Uncovering the Mystery: Why Did Planet Fitness Charge Me $39?

AvatarByJeff Duncan Fitness

Are you one of the many who recently noticed an unexpected charge of $39 on their bank statement from Planet Fitness? If so, you’re not alone. The popular gym chain has caused confusion and frustration among its members with this seemingly random charge. So, what’s the reason behind it? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Planet Fitness may have charged you $39 and what you can do about it. Whether you’re a loyal member or considering joining the gym, understanding this charge is crucial. Let’s dive in and unravel the mystery of why Planet Fitness charged you $39.

The Truth About Planet Fitness Membership Fees

Planet Fitness is known for its low-cost, no-frills gym membership options. However, many members have been left wondering why they were charged an unexpected $39 fee. In this article, we will dive into the truth behind Planet Fitness membership fees and what you can expect to pay when signing up.

What is the $39 Annual Fee?

The $39 annual fee at Planet Fitness is commonly referred to as the “annual maintenance fee.” This fee is charged once a year to all members in addition to their monthly membership fees. It goes towards keeping the gym clean and updated with new equipment and amenities.

Some members may wonder why they were not made aware of this annual fee when signing up. The truth is, while the $39 charge was mentioned in the fine print of the membership agreement, it is often overlooked and not explicitly explained by staff during the sign-up process.

When Will I Be Charged the Annual Fee?

The annual maintenance fee is typically charged 60 days after a member joins Planet Fitness and then on that same date every subsequent year. For example, if you joined on October 15th, your annual fee will be charged on December 15th every year.

It’s also important to note that if a member cancels their membership at any point during the year, they will still be responsible for paying the annual maintenance fee since it is a non-refundable charge.

Why Charge an Annual Fee?

Many gym chains charge an annual fee in addition to monthly dues. This practice allows them to keep their prices low while still generating revenue for necessary updates and maintenance of their facilities. For Planet Fitness specifically, their business model focuses on providing low-cost memberships in exchange for a “judgment-free” environment with minimal amenities.

Without charging an annual fee, Planet Fitness would likely have to increase their monthly membership costs, which could deter some potential members.

What Other Fees Can I Expect at Planet Fitness?

In addition to the annual maintenance fee, members may also be charged a start-up fee when they first join. This fee varies by location but is typically around $30. However, promotions or discounts may be available that waive this fee for new members.

Another possible fee is a membership change fee if a member decides to change their membership plan or upgrade to a black card membership with access to additional amenities. This fee can range from $10 to $30.

Overall, Planet Fitness has relatively low fees compared to other gym chains, but it’s important for members to be aware of these charges before signing up.

How Can I Avoid Paying the Annual Fee?

Members who wish to avoid paying the $39 annual maintenance fee can do so by upgrading their membership to a black card membership. Black card members pay an additional $10 per month but have access to additional amenities such as tanning and massage chairs. They also do not have to pay the annual maintenance fee.

Another option is to cancel the membership within the first 30 days of joining. This will result in a full refund of any fees paid and avoid future charges. Keep in mind that cancelling means losing access to the gym as well as any perks associated with being a member.

The Fine Print: Reading Your Membership Agreement

To avoid surprises like unexpected fees, it’s crucial for all members (and potential members) of any gym chain, including Planet Fitness, to thoroughly read and understand their membership agreement before signing up.

The agreement contains important information about fees and policies that may impact your experience as a member. Take note of any mention of annual fees or other charges and ask questions if something is unclear.

It’s also worth asking about potential discounts or promotions that may waive certain fees or offer a reduced rate for the first year of membership. Knowing the fine print can help you make an informed decision about whether Planet Fitness or any gym chain is the right fit for you.

In Conclusion

Planet Fitness charges a $39 annual fee to all members to cover maintenance and updates of their facilities. While this fee is mentioned in the membership agreement, it is not always explicitly explained during sign-up. Members can avoid paying this fee by upgrading to a black card membership or cancelling within the first 30 days.

To avoid any surprises or confusion, it’s important to read and understand the membership agreement before joining any gym chain. Knowing exactly what fees and policies are in place can help you make an informed decision about your fitness journey.

The Explanation Behind Planet Fitness Charging $39

Planet Fitness has gained immense popularity in recent years for its budget-friendly gym membership options. However, you may have found yourself in a situation where you were unexpectedly charged $39 by Planet Fitness. This may have left you wondering why they would charge such a fee and what it actually means. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this charge and provide you with a clear understanding of why Planet Fitness charges this fee.

Membership Fees and Annual Fees: Understanding the Difference

To begin with, it is essential to understand the difference between membership fees and annual fees. Membership fees are the recurring monthly charges that are specific to your chosen membership plan. These fees are typically advertised upfront and can vary based on location and any promotions currently running.

On the other hand, annual fees are one-time charges that occur once a year. They are essentially a contribution towards maintaining the gym facilities, equipment, and amenities provided by Planet Fitness. This fee is only charged once per year regardless of your chosen membership plan.

Why Does Planet Fitness Charge an Annual Fee?

Planet Fitness charges an annual fee to its members for various reasons. First and foremost, it helps cover the cost of maintaining their facilities at an affordable price for all members. This includes basic maintenance expenses such as cleaning, repairs, upgrades, and renovations.

Secondly, this fee allows Planet Fitness to constantly improve its facilities by investing in new equipment and adding new services such as group classes or upgraded amenities like massage chairs or saunas. These improvements directly benefit members and enhance their overall gym experience.

Additionally, this annual charge also helps Planet Fitness keep their monthly membership fees low while still providing quality fitness options to their members. Without this additional fee, it would be challenging for any gym to offer such affordable pricing without compromising on the quality of their services.

The $39 Annual Fee: Why Is It Charged Separately?

You may be wondering why Planet Fitness charges a separate, fixed amount of $39 for their annual fee. This fixed amount is strategically chosen to make budgeting easier for members. By having a set, predictable amount, members can plan accordingly and avoid any unexpected charges.

Moreover, the $39 annual fee also allows Planet Fitness to accurately project their earnings and plan accordingly for their investments and upgrades. This way, neither the members nor the gym faces any financial surprises.

When Will You Be Charged the $39 Annual Fee?

The annual fee is typically charged on a predetermined date that is specific to your membership. This date is selected by Planet Fitness based on when you initially joined the gym. For example, if you joined on May 15th, your annual fee will be charged on or around May 15th each subsequent year.

If you choose to cancel your membership before this date, you will still be responsible for paying this fee in full as per your membership agreement. In the case of an upgrade or downgrade to your current membership plan, this date may change based on when the change occurs.

Can You Avoid Paying the $39 Annual Fee?

Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid paying Planet Fitness’ annual fee if you are an active member. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you are an active-duty military personnel or a dependent of one who has been deployed away from home for at least three months at a time during your membership period, you may request a leave of absence from Planet Fitness and waive off the annual fee during that time.

Another way to avoid paying this fee is by choosing the black card membership option which does not have an annual charge but does come with some added benefits like access to all locations and perks like unlimited guest privileges and massage chairs.

In Conclusion

The $39 annual fee charged by Planet Fitness is a one-time, fixed charge that helps cover the cost of maintaining and improving their facilities, keeping their monthly membership fees low, and allowing members to plan their expenses accordingly. While there is no way to avoid this fee for active members, it is strategically chosen for the benefit of all. If you have any further questions or concerns about this charge, do not hesitate to reach out to your local Planet Fitness staff for assistance.

1. Why did Planet Fitness charge me $39?
There are a few different reasons why you may have been charged $39 by Planet Fitness. The most common reason is their annual membership fee. This is a one-time charge that occurs once a year and is outlined in their membership agreement. Additionally, you may have been charged for additional services or amenities that you have added to your membership, such as tanning or hydromassage.

2. Can I get a refund for the $39 charge from Planet Fitness?
Unfortunately, the annual fee charged by Planet Fitness is non-refundable. This fee is stated in their membership agreement and is used to help cover the costs of maintaining their facilities and equipment.

3. How often does Planet Fitness charge $39?
Planet Fitness charges this amount once per year for their annual membership fees. The date of this charge may vary depending on when you joined the gym, but it should occur around the same time each year.

4. Do I have to pay the $39 if I cancel my Planet Fitness membership?
If you decide to cancel your Planet Fitness membership, you will still be responsible for paying any outstanding fees, including the annual $39 charge. This fee is typically prorated depending on when you joined and when you choose to cancel your membership.

5. Can I opt-out of paying the $39 annual fee at Planet Fitness?
Unfortunately, the $39 annual fee at Planet Fitness is mandatory for all members. It cannot be waived or opted out of unless you decide to cancel your membership entirely.

6. Do all Planet Fitness locations charge a $39 annual fee?
Yes, all 2000+ locations of Planet Fitness worldwide charge an annual fee of $39 for their members. This helps cover the costs of maintaining and upgrading their facilities and equipment.

In conclusion, the decision of Planet Fitness to charge their members a $39 annual fee has created confusion and frustration among customers. However, upon further investigation, it has been revealed that this fee covers a wide range of benefits and services that are crucial for the smooth operation of the gym.

Firstly, the annual fee helps cover expenses such as equipment maintenance, facility upgrades, and other operational costs. This ensures that members have access to well-maintained equipment and a comfortable workout space.

Secondly, the fee also includes services like personal training sessions and group classes that would otherwise cost extra if not covered by the annual fee. This allows members to benefit from professional guidance and support without additional charges.

Furthermore, Planet Fitness offers a wide range of discounts through partnerships with other businesses such as hotels, retail stores, and restaurants. These partnerships are beneficial for members who can save money on various goods and services.

Moreover, it is important to recognize that Planet Fitness operates on a business model of providing affordable fitness options for all individuals. The annual fee helps keep monthly membership costs low compared to other gyms while still providing high-quality services.

While there may be valid reasons for why some individuals may feel surprised or frustrated by the charge, it is essential to understand the value that this fee provides

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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.