Planet Fitness does not require a checking account to join or use the gym
You can sign up for a Planet Fitness membership and pay your monthly fees using a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card — you do not need a traditional checking account. Planet Fitness accepts most major payment methods at signup and for ongoing monthly charges. The gym will ask for a valid payment card during registration, but the card does not have to be connected to a checking account.
If you have a prepaid card (sometimes called a reloadable card or pay-as-you-go card), that works just as well as a debit card linked to a checking account. Many people use prepaid cards specifically because they want to avoid opening a bank account or prefer to control spending by loading only the money they plan to use.
Key Takeaways
- Planet Fitness accepts debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid cards — a checking account is not required.
- You will need a valid payment card at signup to authorize your first month's fee and set up recurring monthly charges.
- Prepaid cards work for Planet Fitness membership payments just like debit cards do.
- The gym will charge your card monthly on the same date each month, so make sure your card has funds available on that date.
- If your card declines, Planet Fitness may pause your membership or attempt to charge you again on a later date.
What payment methods Planet Fitness accepts
Planet Fitness takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. This includes debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid cards under those brand names. You provide your card information during the signup process, either online or in person at your local gym.
The gym does not accept payment by cash, check, or bank transfer. If you do not have a card, you will need to get one before joining. A prepaid card from a retailer like Walmart, Target, or a bank can be purchased and loaded with money in minutes, and it works when ready for gym payments.
How monthly charges work without a checking account
When you join Planet Fitness, you authorize the gym to charge your card on a set date each month — usually the date you signed up. This is called a recurring charge or automatic payment. The charge happens the same way whether your card is linked to a checking account, a savings account, or a prepaid card with no bank account at all.
The important thing is that your card has enough money on it when the charge date arrives. If your prepaid card runs out of funds before your Planet Fitness charge date, the payment will decline. You can reload your prepaid card before the charge date to avoid this, or you can contact Planet Fitness to ask them to change your billing date to a day when you know you will have funds available.
What happens if your card declines
If Planet Fitness tries to charge your card and it declines — because the card has no funds, the card expired, or the card was reported lost — the gym will usually try again a few days later. If the second attempt also fails, your membership may be frozen or canceled depending on the gym's policy.
If this happens, contact your local Planet Fitness location or call their member services line to update your payment method. You can provide a different card, and they will attempt to charge it. Some gyms will waive a late fee if you update your payment method quickly, but policies vary by location.
Signing up without a checking account
To join Planet Fitness without a checking account, bring a valid payment card (debit, credit, or prepaid) and a photo ID to your nearest Planet Fitness location. You can also sign up online at planetfitness.com if you have your card information ready. The signup process is the same regardless of what type of card you use.
You will be asked to provide your name, address, phone number, and email. The gym will run a small authorization charge on your card to verify it is valid, then refund that charge. After that, your membership is active and your monthly fee will be charged on your billing date each month.
Using a prepaid card for ongoing membership payments
A prepaid card works for Planet Fitness the same way a debit card does — the gym charges it each month and does not care whether the card is connected to a bank account. The main difference is that you control exactly how much money is on the card at any time.
If you use a prepaid card, set a reminder on your phone for a few days before your Planet Fitness billing date. Check your card balance and reload it if needed so the charge will not decline. Some prepaid cards let you set up automatic reloads, which can make this easier if you reload the same amount each month.
Other costs beyond the monthly membership fee
Planet Fitness charges a monthly membership fee, which is what gets billed to your card. Some locations also charge an annual fee (sometimes called a "PF charge" or "annual maintenance fee") that appears on your bill once a year. This fee varies by location and membership tier.
If you use services like personal training or buy items at the gym, those are separate charges. Make sure your card has enough funds not just for the monthly membership, but for any other charges you plan to make at the gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay Planet Fitness with a prepaid card from Walmart or Target?
Yes, as long as the prepaid card is branded Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Load the card with money, and use it the same way you would use a debit card. The gym does not distinguish between prepaid cards and other types of cards.
What if I do not have any kind of card?
You will need to get a card before joining Planet Fitness, since the gym does not accept cash or check payments. A prepaid card is the fastest option — you can buy one at most grocery stores, pharmacies, or retailers and load it with money in minutes. You can also open a checking account at a bank or credit union if you prefer.
Can I change my billing date if my prepaid card is loaded on a different day?
Contact your local Planet Fitness or call member services to request a billing date change. Many gyms will move your charge date to accommodate your situation, though policies vary. Ask when you call whether they charge a fee for this change.
Will Planet Fitness keep charging my card if I stop going to the gym?
Yes — your membership continues and your card is charged each month until you cancel. You must contact Planet Fitness directly to cancel your membership. Stopping your visits does not automatically end your membership or stop the charges.
What should I do if my card information changes?
Update your payment method in your Planet Fitness account online, or visit your local gym and ask the front desk to update it. If you get a new prepaid card or your card expires, update your information before your next billing date to avoid a declined charge.