Planet Fitness accepts payment methods beyond bank accounts, but your options depend on which membership type you choose

Planet Fitness does not require you to have a bank account to join. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card at signup. However, most Planet Fitness locations bill monthly on a recurring schedule, and the payment method you use at signup becomes the one they charge each month. If you use a prepaid card, you'll need to reload it before each billing date to avoid a declined payment, which can trigger late fees or membership suspension.

The catch is that Planet Fitness does not accept cash payments for memberships. They also do not offer month-to-month billing that you can pay in person at the gym. Your only path forward is a card-based payment method that can be charged repeatedly.

Key Takeaways

  • You can join Planet Fitness with a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card—a bank account is not required.
  • Planet Fitness does not accept cash for memberships and does not allow in-person monthly payments at the gym.
  • Your payment method at signup will be charged automatically each month, so prepaid cards need to be reloaded before your billing date.
  • A declined payment can result in a $39 late fee and temporary suspension of your membership access.
  • If your card is declined, contact Planet Fitness when ready to update your payment method and avoid additional fees.

What payment methods Planet Fitness actually accepts

Planet Fitness accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. This includes debit cards issued by banks, credit cards from any major issuer, and prepaid cards like Visa gift cards or reloadable prepaid debit cards. You do not need a checking account to obtain any of these cards—prepaid cards in particular can be purchased at grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores without a bank account.

The membership fee varies by location and membership tier. The most common option is the Black Card membership, which costs between $22.99 and $24.99 per month depending on your gym location, plus a one-time enrollment fee of $1 to $49. Planet Fitness also offers a basic membership tier at lower cost, though availability varies by location. Both are billed monthly to your card on the same date each month.

How to use a prepaid card for your Planet Fitness membership

If you're using a prepaid card, load it with enough money to cover your first month's membership fee plus the enrollment fee before you go to the gym to sign up. At signup, the staff will charge both fees to your card when ready. You'll then need to reload the card before your next billing date—Planet Fitness will send you a reminder email a few days before, but it's your responsibility to make sure the card has funds available.

Set a phone reminder for a few days before your billing date each month. This prevents the card from being declined, which triggers a $39 late fee and can lock you out of the gym until you update your payment method. If you forget to reload and your card is declined, call or visit your gym location as soon as you notice to add a different payment method to your account.

What happens if your payment method is declined

When a payment is declined, Planet Fitness charges a $39 late fee to your account. Your membership access may be suspended when ready, meaning your key fob or app access stops working until the situation is resolved. You won't be able to enter the gym or use any facilities.

To restore access, you need to contact your gym location directly or call Planet Fitness customer service and provide a working payment method. They will attempt to charge the original amount plus the late fee to the new method. Once the charge goes through, your access is restored, usually within a few hours. If you dispute the late fee, Planet Fitness may waive it as a one-time courtesy, but this is not may provide.

Alternatives if you can't use a card-based payment method

Planet Fitness does not offer payment alternatives such as cash, check, money order, or bank transfer for memberships. If you cannot obtain a prepaid card or do not have access to a credit or debit card, you cannot join Planet Fitness through their standard membership process.

Some gyms in your area may offer different payment options. YMCA locations, for example, often accept cash and offer payment plans. Local community centers and municipal recreation departments sometimes accept cash or check payments. If you need gym access and cannot use a card, contact these organizations in your area to learn what they offer.

How to get a prepaid card if you don't have a bank account

Prepaid cards are available at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores without requiring a bank account or credit check. Common brands include Visa Prepaid, Mastercard Prepaid, and store-branded cards like Walmart MoneyCard. You buy the card itself (usually $0 to $10), then load it with cash at the register or online. The card can then be used anywhere that accepts that card brand.

Some prepaid cards charge monthly maintenance fees ($2 to $5) or per-transaction fees, so compare options before you buy. Reloadable prepaid cards are better for recurring charges like gym memberships because you can add money to the same card each month rather than buying a new card every time. You can reload most cards at the same store where you bought them, or online if you link a bank account (though that defeats the purpose if you're trying to avoid a bank account).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay Planet Fitness in cash at the gym?

No. Planet Fitness does not accept cash payments for memberships. You must use a card-based payment method that can be charged automatically each month. Some gyms do accept cash, but Planet Fitness is not one of them.

What happens if I use a gift card to join Planet Fitness?

A one-time gift card will cover your initial enrollment fee and first month, but it won't work for future monthly charges. You'll need to add a different payment method to your account before your second billing date, or your membership will be suspended and you'll be charged a $39 late fee.

Can I pay for multiple months upfront to avoid monthly charges?

Planet Fitness does not offer the option to prepay for multiple months. You are billed monthly on a recurring schedule. Your only way to avoid monthly charges is to cancel your membership.

Do I need to provide my Social Security number to join Planet Fitness?

No. Planet Fitness does not require a Social Security number. You'll need to provide your name, address, phone number, and email, plus a valid payment method. They do not perform a credit check.

What if my prepaid card is declined but I know it has money on it?

Contact your prepaid card issuer to confirm the card is active and has available funds. Some prepaid cards have daily spending limits or require set up for online charges. Once you've confirmed the card works, contact Planet Fitness to retry the charge or update your payment method.