Unveiling the Mystery: The Surprising Reason Why Planet Fitness Charged Me $39

AvatarByJeff Duncan Fitness

Have you ever checked your bank statement and noticed a charge from Planet Fitness for $39? If you’re a member of the gym, this may not surprise you. However, for those who have never stepped foot in a Planet Fitness location, this may come as a shock. So why did Planet Fitness charge you $39? In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this mystery charge and explore the policies and practices of Planet Fitness that may have led to it. Whether you’re a current member or simply curious about this popular gym chain, keep reading to uncover the truth behind the $39 charge.

Understanding the Membership Fee at Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is one of the most popular gym chains in the United States with over 1,500 locations. It offers an affordable and judgment-free environment for individuals looking to achieve their fitness goals. However, some members have reported being charged an extra $39 on their credit or debit card statement, leaving them wondering, “Why did Planet Fitness charge me 39 dollars?” In this article, we will delve into the details of what this charge is and why it may have been applied to your account.

What is the $39 Charge?

The $39 charge that appears on your credit or debit card statement is an annual membership fee that Planet Fitness charges all members once a year. This fee covers various services such as equipment maintenance, facility upgrades, and other operational expenses. The fee also includes access to amenities like massage chairs and tanning beds that are not included in the standard gym membership.

When Can You Expect to be Charged?

Planet Fitness charges its members this annual fee around the same time every year. For most members, the charge occurs in April or May. However, it ultimately depends on your enrollment date. If you signed up for a Planet Fitness membership in July, then your annual fee will be due in July each year.

It is essential to note that this fee applies to both new and existing members. So even if you recently joined Planet Fitness, you will still be charged for the annual fee in your first year of membership.

Why Was I Charged Twice?

Some members may also see two separate charges of $39 on their statement within a short period. This can happen for two reasons: either you joined Planet Fitness halfway through their billing cycle or there was a delay in processing your initial payment.

For example, if you signed up in May, you would have paid a prorated fee for that month, and then your full annual fee in the same month. This is because Planet Fitness bills their members on the 17th of each month. If your joining date falls after the 17th, you will be charged a partial amount for the current month, and then the full annual fee on the 17th.

On the other hand, if there was an issue with processing your initial payment, Planet Fitness may charge you twice to cover both your membership fee and annual fee. In this case, you should see a refund for one of the charges within a few days.

Cancelling Your Planet Fitness Membership

If you no longer want to be a member of Planet Fitness and have been charged $39 for the upcoming year, you can still cancel and request a refund. The catch is that you must do this before your membership renewal date.

To cancel your membership, visit your local Planet Fitness club or call their customer service hotline. You will be required to fill out a cancellation form and provide proof of identification. Once it is processed, they will issue a pro-rated refund for any remaining time left on your membership.

It is important to note that if you already paid for the annual fee but decide to cancel before your renewal date, you will not receive a refund for that portion.

How Can I Avoid Paying This Fee?

The easiest way to avoid being charged $39 for an annual fee is by enrolling in their black card membership option. For an additional $10 per month, black card members can access all amenities included in their standard gym membership plus unlimited access to all Planet Fitness locations worldwide.

This means that as long as you remain an active member with Planet Fitness on their black card plan, you will not be charged any additional fees besides your monthly dues.

In Conclusion

Planet Fitness is known for its affordable and inclusive gym environment, but it is essential to understand that there is an annual fee of $39 that is applied to all memberships. This fee covers expenses related to maintaining the gym and providing additional amenities.

Now that you have a better understanding of why Planet Fitness charged you $39, you can make informed decisions about your membership and avoid any confusion in the future. Remember to always read the fine print before signing up for any membership and take advantage of the black card option if you want to avoid this fee.

The Benefits of Joining Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is one of the most popular gym chains in America, with over 2,000 locations across the country. This gym offers a wide range of benefits that make it appealing to individuals looking for a place to work out and get in shape. From affordable prices to equipment and classes, there are many reasons why you should consider joining Planet Fitness.

First and foremost, Planet Fitness is known for its affordable prices. While most gyms charge a hefty membership fee, Planet Fitness offers a low-cost option for individuals on a budget. Their monthly membership fees are often half the price of other gyms, making it accessible to people on any income level. They also offer special deals and discounts throughout the year, making it even more cost-effective to join.

In addition to budget-friendly prices, Planet Fitness offers a judgment-free zone that encourages individuals of all fitness levels to work out without feeling intimidated. The gym has designated this as part of their brand identity and have even trademarked the phrase “Judgment Free Zone.” This means that no matter your shape, size, or fitness level, you will be welcomed with open arms at Planet Fitness.

Moreover, Planet Fitness has all the equipment you need for your workout routine. They have a wide array of cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes as well as weightlifting equipment like dumbbells and weight machines. All their equipment is well-maintained and regularly updated to ensure that you can have an efficient workout every time you visit.

Planet Fitness also offers a variety of group fitness classes that are included in your membership fee. These classes range from Zumba to yoga and everything in between. They are taught by certified instructors who will guide you through each class regardless of your experience level or physical abilities. These classes add variety to your workout routine and can help you stay motivated and on track.

Another benefit of joining Planet Fitness is their 24/7 availability. This means that you can work out at any time of the day or night, making it convenient for individuals with busy schedules. No more worrying about getting to the gym before it closes or missing a workout because of work or family commitments. Planet Fitness has got you covered.

Last but certainly not least, Planet Fitness offers a clean and comfortable atmosphere for its members. The gym is always kept clean and well-maintained, providing a safe and hygienic environment to work out in. They also offer spacious locker rooms with showers, so you can freshen up after your workout without feeling rushed.

In conclusion, joining Planet Fitness has many benefits that make it an attractive choice for individuals looking for a gym to join. From affordable prices to judgment-free zones and 24/7 availability, there’s no doubt that this gym has your best interests at heart. With state-of-the-art equipment and a variety of classes to choose from, you can have an efficient and enjoyable workout experience every time you visit. So why wait? Go ahead and join Planet Fitness today!

1) Why did Planet Fitness charge me $39?
Planet Fitness charges a yearly fee of $39 for all members, which covers maintenance costs and additional amenities such as tanning and massage chairs. This is outlined in your membership agreement and is an industry standard for gym memberships.

2) Can I opt out of the $39 Planet Fitness fee?
No, the $39 fee is mandatory for all members and cannot be waived or refunded. However, if you cancel your membership within the first 30 days, you will not be charged the yearly fee.

3) I was charged more than $39 by Planet Fitness. Why is this?
There may be additional charges on your account if you purchased other services or products at your local gym. Please check your membership agreement for a breakdown of fees.

4) Is the $39 Planet Fitness fee a one-time charge?
No, this is an annual fee that will automatically be applied to your account each year. You will be notified in advance before this charge occurs.

5) Do I have to pay the yearly fee if I am not actively using my Planet Fitness membership?
Yes, as stated in your membership agreement, the $39 annual fee applies to all active members regardless of usage.

6) I cancelled my Planet Fitness membership but was still charged the yearly fee. Can I get a refund?
Cancellation does not affect the $39 annual fee. If you did not use your membership for an entire year and were still charged, please contact customer service for assistance.

In conclusion, there are various reasons why Planet Fitness may charge a member $39. These reasons include annual fees, new equipment fees, and cancellation fees. It is important for members to carefully read their contracts and understand the terms and conditions before signing up for a gym membership. Additionally, it is crucial to closely monitor bank statements to catch any unexpected charges and address them promptly.

It is also worth noting that Planet Fitness has recently faced criticism for their billing practices, with many customers complaining about unexpected charges or difficulty canceling their memberships. This highlights the importance of transparency and proper communication from gyms like Planet Fitness to ensure that members are aware of all potential fees and have easy access to cancel their membership if they choose to do so.

Furthermore, it is important for consumers to understand the importance of reading and understanding contracts before they sign up for any service or subscription-based membership. This can help avoid confusion and frustration in the long run.

In addition, when dealing with unexpected charges from Planet Fitness, it is recommended to communicate directly with the gym and try to resolve the issue amicably. In cases where resolution cannot be achieved, reaching out to a consumer protection agency or seeking legal advice may be necessary.

Ultimately, being a proactive and informed consumer can help avoid unexpected charges from companies

Author Profile

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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.