You can join Planet Fitness with a debit card, prepaid card, or cash — you do not need a checking account

Planet Fitness accepts several payment methods at signup and for monthly dues, and a checking account is not one of the requirements. The gym takes debit cards (which work like checking account cards but draw from a prepaid balance instead), prepaid cards such as Visa or Mastercard gift cards, and cash for the initial joining fee. Monthly membership dues still need a card on file, but that card does not have to be connected to a bank account.

The catch is that Planet Fitness requires a payment method they can charge automatically each month. Cash works for the upfront fee, but you will need either a debit card or prepaid card to set up recurring billing. If you do not have either, you have a few paths forward — and they depend on which type of card you can access.

Key Takeaways

  • Planet Fitness accepts debit cards and prepaid cards for both the joining fee and monthly dues, neither of which requires a checking account.
  • You can pay the initial joining fee with cash, but you must provide a debit or prepaid card for the gym to charge your monthly membership.
  • A prepaid card from a grocery store, convenience store, or online provider works the same way as a debit card for Planet Fitness billing.
  • If you cannot get a prepaid card, ask the gym directly whether they accept alternative payment methods or whether a family member can be the account holder.

What payment methods Planet Fitness actually accepts

At the point of signup, Planet Fitness takes cash for the joining fee (usually around $1 to $15, depending on promotions). For the monthly membership charge, the gym requires a card — either a debit card or a prepaid card — that they can run automatically each month.

A debit card is a card issued by a bank or credit union that draws money directly from your account. A prepaid card is a card you load money onto yourself; it works like a debit card at checkout, but it is not connected to a bank account. Both types work identically from Planet Fitness's perspective — the gym does not distinguish between them.

Planet Fitness does not accept payment plans, monthly billing to a phone bill, or checks. They do not accept cryptocurrency or alternative payment apps like Venmo or PayPal for membership dues, though some locations may have different policies — calling your local gym is the fastest way to confirm.

Getting a prepaid card if you do not have a debit card

If you do not have a bank account or debit card, a prepaid card is the simplest path. You can buy prepaid cards at most grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies — look for Visa or Mastercard branded cards near the checkout. You load money onto the card (usually with cash), and then use it like a debit card. The card itself costs a few dollars, and some cards charge small fees for each transaction or monthly maintenance, but many have no ongoing fees.

Online prepaid card providers like Chime, NetSpend, or Green Dot also issue cards that work at Planet Fitness. These often have lower fees than store-bought cards, but they require a mailing address and take a few days to arrive. If you need to join quickly, a store-bought prepaid card is faster.

When you sign up at Planet Fitness, bring the prepaid card and the cash for the joining fee. The gym will run the card to confirm it works, then set it up for automatic monthly charges. Make sure the card has enough balance to cover the first month's dues before you go in.

What to do if you cannot get a card

If you genuinely cannot access a prepaid card or debit card, call your local Planet Fitness location and ask whether they have other options. Some gyms may allow a family member or friend to be the account holder on the membership, with you listed as an authorized user. This is not a standard policy, but it is worth asking — the worst they can say is no.

Another option is to ask whether the gym will accept payment in a different form for a limited time while you work on getting a prepaid card. Some locations have discretion to work with members in this situation, especially if you can show you are serious about joining.

How the monthly billing works once you join

After you sign up, Planet Fitness charges your card automatically on the same day each month. The charge appears on your card statement just like any other purchase. If your prepaid card runs out of money, the charge will fail, and the gym may suspend your membership or charge a failed payment fee — so you need to keep the card loaded with enough money each month.

If you want to cancel your membership, you must contact Planet Fitness directly — cancellations do not happen automatically. You can cancel online through your account, by phone, or by visiting the gym in person. Once you cancel, the charges stop, but you may be charged a cancellation fee depending on your membership type and how long you have been a member.

Prepaid card fees to watch for

Not all prepaid cards are the same. Some charge a monthly maintenance fee (usually $2 to $5), some charge per transaction, and some charge to reload money onto the card. Before you buy a prepaid card, check what fees come with it — the card packaging or the provider's website will list them.

For Planet Fitness specifically, you only need the card to work for one automatic charge per month, so a card with a monthly fee might cost more than it is worth. Look for a card with no monthly fee and no transaction fee, which are common at grocery stores and online providers. If you reload the card with cash at a store, ask whether there is a reload fee — some cards charge $1 to $3 each time you add money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a gift card instead of a prepaid card?

No. A gift card (like an Amazon or Target card) is not a payment method Planet Fitness accepts for membership dues. You need a Visa or Mastercard branded prepaid card, or a debit card. Gift cards do not have the routing information the gym needs to set up automatic monthly billing.

What happens if my prepaid card declines when Planet Fitness tries to charge it?

If the charge fails, Planet Fitness will usually try again a few days later. If it fails a second time, the gym may suspend your membership or charge a failed payment fee. You can prevent this by keeping enough money on the card to cover your monthly dues before the billing date.

Do I need to show ID when I sign up?

Yes. Planet Fitness requires a valid photo ID at signup — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. This is standard for all gyms and is separate from the payment method you use.

Can I switch to a different card after I join?

Yes. You can update your payment method in your Planet Fitness account online or by calling the gym. If your prepaid card is expiring or you want to switch to a different card, contact the gym to update your billing information.

Are there any Planet Fitness memberships that do not require automatic billing?

No. All Planet Fitness memberships require a card on file for automatic monthly charges. There is no option to pay in cash each month or to receive a bill in the mail.