Planet Fitness uses your checking account to collect membership fees automatically
Planet Fitness requires checking account information because they bill your membership dues on a recurring schedule — usually monthly — and they need a way to collect that payment reliably. Rather than asking you to pay in person or by card each month, they set up automatic bank drafts, which pull money directly from your account on a set date. This is their standard payment method for most memberships.
The gym does not need your account details to verify your identity or creditworthiness the way a credit card company might. They need it to execute the recurring charge. If you stop going or want to cancel, the drafts continue until you formally end your membership — which is why cancellation policies matter more than the payment method itself.
Key Takeaways
- Planet Fitness collects monthly dues through automatic bank drafts, so they require your checking account number and routing number at signup.
- Bank drafts are cheaper for the gym to process than credit card payments, which is why they do not offer card-only membership options at most locations.
- Your bank account information is stored in their payment system, and you can update or remove it by contacting the gym or using their app.
- Canceling your membership stops future drafts, but you must formally cancel through the gym — simply stopping payment does not end your account.
- If a draft fails because of insufficient funds, the gym may charge a fee and attempt to collect again, so keeping your account in good standing matters.
How the automatic draft system works
When you sign up for a Planet Fitness membership, you provide your checking account number, routing number, and authorization to debit your account. This is called an ACH debit — Automated Clearing House — and it is a standard banking method for recurring payments. On your billing date each month, Planet Fitness submits a request to your bank to withdraw the membership fee.
Your bank processes the request and transfers the money from your account to Planet Fitness's account. The whole process typically takes one to two business days, though the charge may appear in your account immediately as pending. You can see these charges on your bank statement under the merchant name "Planet Fitness" or a similar descriptor.
Unlike a credit card, which creates a line of credit you pay back, a bank draft is a direct withdrawal. The money leaves your account the same way a check would clear, except it happens electronically and on a schedule you agreed to at signup.
Why Planet Fitness does not accept credit cards for membership
Most Planet Fitness locations do not offer credit card as a payment option for ongoing membership dues. The reason is cost: credit card processors charge the gym a fee — typically 2 to 3 percent of each transaction — for the privilege of accepting the card. Bank drafts cost far less, sometimes under 1 percent, which is why gyms and utilities prefer them.
By requiring a checking account, Planet Fitness reduces their payment processing costs and passes some of that savings to members through lower membership fees. If they accepted credit cards, the fees would be higher to cover the processor charges. Some locations may accept a credit card for your first payment or for a one-time purchase, but recurring membership dues almost always come from a bank account.
This is not unique to Planet Fitness. Most gyms, streaming services, and subscription businesses use bank drafts for the same reason — it is the cheapest way to collect recurring payments.
What information Planet Fitness stores and how it is protected
At signup, you provide your full name, checking account number, routing number, and authorization to debit your account. Planet Fitness stores this information in their payment processing system, which is separate from their main customer database. Payment processors use encryption to protect account numbers in transit and at rest, meaning the data is scrambled and unreadable without a key.
Your checking account number is not the same as your debit card number, and it does not give Planet Fitness access to your card or your full account balance. They can only withdraw the membership fee amount you authorized. If you are concerned about security, you can ask Planet Fitness which payment processor they use and review that processor's security practices.
If your account information changes — for example, you close the checking account and open a new one — you need to update it in your Planet Fitness account or through their app. If you do not update it, the next draft will fail, and the gym may charge a failed-payment fee.
What happens if a draft fails or bounces
If your checking account does not have enough money when Planet Fitness attempts to draft your membership fee, the transaction will fail. Your bank will typically decline the draft and may charge you an insufficient funds fee — usually $25 to $35 — depending on your bank's policy. Planet Fitness may also charge you a failed-payment fee, often $10 to $15.
After a failed draft, Planet Fitness usually attempts to collect again within a few days. If the second attempt also fails, they may suspend your membership or mark your account as delinquent. You will need to contact the gym to update your payment method or bring your account current before you can use the facility again.
To avoid this, keep enough money in your checking account to cover your membership fee before your billing date. If you know your account will be low, contact Planet Fitness ahead of time to ask about rescheduling your billing date or updating your payment method.
How to update or remove your checking account information
You can update your checking account information through the Planet Fitness app or by calling your local gym. Log into the app, go to your account settings, and look for a "Payment Method" or "Billing" section. You can add a new account number or change your billing date. Changes usually take effect within one to two business days.
If you want to remove your checking account information entirely, you will need to cancel your membership. Simply removing the payment method does not cancel your membership — it just stops the gym from being able to collect dues, which can result in your account being sent to collections if you owe money.
If you are switching banks or closing your current checking account, update your information in your Planet Fitness account before you close the account. This prevents a failed draft and the fees that come with it.
Canceling your membership and stopping the drafts
To stop Planet Fitness from drafting your account, you must formally cancel your membership. Cancellation policies vary by location and membership type — some require 30 days' notice, others require you to cancel in person at the gym, and some allow cancellation through the app or by phone. Check your membership agreement or contact your local gym to find out the exact process.
Once you cancel, the gym will stop attempting to draft your account. However, if you have already been charged for the current month, that charge will not be refunded — you will have access to the gym through the end of your billing cycle. Future months will not be charged.
If you cancel but the gym continues to draft your account, contact your bank and request that they block future drafts from Planet Fitness. You can also file a dispute with your bank, and they will investigate and potentially reverse the unauthorized charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Most Planet Fitness locations require a checking account specifically because checking accounts are designed for frequent transactions. Savings accounts can be used in some cases, but you would need to contact your local gym to ask. The routing number and account number process is the same either way.
Is my checking account number safe with Planet Fitness?
Your account number is stored in an encrypted payment system and is only used to collect your membership fee. Planet Fitness cannot access your full account balance or make withdrawals beyond the authorized amount. However, if you are uncomfortable sharing your account number, you can ask whether your gym accepts prepaid cards or gift cards as an alternative.
What if I dispute a charge on my bank account?
If you believe Planet Fitness charged you incorrectly or after you canceled, contact your bank and file a dispute. Your bank will investigate and may reverse the charge while they look into it. Planet Fitness will have an opportunity to respond with proof of the charge. Keep your membership agreement and cancellation confirmation as evidence.
Can I change my billing date?
Most gyms allow you to change your billing date through the app or by calling your location. The new date usually takes effect on your next billing cycle. If you need your billing date moved to align with when you get paid, contact Planet Fitness and ask about rescheduling.
What happens if I move and close my checking account?
Update your payment information in your Planet Fitness account before you close your old account. If you do not update it, the next draft will fail and you will be charged fees by both your bank and the gym. You can add your new checking account number through the app or by calling the gym.