Planet Fitness uses your checking account to collect membership fees automatically

Planet Fitness requires a checking account because they bill your membership dues on a recurring schedule — usually monthly — and they need a way to pull that money directly from your bank. This is called automatic bank draft or ACH debit, and it's how the gym ensures they can collect your $10, $15, $22, or $24.99 monthly fee (depending on membership tier and location) without having to process a credit card every month or chase you down for payment.

The gym does not accept credit cards, debit cards, or prepaid cards as your primary payment method for ongoing membership. They will ask for your checking account number and routing number during sign-up, and they'll run a small test transaction — usually $1 — to confirm the account is real and active before your membership begins.

This system works in Planet Fitness's favor because bank drafts are cheaper to process than credit card transactions, and they reduce the number of failed payments. It also works in yours because you don't have to remember to pay or worry about a card expiring mid-year.

Key Takeaways

  • Planet Fitness pulls your monthly membership fee directly from your checking account using automatic bank draft, which is why they require account details at sign-up.
  • The gym will run a small test charge (usually $1) to verify your account before your membership starts, and that charge will be credited back or applied to your first bill.
  • You cannot pay with a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card for ongoing membership, though some locations may accept these for a one-time sign-up fee.
  • If your account is closed, overdrawn, or flagged for fraud, your membership payments will fail and your account may be suspended until payment goes through.
  • You can update your banking information online through your Planet Fitness account or by visiting your home gym location in person.

What happens during the sign-up process

When you join Planet Fitness, you'll provide your checking account number, routing number, and the name on the account. The gym will ask for your driver's license or state ID to verify your identity, and they'll collect your address and phone number. This information is stored in their billing system and used to set up your recurring charge.

Before your first full membership charge posts, Planet Fitness will send a test debit of $1 to your account. This happens within one to three business days and confirms that your account is open and can receive transfers. If the test charge fails — because the account is closed, frozen, or the routing number is wrong — the gym will contact you to update your information before your membership begins.

Once the test charge succeeds, it's either credited back to your account or applied as a credit toward your first membership bill. Your regular monthly charge will then begin on the date you agreed to, and it will repeat on the same day each month unless you cancel.

Why Planet Fitness does not accept credit or debit cards

Credit card and debit card transactions cost merchants a percentage of each sale — typically 2 to 3 percent — plus a per-transaction fee. Bank drafts (ACH transfers) cost a fraction of that, usually a flat fee of 25 cents or less per transaction. For a gym processing thousands of memberships every month, that difference adds up to tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Bank drafts are also more reliable for recurring charges. A credit card can expire, be reported lost, or be declined for fraud reasons without warning. A checking account is more stable — if you keep money in it, the charge goes through. This reduces the number of failed payments Planet Fitness has to chase down, which saves them time and money on collection efforts.

From a customer standpoint, this also means you don't have to update your payment method every time your credit card expires or you get a new one. As long as your checking account stays open, your membership keeps billing automatically.

What to do if your checking account is closed or compromised

If you close your checking account or switch banks, your Planet Fitness membership charge will fail on the next billing date. The gym will typically send you an email or text notification that the payment was declined, and they'll give you a window — usually 10 to 14 days — to update your banking information before they suspend your membership.

You can update your account information online through the Planet Fitness app or website by logging into your member account and navigating to billing or payment settings. You'll enter your new checking account number and routing number, and the gym will run another test charge to confirm it works. Alternatively, you can visit your home gym location in person and ask a staff member to update your account at the front desk.

If your account is flagged for fraud or frozen by your bank, contact your bank first to resolve the issue. Once your account is unfrozen, notify Planet Fitness that your account is active again and ask them to retry the charge. If they've already suspended your membership, they can usually reactivate it the same day once payment goes through.

How to protect your checking account information

Planet Fitness stores your banking information in their payment system, which is encrypted and complies with PCI (Payment Card Industry) standards. However, like any company that holds financial data, they are a potential target for hackers. You can reduce your risk by using a checking account that you monitor regularly and by setting up account alerts with your bank.

Ask your bank to notify you of any transfers over a certain amount — say $50 — so you'll catch unauthorized charges quickly. You can also review your Planet Fitness account online to see the exact date and amount of your last charge, which helps you spot billing errors or fraud before they become a problem.

If you notice a charge you didn't authorize, contact Planet Fitness customer service immediately and ask them to investigate. If they cannot explain the charge, contact your bank and file a dispute. Banks can reverse unauthorized ACH transfers within a certain window, though the timeline varies by institution.

Alternatives if you do not have a checking account

If you don't have a traditional checking account, you have a few options. Some banks and credit unions offer second-chance checking accounts designed for people with banking history issues — these accounts work the same way as regular checking accounts and will satisfy Planet Fitness's requirement. You can also open a checking account at most banks or credit unions in a single visit, often with no minimum balance.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, or LendingClub also offer checking accounts that work with ACH transfers, and many have no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. If you open an account online, it typically takes one to three business days to become fully active, so plan ahead before you sign up for your gym membership.

Some Planet Fitness locations may accept a prepaid card or debit card for a one-time sign-up fee (often $1 to $10), but this is not standard policy and varies by location. Call your local gym to ask whether they offer this option before you visit.

What happens if a payment fails

If your membership charge fails — because your account is overdrawn, closed, or flagged for fraud — Planet Fitness will attempt to retry the charge within a few days. Most gyms retry failed charges two to three times over a week or two before suspending your account. During this time, you may still be able to use your membership, but you'll receive notices asking you to update your payment information.

Once your account is suspended, you cannot enter the gym or use any Planet Fitness facilities. To reactivate, you'll need to contact the gym, provide valid banking information, and allow them to process the overdue charge plus any late fees (if applicable). Some locations charge a reactivation fee of $10 to $25 on top of your regular membership dues.

If you know you're going to have trouble making a payment, contact Planet Fitness before the charge date and ask about a payment plan or temporary freeze. Some locations will work with you to delay a charge by a week or two, which is easier than dealing with a failed payment and reactivation later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Most Planet Fitness locations require a checking account specifically, not a savings account. Savings accounts are designed for money you're keeping long-term, and banks often limit the number of transfers you can make from a savings account per month. Call your local gym to confirm their policy, but plan on opening a checking account if you only have savings.

What if the test charge fails?

If the $1 test charge fails, Planet Fitness will contact you by phone or email and ask you to provide corrected banking information. Common reasons for failure include a wrong routing number, a closed account, or a name mismatch. Once you provide the correct details, they'll run the test again, and your membership will start once it succeeds.

Can I cancel my membership without going to the gym?

Most Planet Fitness locations require you to cancel in person or by certified mail — calling or emailing usually does not count as an official cancellation. Check your membership agreement or call your home gym to confirm their cancellation policy. If you cancel, the gym will stop charging your account on your next billing date, but you may be responsible for the current month's fee.

Will Planet Fitness charge me if I freeze my membership?

If you freeze your membership (also called a hold), Planet Fitness will stop charging your account during the freeze period. Freezes typically last 30 to 90 days depending on your location and membership tier. Once the freeze ends, your regular monthly charge will resume unless you cancel or extend the freeze.

What if I want to switch to a different checking account?

Log into your Planet Fitness account online or visit your home gym and ask the front desk to update your banking information. Provide your new checking account number and routing number, and the gym will run a test charge to confirm it works. Make sure your old account stays open for at least one billing cycle after you switch, in case the gym retries a charge to the old account.