Stop The Charges: The 5 Critical Steps To Cancel Your Planet Fitness Membership In 2025 (And Avoid The $58 Fee)

Stopping your Planet Fitness membership billing in 2025 requires more than just a phone call or a few clicks—it demands a specific, documented process to ensure you aren't charged another dime. While the gym is famous for its "Judgement Free Zone," its cancellation policy is notoriously strict, often requiring you to visit your "home club" in person or send a certified letter. This comprehensive guide breaks down the three official methods, the critical deadlines you must meet, and the exact steps to avoid the dreaded $58 buyout fee.

As of December 12, 2025, the core rules for membership cancellation remain consistent: a physical visit or certified mail provides the most reliable proof of cancellation. Ignoring the contract terms or missing a key deadline will almost certainly result in unexpected charges, including the monthly fee, the annual fee, or a contract termination penalty. We've compiled the most current information and insider tips to navigate this process smoothly, ensuring your membership is terminated effectively and permanently.

The Official 3-Step Process to Cancel Your Planet Fitness Membership

Planet Fitness offers two universally accepted and one location-dependent method for ending your membership. For the highest certainty and legal proof, you should always favor the in-person or certified mail options.

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Method 1: Cancelling In-Person at Your Home Club (Most Reliable)

Cancelling in person at your home club—the location where you originally signed up—is the simplest and most recommended method. It provides instant confirmation and a paper trail.

• Step 1: Locate Your Home Club. You must cancel at the specific club where you signed your membership agreement.
• Step 2: Visit During Staffed Hours. Go to the club during normal business hours when a manager or staff member is available to process the paperwork.
• Step 3: Request the Cancellation Form. Inform the staff you wish to cancel and ask for the official cancellation form. You will need to fill this out completely.
• Step 4: Get Written Proof. Crucially, request a copy of the signed and dated cancellation form or a receipt confirming your termination. This is your essential proof should any future billing disputes arise.

Method 2: Sending a Certified Letter (Proof Without the Visit)

If you have moved far from your home club or simply cannot visit in person, certified mail is the next best option. This method provides a legal record that the club received your cancellation request.

Certified Mail Cancellation Checklist:

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1. Write a Formal Letter: State your full name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, and your Planet Fitness membership ID number.
2. Declare Intent: Clearly state that you are formally requesting the immediate cancellation of your membership, effective immediately or on a specific date.
3. Request Confirmation: Ask the club to mail you a written confirmation of your cancellation date.
4. Use Certified Mail: Send the letter via USPS Certified Mail with a Return Receipt Requested. The Return Receipt is the green card signed by the club staff, which serves as your undeniable proof of delivery and receipt.
5. Mail to Your Home Club: Address the letter directly to the manager of your home club.

It can take up to seven business days for Planet Fitness to process a cancellation request sent via mail.

Decoding the Fees: Annual Charges, Buyout Costs, and Deadlines

The most common frustration for members attempting to cancel is being hit with an unexpected fee. These charges are almost always related to missing a critical deadline or being locked into a contract's minimum term. Understanding these deadlines is the key to a free cancellation.

The Critical Deadlines You Cannot Miss

To successfully cancel your membership and avoid additional charges, you must be aware of two key dates:

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• Monthly Fee Deadline (The 10th): You must submit your cancellation request (in-person or certified mail) before the 10th of the month to avoid being charged for that month’s membership fee.
• Annual Fee Deadline (The 25th): The annual fee, typically ranging from $39 to $49, is charged once a year. To stop the billing of this annual fee, your cancellation request must be received by the club by the 25th of the month prior to the annual fee date. For example, if your annual fee is charged on March 1st, you must cancel by February 25th.

When Does the $58 Buyout Fee Apply?

The infamous $58 buyout fee is a one-time charge that applies only to members who signed a minimum-term contract and wish to cancel early.

• 12-Month Contract: Most standard and Black Card memberships involve an initial 12-month commitment. If you cancel at any point before this 12-month period is up, you will be required to pay the $58 buyout fee.
• Month-to-Month Membership: If your initial 12-month contract has expired, your membership typically converts to a month-to-month agreement. In this case, you can cancel for free, provided you meet the 10th-of-the-month deadline.

Pro Tip: Before initiating the cancellation process, check your contract or call your home club to confirm your contract status and the exact date of your annual fee charge. This simple step can save you $58 or more.

The Online Cancellation 'Hack' and Special Circumstances

While Planet Fitness is known for its rigid in-person or certified mail policy, the digital landscape is slowly changing, and certain exceptions exist for both convenience and necessity.

The Elusive Online Cancellation Option

Officially, Planet Fitness does not offer a universal online cancellation option. However, there are two key caveats:

• State Exceptions (e.g., California): Some states, like California, have consumer protection laws that require gyms to allow members to cancel online if they signed up online. If you are in such a state, you may be able to cancel through the website.
• The Desktop Portal Method: Some members have reported success by logging into the Planet Fitness website on a desktop browser (not the mobile app) and navigating to the 'Manage Membership' section. While this is not guaranteed for every club, it is worth trying before driving to your home club.

If you attempt an online cancellation, always take screenshots of every step and the final confirmation screen as your proof.

Cancelling Due to Medical Reasons or Moving

In certain unavoidable circumstances, you may be able to cancel without the $58 buyout fee, even if you are still within your minimum term contract:

• Medical Disability: If a medical condition prevents you from exercising, you can typically cancel for free. This requires a doctor's note or a formal letter from a physician stating that you are permanently disabled or incapacitated.
• Relocation: If you move more than 25 miles from any Planet Fitness location, you may be able to cancel without the buyout fee. You will usually need to provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or driver's license.

What to Do If the Member Has Passed Away

Cancelling a membership for a deceased family member is a sensitive but necessary process. Planet Fitness generally simplifies this by allowing a family member to send a certified letter to the home club. The club typically does not require a death certificate to process the cancellation, which speeds up the process and stops the billing promptly.

Final Action Plan: If you want to cancel your membership for free, ensure your initial 12-month contract is complete and your request is received before the 10th of the month. If you are still under contract, the $58 buyout fee is unavoidable unless you qualify for a medical or relocation exemption.