Breaking the Sweat: The Consequences of Skipping a Planet Fitness Payment

AvatarByJeff Duncan Fitness

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you missed a payment to your gym? Specifically, Planet Fitness? Let’s face it, life can get busy and sometimes we forget to prioritize certain bills. So, what exactly happens if you miss a payment to Planet Fitness? Will they send you threatening letters or cancel your membership altogether? In this article, we’ll dive into the consequences of missing a Planet Fitness payment. Whether you’ve been a loyal member for years or considering joining their affordable gym chain, it’s important to understand their payment policies. So, let’s explore the potential outcomes of missing a payment and how to avoid them in the future.

Planet Fitness is a popular gym franchise with over 2,000 locations across the United States. With its affordable membership fees and judgement-free atmosphere, it has attracted millions of members looking to improve their fitness. However, for various reasons, there may come a time when you miss a payment for your Planet Fitness membership. This can lead to questions about what happens if you miss a Planet Fitness payment and how it can affect your membership. In this article, we will explore the potential consequences of missing a Planet Fitness payment and how to handle it.

Understanding the Planet Fitness Membership Agreement

Before we dive into what happens if you miss a Planet Fitness payment, it’s important to understand the terms of your membership agreement. When you join Planet Fitness, you are required to sign a contract that outlines the terms and conditions of your membership. This contract includes information about payment schedules, late fees, and cancellation policies.

According to the Planet Fitness membership agreement, members are required to make monthly payments on the designated date each month. These payments are typically withdrawn automatically from your bank account or credit card on file. If there are any changes to your payment method or billing information, it is your responsibility to inform Planet Fitness in advance.

Late Fees for Missed Payments

If you miss a monthly payment for your Planet Fitness membership, the first thing that will happen is that you will be charged a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies by location but is typically around $10-$15 per month for basic memberships and $29-$39 per month for Black Card memberships.

Planet Fitness allows a grace period of 10 days after your missed payment before charging a late fee. This means that if your payment was due on the 1st of the month and you missed it, you have until the 10th to make your payment without incurring any late fees. However, if you do not make your payment by the 10th, you will be charged a late fee for that month’s payment.

It’s important to note that Planet Fitness members are only allowed to accrue a maximum of three late fees. If you miss more than three payments, your membership will be canceled and you will be responsible for paying any remaining balance and fees.

Membership Suspension

In addition to late fees, Planet Fitness also has the right to suspend your membership if your payments are consistently late or if you have an unpaid balance. If your membership is suspended, you will not be allowed to use the gym facilities until the issue is resolved.

To reinstate your membership after suspension, you will be required to pay all outstanding balances and any applicable fees. You may also need to update your payment information and pay for the current month’s fee on top of everything else. It’s important to keep in mind that even if your membership is suspended, your monthly payments may still continue to be withdrawn from your account.

Cancellation of Membership

If you continue to miss payments and accrue multiple late fees, Planet Fitness may then decide to cancel your membership altogether. This means that you will no longer have access to any Planet Fitness location and will not be allowed to use any of their facilities or services.

In this case, you will still be responsible for paying any outstanding balances and fees. Additionally, if you signed up for a year-long commitment contract with Planet Fitness, you may also incur a cancellation fee on top of everything else. This can range from $58-$99 depending on the location.

Reactivating Your Membership

If your membership is canceled due to missed payments or other reasons, you may still have an opportunity to reactivate it. To do so, you will need to visit a Planet Fitness location and speak with a staff member. They will be able to provide you with more information on the steps you need to take in order to reinstate your membership.

In most cases, you will need to pay any outstanding balances, fees, and potentially a reactivation fee. Some locations may also require you to sign a new contract. Once your membership is reactivated, you will regain access to all Planet Fitness facilities and services.

It’s important to keep an eye on your payments and ensure that they are made on time each month to avoid any late fees or potential suspension or cancellation of your membership. If you do happen to miss a payment, it’s best to contact Planet Fitness as soon as possible and make arrangements for payment. By understanding the consequences of missing a payment, you can take the necessary steps to maintain your Planet Fitness membership and continue working towards your health and fitness goals.

The Consequences of Missing a Planet Fitness Payment

Missing a payment at Planet Fitness can have serious consequences. Not only can it affect your current gym membership, but it can also have repercussions on your credit score and future ability to obtain credit. Here’s what happens if you miss a Planet Fitness payment.

Membership Suspension

The first thing that will happen if you miss a payment at Planet Fitness is that your membership will be suspended. This means that you will no longer be able to access the gym or use any of its facilities until the missed payment is resolved. Your key card will also be deactivated, meaning you won’t even be able to enter the building.

Depending on your chosen membership plan, this suspension could last for up to 60 days. During this time, you will still be responsible for paying any outstanding balance, plus any fees or charges that have been incurred as a result of non-payment.

Late Fees and Additional Charges

In addition to your regular monthly membership fee, if you miss a Planet Fitness payment, you will also incur late fees and other additional charges. These fees can quickly add up and make it even more difficult to catch up on missed payments.

Late fees are charged when your payment is not received by the due date stated in your contract or agreed upon with the gym. These fees are typically a set percentage of the amount due and can vary depending on the gym’s policies. If you continue to miss payments, these late fees will keep accruing and making it increasingly difficult to get back on track with your payments.

Affect on Credit Score

Another consequence of missing a payment at Planet Fitness is the potential impact on your credit score. While gyms may not report missed payments directly to credit agencies, they often use third-party collections agencies who will report any unpaid debts. This adverse report can show up on your credit report and negatively impact your credit score.

Having a poor credit score can make it more challenging to get approved for loans, credit cards, mortgages, or even rental applications. This is why it’s crucial to resolve any missed payments at Planet Fitness as soon as possible to avoid damaging your credit score.

Possible Cancellation of Membership

If you continue to miss payments and do not resolve the outstanding balance, Planet Fitness may decide to cancel your membership altogether. This means you will no longer have access to the gym or any of its facilities.

Not only does this mean you will have to find another gym to continue your fitness journey, but it also means you may lose any promotional rates or deals that you had when signing up for your membership at Planet Fitness. Moreover, if you ever decide to rejoin in the future, you will likely have to pay a joining fee again and sign up for a new contract at current rates, which could be significantly higher than what you were previously paying.

Difficulty Obtaining Future Credit

Continuing from the previous point about potential damage to your credit score, missing payments at Planet Fitness can also make it harder for you to obtain future credit. Creditors often see missed payments as a red flag and an indication that the individual may be unreliable or unable to manage their finances effectively.

This could lead to rejection of loan applications or having higher interest rates on loans and credit cards. It can also make it difficult for you if you are looking into purchasing a home, car, or other significant purchases that typically require financing.

How To Avoid These Consequences

Now that we’ve discussed all the possible consequences of missing a Planet Fitness payment let’s talk about how we can avoid them. The most crucial step is always communication. If for any reason, you know you won’t be able to make a payment on time, reach out to Planet Fitness’ customer service and let them know of your situation.

They may be able to offer some flexibility or work out a payment plan with you to help you catch up on missed payments without incurring additional fees. You can also set up automatic payments or reminders for your monthly membership fee to avoid missing any future payments.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to carefully review and understand your contract before signing up for a gym membership. Make sure you are aware of all the fees, charges, and policies regarding missed payments to avoid any surprises down the line.

In Conclusion

Missing a payment at Planet Fitness can have serious consequences, including membership suspension, late fees, damage to credit score, cancellation of membership, and future difficulty obtaining credit. However, by communicating with the gym’s customer service team and being proactive in managing your finances, you can avoid these consequences and continue your fitness journey without any interruptions. Remember always to stay on top of your payments and understand your contract thoroughly to maintain a positive relationship with Planet Fitness.

Q: What happens if I miss a Planet Fitness payment?
A: If you miss a Planet Fitness payment, you may be charged a late fee. It is important to make your payments on time to avoid any additional fees.

Q: Will missing a Planet Fitness payment affect my membership?
A: Yes, missing a payment can result in your membership being put on hold or cancelled. It is important to keep up with your payments to maintain an active membership.

Q: Can I still work out at Planet Fitness if I missed a payment?
A: No, if your membership is on hold or cancelled due to a missed payment, you will not be able to access the gym. You will need to make your missed payments and any applicable fees before regaining access.

Q: How can I avoid missing a Planet Fitness payment?
A: To avoid missing a payment, enroll in automatic billing or set reminders for yourself. This will ensure that your payments are made on time and you can continue using the gym without interruption.

Q: What happens if I miss multiple Planet Fitness payments?
A: If you miss multiple payments, your account may be sent to collections and negatively impact your credit score. It is important to stay on top of your payments and communicate with Planet Fitness if you are unable to make them.

Q: Can I get a refund for my missed Planet Fitness payment?
A: No, missed payments are non-refundable. It is important to make sure you have sufficient funds in your account at the time of the scheduled payment or contact customer service beforehand if there are any issues.

In conclusion, missing a payment at Planet Fitness can have various consequences that can impact your membership and financial well-being. It is essential to understand the terms and conditions of your membership agreement to avoid any inconvenience.

If you miss a Planet Fitness payment, there is a high chance that you will be charged a late fee. This fee can add up over time and increase your overall membership cost. Moreover, multiple missed payments can result in the cancellation of your membership, causing you to lose access to all the gym facilities.

It is crucial to communicate with Planet Fitness in case of any financial hardship or unexpected circumstances that may lead to a missed payment. They may offer solutions such as waiving fees or adjusting payment plans to help you continue your membership.

Properly managing your finances and setting reminders for payments are crucial steps in avoiding missed payments at Planet Fitness. Additionally, understanding how their billing system works and keeping track of your charges can prevent confusion and disputes.

Although missing a payment at Planet Fitness can have consequences, it should not discourage one from prioritizing their health and fitness journey. By being proactive and taking necessary precautions, one can maintain their membership without any interruptions or additional expenses.

In conclusion, make sure to read and understand the terms of your membership agreement thoroughly, communicate with Planet Fitness

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Jeff Duncan
Jeff Duncan, the owner and Head Coach of CrossFit Pearl District, is dedicated to fostering a supportive and effective training environment.

With a strong belief in the principles of movement mechanics, consistency, and intensity, Jeff has cultivated a community that thrives on continuous improvement and mutual support.

From 2024, Jeff Duncan has expanded his passion for CrossFit beyond coaching by writing an informative blog dedicated to the CrossFit niche. His blog features a variety of content aimed at providing valuable information and insights to the CrossFit community.

Jeff’s posts cover a wide range of topics including training techniques, nutrition advice, workout routines, and answers to common queries within the niche. This transition to blogging allows Jeff to reach a broader audience, sharing his expertise and helping individuals at all levels of their fitness journey.