When you sign up for a budget-friendly gym membership, the low monthly rate often hides additional expenses. Planet Fitness is famous for its ten-dollar and twenty-four-dollar monthly dues, but members frequently get caught off guard by extra charges. If you are wondering when does planet fitness charge its annual fee, the short answer is that it hits your account on the first of the month, exactly two months after your original join date.
For example, if you register for a membership on January fifteenth, your first annual fee is billed on March first. Every year following that, the charge recurs on that same annual milestone unless you cancel your membership properly before the cutoff window.
The Exact Planet Fitness Billing Schedule
Understanding how gym billing works prevents unexpected overdrafts on your bank statement. Planet Fitness separates your monthly dues from your yearly maintenance charge. While monthly fees typically draft around the seventeenth of the month, the annual fee operates on a completely different timeline.
The yearly charge is billed automatically on the first day of your third month of membership. The company structures it this way so new members get a brief runway before the lump sum is requested.
- Month One: You pay your prorated sign-up cost and initial fees on day one.
- Month Two: You only pay your standard monthly membership dues.
- Month Three: On the first day of this month, your annual fee is withdrawn alongside or near your regular cycle.
This schedule remains fixed for the lifetime of your account. If you join on August tenth, expect the yearly fee to draft on October first, and every subsequent October first. You can verify your precise billing dates by checking your contract details inside the official Planet Fitness Member Portal.
How Much Is the Annual Fee?
The exact dollar amount depends on the type of contract you chose when you walked through the front doors. Taxes apply depending on local state regulations, which means the final charge might vary slightly by location.
- Classic Membership: The standard $10-per-month plan typically carries an annual fee of $39.00 plus applicable state taxes.
- PF Black Card Membership: The upgraded tier, which grants access to guest passes and spa amenities, usually features an annual fee of $39.00 or $49.00 depending on regional promotions active at your signup location, plus taxes.
When you combine this yearly lump sum with your monthly dues, the actual cost of a budget gym membership is higher than the headline price suggests. Factor this sum into your personal budget so it doesn't surprise you.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Accidental Charges
Many members try to dodge the yearly charge by canceling right before it hits, only to find themselves locked into another billing cycle. Avoiding unnecessary charges requires careful timing and an understanding of corporate policies.
Missing the Cancellation Window
Canceling your membership on the last day of the month won't stop pending drafts. Planet Fitness requires cancellation requests to be submitted well in advance of your billing date. To prevent the system from processing an upcoming monthly or annual charge, you must submit your cancellation request at least seven days before your scheduled draft date.
Assuming Freezing Stops the Clock
If you freeze your account due to an injury or extended travel, check whether your annual fee is also paused. At many locations, freezing a membership only pauses monthly dues, meaning an annual fee might still process while your account status is inactive. Always ask the front desk staff explicitly about yearly fees before signing a freeze agreement.
Forgetting to Cancel in Person
Planet Fitness famously requires members to cancel either by sending a certified letter to their home club or by walking into the gym in person. You cannot cancel over the phone or via standard email. If you move away without completing this formal process, your account stays active, accumulating monthly dues and annual charges indefinitely. Review the official Planet Fitness FAQ to ensure you follow the correct termination protocol for your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my annual fee refunded if I never use the gym?
Planet Fitness contracts state that membership dues and annual fees are non-refundable. If you forget to cancel and the yearly fee processes, customer service rarely grants refunds unless you can prove a clerical error occurred on their end.
Does upgrading my membership change my annual fee date?
Upgrading from a Classic membership to a Black Card tier often triggers a new contract agreement. While your original signup anniversary month usually dictates your annual fee timeline, check your updated digital agreement to see if the restructuring shifted your billing month.
How can I check my exact annual fee date?
Log into your account using the official mobile application or navigate to the member dashboard online. Head to your account settings, click on your billing history, and view your agreement summary. The exact month of your yearly charge is listed clearly within those documents.
What happens if my annual fee payment declines?
If your linked debit card or bank account lacks sufficient funds when the yearly fee attempts to process, Planet Fitness will retry the transaction and may assess a small returned payment fee. Your account will also be flagged with a temporary hold until the balance is cleared.
