Defer payment at Planet Fitness means you pause your membership charges for a set period without losing your membership status
When Planet Fitness offers to defer a payment, they are letting you skip one or more monthly charges while keeping your membership active. You do not lose access to the gym, your account does not close, and you do not have to rejoin later. The charges you skip get added to the end of your membership — so if you defer two months, you owe those two months of fees after your deferral period ends.
This is different from cancelling. Cancellation ends your membership entirely. A deferral pauses the billing cycle temporarily. Planet Fitness typically offers deferrals when you contact them directly to explain a financial hardship, a temporary job loss, an injury that keeps you from using the gym, or another reason you cannot pay right now but expect to be able to pay later.
The length of the deferral and the exact terms depend on your location and your membership type. Some Planet Fitness locations allow one-month deferrals; others may go longer. You have to ask — the gym does not automatically offer this option.
Key Takeaways
- A deferral pauses your monthly charges but keeps your membership open and your gym access active.
- The months you skip are added to the end of your membership, so you eventually pay the full amount.
- You must contact your specific Planet Fitness location or call their member services line to request a deferral.
- Deferrals are not automatic; the gym approves them on a case-by-case basis, usually when you explain a temporary financial hardship.
- The length of a deferral varies by location and membership type, so confirm the exact terms before you agree.
How the deferral period works and what happens after
When you start a deferral, Planet Fitness stops charging your payment method on the date your deferral begins. If you normally pay on the 15th of each month and you defer for two months starting when ready, you will not see a charge on the 15th or the 15th of the following month. On the 15th of the month after your deferral ends, the charges resume.
The deferred charges do not disappear. They roll forward to the end of your membership timeline. If your membership would have ended in December and you defer two months, it now ends in February. You will owe those two months of fees as part of your regular membership cost when billing resumes.
Some locations allow you to pay the deferred amount in a lump sum when the deferral ends, while others automatically resume regular monthly billing. Ask your gym which method they use before you agree to the deferral.
Who can request a deferral and what Planet Fitness looks for
Planet Fitness does not have a published list of reasons that may have access to for a deferral. The decision is made by the staff at your specific location or by their member services team. Common reasons people request deferrals include temporary job loss, medical expenses, injury that prevents gym use, or other short-term financial strain.
You do not need to provide documentation or proof of hardship in most cases, but be honest about your situation. The gym is more likely to approve a deferral if you have been a member in good standing (paying on time) and if you can explain why the hardship is temporary. If you have already missed payments or have a history of late fees, approval is less certain.
There is no set limit on how many times you can request a deferral, but Planet Fitness will not defer indefinitely. If you need to pause your membership for more than a few months, cancellation may be the better option.
How to request a deferral from Planet Fitness
Contact your local Planet Fitness gym directly by phone or visit in person. Ask to speak with a manager or someone in the membership department. Explain your situation clearly and ask whether they can defer your membership charges and for how long.
If your local gym cannot help or you prefer not to visit, call Planet Fitness member services. The number is on your membership card or on your billing statement. Have your membership number and account information ready. Explain that you are requesting a payment deferral and why.
Once the gym approves the deferral, ask for confirmation in writing — either an email or a note in your account. This protects you if there is confusion later about when the deferral started or ended. Confirm the exact date the deferral begins, how many months it covers, and when regular billing resumes.
What happens if you cannot pay when the deferral ends
If your deferral period ends and you still cannot pay, contact the gym again before the billing date. Do not wait for a missed payment to appear on your account. Explain your situation and ask whether another deferral is possible or whether cancellation makes more sense.
If you miss a payment after a deferral ends, Planet Fitness will charge a late fee (the amount varies by location) and may suspend your gym access until the payment is made. If you miss multiple payments, the gym may cancel your membership and refer the debt to a collection agency.
Cancellation is always an option if you need to stop paying. It ends your membership when ready and you owe nothing further, though you may lose any unused portion of a prepaid membership or annual commitment.
Deferral versus other payment options at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness offers a few ways to manage your membership if you cannot pay right now. A deferral pauses charges temporarily. Cancellation ends your membership with no further obligation. Some locations also allow you to downgrade to a lower-tier membership (for example, from a premium plan to a basic plan) to lower your monthly cost without pausing entirely.
If you think you will be able to pay again in a month or two, a deferral makes sense. If you are unsure whether you will ever use the gym again, cancellation is cleaner. If you want to keep a membership but lower the cost, ask about downgrading.
The best option depends on your situation. A deferral keeps your membership alive and your access open, but you still owe the deferred amount eventually. Cancellation cuts ties completely. Talk through your options with the gym staff before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my gym membership while my payment is deferred?
Yes. A deferral pauses your charges but does not suspend your access. You can use the gym normally during the deferral period. Your membership card works the same way it always has.
What if I want to cancel my membership instead of deferring?
You can cancel at any time by contacting your local gym or calling member services. Cancellation ends your membership when ready and you owe nothing further. You lose gym access right away, and any unused membership time is forfeited.
Do I have to pay the deferred amount all at once when the deferral ends?
That depends on your location. Some gyms add the deferred charges to your regular monthly billing, so you pay them over time. Others ask for a lump sum. Confirm this with your gym before you agree to the deferral.
Will a deferral hurt my credit score?
No. Planet Fitness is a gym membership, not a credit account. A deferral does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Only missed or late payments that are reported to a collection agency would have that effect.
How long can I defer my membership?
There is no standard answer — it varies by location. Most gyms allow one to three months. Ask your specific Planet Fitness location what their maximum deferral period is before you request one.