Planet Fitness takes money from your account on a schedule, so they need a way to reach it
Planet Fitness requires a checking account because they bill you monthly for your membership, and they need direct access to your bank account to pull that payment. This is called electronic funds transfer, or EFT. When you sign up, you give Planet Fitness permission to withdraw your membership fee on a set day each month — usually the day your membership starts, or the first of the month, depending on the location.
The gym does not accept payment by credit card, debit card, or cash for ongoing membership fees. They only accept bank account information. This means they can pull money directly from your checking account without you having to remember to pay each month, and without the processing fees they would pay if you used a card.
If your account does not have enough money on the day they try to withdraw, your bank will decline the charge. Planet Fitness will typically try again a few days later. If the payment fails multiple times, your membership can be suspended or cancelled.
Key Takeaways
- Planet Fitness bills monthly by pulling money directly from your checking account, so you must provide bank account details to join.
- The gym does not accept credit cards, debit cards, or cash for membership payments — only electronic bank transfers.
- Your membership can be suspended if the monthly withdrawal fails because your account has insufficient funds.
- You authorize Planet Fitness to withdraw on a specific day each month, usually the day your membership begins or the first of the month.
- The bank account must be in your name or a joint account where you have authority to authorize withdrawals.
What information Planet Fitness collects from your account
When you join, you provide your routing number and account number — the two pieces of information that identify your specific checking account. Planet Fitness does not ask for your PIN, password, or online banking login. They only need the numbers printed on the bottom of your check or available through your bank's website.
The gym uses this information to set up what is called an ACH debit — an automated clearing house transaction that moves money from your account to theirs. This is the same system that employers use for direct deposit, except the money flows the opposite direction.
You sign an authorization form (either on paper or digitally during signup) that gives Planet Fitness permission to withdraw the membership fee each month. This authorization stays in effect until you cancel your membership or revoke it in writing.
Why Planet Fitness does not accept other payment methods
Credit and debit card payments cost the gym a percentage of each transaction — typically 2 to 3 percent. Bank account withdrawals cost much less, sometimes under 1 percent. For a business processing thousands of monthly payments, that difference adds up quickly.
Bank account withdrawals are also more reliable for recurring charges. When you use a credit card, the card can expire, be replaced, or be cancelled by the cardholder. A checking account number stays the same. If a payment fails, the gym can contact you to update your information rather than losing the revenue.
Some gyms do offer credit card payment as an option, but they often charge a monthly convenience fee — usually $5 to $10 — to cover the higher processing cost. Planet Fitness avoids this by requiring bank account payment for all members.
What happens if you do not have a checking account
If you do not have a traditional checking account, you have a few options. Some banks and credit unions offer second-chance checking accounts designed for people with banking history problems or no banking history at all. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits, but they function like regular checking accounts and come with routing and account numbers.
Online banks like Chime, Varo, and LendingClub also offer checking accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fees. You can open one online in minutes using just an ID and Social Security number. These accounts work with Planet Fitness's payment system.
Prepaid debit cards that come with a routing and account number — sometimes called "payroll cards" or "banking cards" — may also work, though you should contact your local Planet Fitness to confirm before signing up. Some prepaid cards do not support ACH debits.
If you cannot open a checking account, you cannot join Planet Fitness. The gym does not offer alternative payment arrangements or memberships that do not require bank account access.
How to protect your account information when signing up
When you provide your routing and account number, you are giving Planet Fitness permission to withdraw money, but not permission to see your balance, transfer money to other accounts, or access any other banking functions. Your PIN and online banking password remain private.
Sign up in person at the gym or through their official website or app. Do not provide your account information over the phone unless you initiated the call to a number you know is correct. Scammers sometimes pose as gym staff to collect banking details.
Keep your membership agreement and the authorization form you signed. If a charge appears that you did not authorize, or if charges continue after you cancel, you can dispute the transaction with your bank using the authorization form as proof of what you agreed to.
Cancelling your membership and stopping the withdrawals
To stop Planet Fitness from withdrawing money, you must cancel your membership. Cancellation policies vary by location, but most require you to visit the gym in person or send a written cancellation request. Calling does not usually work — the gym needs a record of your cancellation request.
Once you cancel, Planet Fitness should stop withdrawing money on your next billing date. However, you should confirm the cancellation in writing and keep a copy. If charges continue after cancellation, contact your bank to dispute them and provide your cancellation confirmation as proof.
You can also revoke Planet Fitness's authorization to withdraw from your account by contacting your bank directly and asking them to block ACH debits from that merchant. This stops the payments but does not formally cancel your membership, so the gym may still try to contact you about the unpaid balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a joint checking account to sign up for Planet Fitness?
Yes, as long as you are listed on the account and have authority to authorize withdrawals. Planet Fitness does not verify who owns the account — they only need the routing and account number. If you are not on the account, you cannot authorize the gym to withdraw from it.
What if my bank declines Planet Fitness's withdrawal?
Your bank will decline the charge if your account does not have enough money on the withdrawal date. Planet Fitness typically retries the payment a few days later. If it fails multiple times, your membership will be suspended. You can reactivate it by updating your payment information and ensuring your account has sufficient funds.
Does Planet Fitness charge a fee if the payment fails?
Planet Fitness does not charge you a fee, but your bank may charge an overdraft or insufficient funds fee if the withdrawal causes your account to go negative. This is your bank's fee, not the gym's. Check your bank's overdraft policy before signing up.
Can I change my bank account information after I join?
Yes. You can update your payment method through your Planet Fitness account online, through their app, or by visiting the gym in person. You will need to provide your new routing and account number. The change usually takes effect on your next billing date.
What if I want to pause my membership instead of cancelling?
Some Planet Fitness locations offer membership freezes or holds that stop billing for a set period — usually 1 to 3 months. During the freeze, your membership is inactive but not cancelled, so you do not lose your membership status. Ask your gym whether this option is available and whether it requires a fee.