Breaking Down the Truth: Will Planet Fitness Send You to Collections?

AvatarByJeff Duncan Fitness

Are you considering joining Planet Fitness? With its affordable prices and enticing perks, it’s no wonder that this gym chain has attracted millions of members. However, have you ever wondered what happens if you miss a payment or decide to cancel your membership? Will Planet Fitness send you to collections? These questions may be daunting, but fear not, as we will dive into the truth behind this topic. So, before signing up for a membership, let’s explore what could potentially happen and how to avoid any unwanted consequences. Keep reading to learn more about the less talked about side of Planet Fitness.

What is Planet Fitness?

Planet Fitness is a popular chain of gyms known for its “Judgement Free Zone” philosophy and affordable membership fees. Founded in 1992, Planet Fitness has over 2000 locations nationwide, making it one of the largest fitness clubs in the United States. The company aims to provide a non-intimidating environment where people of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels can workout without feeling self-conscious or judged.

Understanding Planet Fitness’ Billing System

Like most gyms, Planet Fitness operates on a monthly membership billing system. This means that members are charged a set amount each month for their membership. However, unlike other gyms, Planet Fitness does not require its members to sign long-term contracts. Members can cancel their memberships at any time without penalty. This flexible billing system has made Planet Fitness an attractive option for people looking for budget-friendly gym memberships.

What Happens if You Miss a Payment?

If you miss a monthly payment for your Planet Fitness membership, the company will typically send you an email notifying you that your payment was unsuccessful. They will request that you update your billing information or make the payment as soon as possible to avoid any interruption in your membership. If you fail to do so within a few days, they may attempt to charge your card again. If the second attempt is also unsuccessful, then the gym reserves the right to terminate your membership.

Can You Be Sent to Collections for Missed Payments?

Whether or not Planet Fitness will send you to collections for missed payments depends on several factors such as the length of time you have been missing payments and the total amount owed. In most cases, if you miss one or two payments and communicate with the gym about it, they won’t escalate the issue further. However, if you continuously fail to make payments or ignore communication from the gym, they may consider sending your account to a collections agency.

The Impact of Being Sent to Collections

If Planet Fitness sends your account to a collections agency, it will have a negative impact on your credit score. The collections agency will request the amount owed from you and can also add collection fees, making the total owed even higher. This can be damaging to your credit score and make it difficult for you to get approved for credit cards, loans, or even rent an apartment in the future.

How to Avoid Being Sent to Collections by Planet Fitness

The best way to avoid being sent to collections by Planet Fitness is by ensuring that you have enough funds in your designated payment account each month. If you know that you won’t have enough money in your account for the monthly membership fee, it’s best to communicate with the gym ahead of time and make alternate arrangements. You can also update your billing information online or in-person at the gym if there are any changes.

What if You Want to Cancel Your Membership?

As mentioned earlier, Planet Fitness does not require its members to sign long-term contracts. This means that you can cancel your membership at any time without penalty. To cancel your membership, you can either visit the gym in person and speak with a staff member or submit a cancellation form through their website. It’s important to note that if you choose to cancel through their website, you must do so before the 10th of the month to avoid being charged for the following month.

In Conclusion

While Planet Fitness does have policies in place regarding missed payments and sending accounts to collections agencies, they understand that life happens and are often willing to work with members who are having financial difficulties. However, it’s necessary for members to communicate with the gym and make payments or alternate arrangements as soon as possible to avoid any adverse effects on their credit score. By being responsible and proactive, you can enjoy your Planet Fitness membership without worrying about being sent to collections.

What is Planet Fitness?

Planet Fitness is a renowned fitness club that offers affordable gym memberships to individuals looking to improve their health and fitness levels. With over 2,000 locations across the United States, Canada, and other countries, Planet Fitness has made it easier for people to access quality fitness facilities and services without breaking the bank.

Founded in 1992, Planet Fitness was established with a mission to provide a non-intimidating and judgment-free space for anyone looking to work on their physical well-being. The company believes that everyone should have access to a healthy lifestyle regardless of their shape, size, or fitness level.

At Planet Fitness, you can find state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes, personal training services, and more. But what happens when you can no longer afford your membership or stop using the gym altogether? Will Planet Fitness send you to collections? Let’s find out.

How does Planet Fitness Membership work?

Planet Fitness offers two types of memberships: the basic membership and the Black Card membership. The basic membership costs only $10 a month and gives you access to your local Planet Fitness location. However, this membership does not include tanning beds or massage chairs.

On the other hand, the Black Card membership costs $22.99 per month and includes all the benefits of the basic membership plus access to tanning beds, massage chairs, hydromassage beds, and discounts on Reebok products.

Both memberships have a one-time initiation fee of $29 or less depending on your location. Additionally, there are annual fees of up to $39 charged in October every year for both types of memberships.

With either membership option at Planet Fitness, you can enjoy unlimited workouts during regular business hours. You also have the flexibility to cancel your membership at any time with no penalty as long as you give proper notice before your billing date.

Will Planet Fitness Send You to Collections?

If you have been a member of Planet Fitness and are wondering whether the company will send you to collections, the answer is yes. Like any business, Planet Fitness has policies in place to ensure that they are paid for their services.

If you fail to make your monthly membership payments after multiple attempts by the gym to collect payment, your account will be sent to collections. This means that a third-party agency will take over the debt collection process on behalf of Planet Fitness.

However, before sending any account to collections, Planet Fitness typically gives members ample opportunity to make arrangements for payment or cancel their membership. They will send multiple reminders and may even call or email you regarding your outstanding balance.

What Happens When Your Account is Sent to Collections?

When your account is sent to collections, a third-party agency will start contacting you through letters, calls, and emails. These agencies have the power to report delinquent accounts to credit bureaus, which can negatively impact your credit score.

Therefore, it is crucial to address your outstanding balance with Planet Fitness or the collections agency as soon as possible. You may be able to negotiate a settlement or payment plan that works for both parties.

Ignoring collection calls and letters can lead to legal action being taken against you. In some cases, collections agencies may even take you to court in an attempt to collect the debt owed.

As for Planet Fitness specifically, they have been known to take legal action against delinquent members in order to collect unpaid balances. This could result in additional fees and interest being added on top of your initial debt.

Tips on Avoiding Being Sent To Collections

In order to avoid having your account sent collections by Planet Fitness or any other business, there are a few tips you can follow:

1. Keep track of your monthly bills and set reminders for payments. This will help ensure that you don’t miss any payments and end up with a delinquent account.
2. Communicate with the company if you are struggling to make your payments. Some businesses, including Planet Fitness, may be willing to work out an alternative payment plan or other arrangements.
3. Cancel your membership properly if you no longer wish to use the gym’s services. Make sure to follow the cancellation policy outlined in your membership agreement, including giving proper notice before your billing date.
4. Stay on top of your credit report and address any negative information as soon as possible.

In Conclusion

Planet Fitness is a popular fitness club that offers affordable memberships and strives to create a welcoming environment for people of all fitness levels. However, like any business, they have policies in place when it comes to collecting payment for their services.

If you fail to pay your monthly fees or cancel your membership properly at Planet Fitness, your account may be sent to collections. This can negatively impact your credit score and result in additional fees or even legal action.

To avoid being sent to collections by Planet Fitness or any other company, it is important to stay organized with your bills and communicate effectively with the business if you are facing financial difficulties. By following these

Q: Will Planet Fitness send me to collections if I miss a payment?
A: Yes, if you miss a payment for your Planet Fitness membership, it is possible that they may send you to collections.

Q: What happens if I am sent to collections by Planet Fitness?
A: If you are sent to collections, you may be charged additional fees and your credit score may be negatively impacted.

Q: Can I avoid being sent to collections by making payment arrangements with Planet Fitness?
A: Yes, if you are unable to make payments on time, it is recommended that you contact Planet Fitness to arrange a payment plan. This may prevent you from being sent to collections.

Q: What should I do if I have already been sent to collections by Planet Fitness?
A: If you have already been sent to collections, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. Contact Planet Fitness or the collection agency they have hired and work out a payment plan or payment arrangement.

Q: Will being sent to collections affect my ability to join or visit other gyms?
A: It is possible that other gyms may check your credit score before allowing you to join or use their services. Depending on the extent of the impact on your credit score, this could potentially affect your ability to join or visit other gyms.

Q: How can I prevent being sent to collections in the future?
A: To avoid being sent to collections, it is important to ensure that your membership fees are paid on time. If necessary, set up automatic payments or reminders for yourself so that payments are not missed. Additionally, communicate with Planet Fitness if there are any issues preventing you from making payments on time.

In conclusion, the question “Will Planet Fitness Send You To Collections?” is a valid concern for potential members and current members alike. Through our investigation, we have discovered that Planet Fitness does have the right to send a member to collections if they fail to fulfill their financial obligations, such as unpaid monthly fees or damages to equipment. However, this is not their first course of action and they do have protocols in place to help members avoid this scenario.

It is important for individuals considering a membership at Planet Fitness to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions before signing up. This includes being aware of the fees and consequences for not following the membership agreement.

Additionally, it is crucial for current members to maintain open communication with Planet Fitness if they are facing financial difficulties that may affect their ability to pay their membership fees on time. This can prevent misunderstandings and potential consequences down the line.

Furthermore, it is evident that Planet Fitness values their members and strives to work with them in finding a solution before resorting to sending them to collections. This is evident through their willingness to waive cancellation fees for members facing extenuating circumstances.

In summary, while it is possible for Planet Fitness to send a member to collections in certain situations, it is not their preferred course of action. By being informed

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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.