting in Month 4, you will have to pay a fee.

• The Cost: Usually $58.

• The Fix: There is no way around this unless you have a medical note. If you are injured and can’t work out, bring a doctor’s note. They are legally required to waive the fee in most states.

2. The “Annual Fee” Trap

This is the one that makes people angry.

• The Rule: If you cancel after the 25th of the month, they might still charge you for the next month.

• The Annual Fee: If your $49 annual fee is due on March 1st, you must cancel by February 25th. If you cancel on February 26th, you will still pay the $49, even if you quit.

• Advice: Check your contract for your specific “Annual Fee Date” and cancel at least 7 days before it hits.

3. The “We Never Got Your Letter” Excuse

This is why we use Certified Mail. If they claim they didn’t get it, you pull out your tracking number. If you sent it regular mail, you are out of luck.

Can I Cancel Planet Fitness Online in 2026?

As mentioned earlier, mostly no.

However, there is one exception:

• If you live in California: State law requires that if you can sign up online, you must be able to cancel online.

• How to check: Log into your account on PlanetFitness.com (not the app). Go to “My Account.” If you are in a eligible region, you will see a “Cancel Membership” link.

• The Trick: Some people have successfully changed their “Home Address” in the portal to a California address, waited 24 hours, and then the “Cancel” button appeared. I cannot officially recommend this as it might violate the Terms of Service, but… it has worked for many Reddit users.

Also Read: Equinox Prices & Membership Cost

Final Thoughts

Learning how to cancel Planet Fitness membership is a rite of passage. It is annoying, outdated, and intentionally frustrating.

But don’t let them win.

Don’t just “stop paying.” If you block the charge at your bank, Planet Fitness will keep billing you every month, rack up late fees, and eventually send your account to a collections agency. That $10 debt can ruin your credit score for years.

Take the 30 minutes today. Drive to the club or print the letter. Future You will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I cancel Planet Fitness over the phone? A: No. 99% of franchises will refuse to cancel over the phone for “security reasons.” You must provide a signature (either in person or on a letter).

Q: Can I cancel if I owe a balance? A: Usually, no. They will require you to pay any past-due months and late fees before they let you close the account.

Q: Does Planet Fitness prorate the final month? A: No. If you are billed on the 17th and you cancel on the 18th, you don’t get a refund for the rest of the month. You just have access until the next billing cycle.

Q: Can I downgrade instead of canceling? A: Yes! If you have the $24.99 Black Card and want to save money, you can usually downgrade to the $10 Classic Card. However, this often restarts your 12-month contract commitment.