Planet Fitness asks for a bank account because they want a reliable way to collect your monthly membership fee

Planet Fitness requires a bank account (or a debit card linked to one) so they can charge your membership dues automatically each month. This is called automatic recurring billing, and it means the gym doesn't have to chase you for payment or process a new transaction every 30 days. For them, it's simpler and cheaper than handling checks or credit cards repeatedly.

From your side, the reason gyms push for this is that people who set up automatic payments are less likely to cancel. If you have to actively choose to pay each month, you might decide the gym isn't worth it. If the money just leaves your account automatically, you're more likely to keep the membership even if you stop going.

Planet Fitness specifically requires either a checking or savings account, or a debit card. They do not accept credit cards for membership payments. This matters because a debit card pulls money directly from your bank account, just like an automatic withdrawal would.

Key Takeaways

  • Planet Fitness uses automatic bank withdrawals to collect membership fees each month, which is cheaper for them than processing individual payments.
  • You can provide either a bank account number for direct withdrawal, or a debit card that is linked to your bank account.
  • Credit cards are not accepted for Planet Fitness memberships, only debit cards or direct bank access.
  • If you do not have a bank account, you cannot get a Planet Fitness membership, though some gyms with different payment models may accept other methods.

What happens if you do not have a bank account yet

If you are new to banking or do not currently have an account, you have two paths. The first is to open a checking account at a bank or credit union before you sign up for the gym. This takes a few days to a week, and most banks will let you open an account online or in person with just an ID and a small deposit.

The second path is to look for a gym with a different payment structure. Some smaller gyms, community centers, or fitness studios accept cash, checks, or credit cards. You can call ahead and ask what payment methods they take before you visit. Planet Fitness specifically does not offer these alternatives, but other gyms in your area might.

Why banks and gyms both want this arrangement

Automatic recurring billing protects both sides. For the gym, it means they know the money is coming and they do not have to spend staff time collecting it. For your bank, it means the gym has a way to reach your account if there is a dispute — they can show the bank that you authorized the charge.

This also means that if you want to cancel your membership, you usually have to contact Planet Fitness directly and ask them to stop the charges. straightforward closing your bank account or canceling your debit card will not stop them from trying to charge you. If the charge fails, they may send the debt to a collection agency, which can hurt your credit score.

How to protect yourself when you give your bank information

Before you hand over your bank details, make sure you understand the cancellation policy. Planet Fitness requires you to cancel in person at your home gym or by certified mail — you cannot cancel over the phone or online. Write down the date you cancel and keep proof that you sent it.

Check your bank statement every month for the first few months after you sign up, and then regularly after that. If you see a charge you did not expect, contact your bank right away. Banks can reverse unauthorized charges, but you have to report them within a certain time frame (usually 60 days).

If you decide to cancel, do it before your next billing date. Most gyms charge on the same day each month, so if you know that date, you can cancel a few days before to avoid an extra charge.

What information Planet Fitness actually needs from you

If you choose to give your bank account number directly, Planet Fitness will ask for your routing number and account number. These are printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find them by logging into your online banking or calling your bank.

If you use a debit card instead, you only need to provide the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. This is the same information you would give any online store.

Either way, Planet Fitness will process a small test charge (usually $1) to make sure the account is real and active. This charge will be reversed within a few days. After that, your regular membership fee will start on the date you agreed to.

Alternatives if you want to avoid automatic billing

Some gyms offer month-to-month memberships where you pay in person each time, though these are less common and usually cost more per month. Community centers and YMCA locations often have more flexible payment options, including cash or check payments made in person.

If you have a bank account but do not want to give Planet Fitness access to it, you could open a second checking account with a small balance and use only that account for gym payments. This limits the damage if something goes wrong, since the account would only have enough money to cover the gym fee. Some people do this for any recurring charge they are unsure about.

What to do if charges continue after you cancel

If you canceled your membership but Planet Fitness continues to charge you, contact your bank when ready. Tell them the charges are unauthorized and ask them to reverse them. You will need to show proof that you canceled — this is why keeping a copy of your cancellation notice matters.

You can also contact Planet Fitness directly and ask them to stop the charges. Get the name and date of the person you speak to, and follow up in writing if they do not stop within a few days. If the gym refuses to stop and your bank will not reverse the charges, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a prepaid debit card instead of a bank account?

Some prepaid cards work, but not all. Planet Fitness requires the card to be linked to a valid bank account or to have a routing number associated with it. Call your prepaid card company to ask if their cards have routing numbers. Many do not, so you may need a traditional bank account instead.

What if my bank account does not have enough money when Planet Fitness tries to charge me?

The charge will be declined, and you will likely be charged an overdraft or insufficient funds fee by your bank. Planet Fitness may also charge you a failed payment fee. After a few failed charges, they may suspend your membership or send your account to collections. Contact the gym right away if a charge fails.

Does Planet Fitness report my membership to credit agencies?

No, regular membership payments do not show up on your credit report. However, if you stop paying and the debt goes to a collection agency, that collection account will appear on your credit report and hurt your credit score.

Can I change my bank account or debit card after I sign up?

Yes. You can update your payment method by visiting your home gym in person or by calling them. Keep a record of when you made the change in case there are any billing issues.

What if I move and want to transfer my membership to a different Planet Fitness location?

You can transfer your membership to another location, and your bank account information will stay the same. Contact the new gym location or call Planet Fitness customer service to request the transfer. Your billing date and amount will not change.