Planet Fitness accepts checking account payments through automatic bank transfers
Planet Fitness will pull membership dues directly from your checking account if you set it up during sign-up or through your account settings later. The gym uses ACH transfers — the same electronic system banks use to move money between accounts — to charge your monthly fee on the date your membership renews. You do not have to use a checking account; Planet Fitness also takes debit cards and credit cards. But if you have a checking account and want to avoid credit card fees or keep gym charges separate from credit spending, ACH is a straightforward option.
The process is secure and reversible. Planet Fitness does not store your actual account number after you verify it, and you can change your payment method or pause your membership at any time through your account without calling the gym.
Key Takeaways
- Planet Fitness charges your checking account via ACH transfer on your membership renewal date each month.
- You provide your routing number and account number during sign-up or by updating your payment method in the Planet Fitness app or website.
- ACH transfers typically take one to three business days to post, so the charge may not show immediately after your renewal date.
- If you close the checking account linked to your membership, Planet Fitness will attempt to charge it and may charge you a failed-payment fee if the transfer bounces.
- You can change your payment method or pause your membership at any time through your Planet Fitness account without calling the gym.
How to set up checking account payments at Planet Fitness
During sign-up, Planet Fitness asks for a payment method before your membership starts. Select the checking account option and enter your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and account number (the number of your specific account at that bank). Both appear on the bottom left of your checks or in your bank's online portal. Planet Fitness will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under one dollar each) into your checking account within a few days, then ask you to confirm those amounts in your Planet Fitness account to prove you own the account.
If you already have a membership with a credit or debit card and want to switch to checking account payments, log into your Planet Fitness account on the website or app, go to payment settings, and select "Update Payment Method." Follow the same steps to enter your routing and account numbers. The change takes effect on your next billing date.
When Planet Fitness charges your checking account
Planet Fitness charges your account on the same day each month — the date you signed up or the date you last renewed. If you signed up on the 15th, you will be charged on the 15th of every month going forward. The charge is the full monthly membership fee for your plan (prices vary by location and membership tier, typically between $10 and $25 per month for standard memberships).
The ACH transfer itself takes one to three business days to clear after your renewal date. This means the charge may not show in your checking account balance until two or three days after the renewal date, even though Planet Fitness initiated it on day one. Plan your checking account balance around the renewal date, not the day the charge actually appears.
What happens if your checking account is closed or has insufficient funds
If you close the checking account linked to your Planet Fitness membership without updating your payment method, Planet Fitness will still attempt to charge it on your renewal date. The transfer will fail, and your bank will likely charge you a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee or returned-item fee — typically $25 to $35 depending on your bank. Planet Fitness may also charge you a failed-payment fee (usually $5 to $10) and suspend your membership until you provide a working payment method.
If your account has insufficient funds on the renewal date, the same outcome occurs: the transfer fails, your bank charges a fee, Planet Fitness charges a failed-payment fee, and your membership is suspended. To avoid this, update your payment method before closing an old account, or set up a calendar reminder a few days before your renewal date to confirm your account has enough money.
Changing or canceling your checking account payment method
You can change your payment method at any time through your Planet Fitness account without calling the gym or visiting in person. Log into the app or website, navigate to account settings or billing, and select "Update Payment Method." You can switch to a different checking account, a debit card, or a credit card. The new payment method takes effect on your next billing date.
If you want to pause or cancel your membership entirely, you can also do that through your account. Planet Fitness does not charge a cancellation fee, but some locations require you to cancel in person or by phone — check your membership agreement or call your local gym to confirm their policy. Once your membership is canceled, no further charges will be made to your checking account.
Security and privacy when using your checking account
Planet Fitness does not store your full routing number or account number after verification. The gym uses tokenization, a process that replaces your actual account details with a secure code that can only be used for Planet Fitness charges. This means even if Planet Fitness's systems were breached, a hacker would not gain access to your checking account number.
ACH transfers are also protected by federal banking rules. If you notice an unauthorized charge, you can dispute it with your bank within 60 days, and the bank will investigate and reverse the charge if it was fraudulent. Your bank may also offer additional fraud protection through your checking account agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Planet Fitness typically requires a checking account for ACH transfers, not a savings account. If you only have a savings account, use a debit card or credit card instead. Some banks offer checking accounts with no monthly fee, so opening one is another option if you prefer ACH payments.
What if I want to change my renewal date?
Planet Fitness does not allow you to change your renewal date through your account settings. Contact your local gym directly to request a date change. Some locations will adjust it, but policies vary by gym, so call ahead or ask during your next visit.
Will Planet Fitness charge me if I freeze my membership?
No. If you freeze your membership through your account or at the gym, Planet Fitness will not charge your checking account during the freeze period. Charges resume on the date your freeze ends. Confirm the freeze end date in your account to avoid unexpected charges.
How do I know if my ACH transfer went through?
Check your Planet Fitness account — it will show your membership status as active and the renewal date as current. Your checking account statement will also show the charge once it clears, usually one to three business days after your renewal date. If you do not see the charge after three business days, contact your bank or Planet Fitness.
Can Planet Fitness charge my checking account without my permission?
No. You must provide your routing and account numbers and confirm the verification deposits before Planet Fitness can charge your account. Once set up, you can change or remove the payment method at any time through your account.