What Planet Fitness offers and how much it costs

Planet Fitness is a gym chain with locations across the United States and Canada. The membership gives you access to cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, and group fitness classes. Most locations also have a pool, sauna, hydromassage beds, and tanning beds — though tanning access depends on which membership tier you choose.

Planet Fitness offers two main membership levels. The Black Card membership includes access to all amenities at any Planet Fitness location, plus guest privileges and massage chairs. The Day Pass or standard membership gives you access to your home gym only and excludes some premium equipment and amenities. Pricing varies by location and changes periodically, so the cost you see at one gym may differ from another. You can check the current price at your nearest location by visiting their website or calling the gym directly.

Both membership types include a one-time enrollment fee when you first join, separate from the monthly membership cost. Some locations run promotions that waive or reduce this fee during certain periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Planet Fitness memberships come in two main tiers: Black Card (all locations and amenities) and standard (home gym only), with pricing that varies by location.
  • Tanning bed access is included with Black Card memberships at most locations but not with standard memberships, so confirm what your chosen gym offers before joining.
  • You pay a one-time enrollment fee when you sign up, plus a monthly membership fee that can range widely depending on your gym's location and current promotions.
  • You can cancel your membership by contacting your home gym in person, by phone, or by mail — online cancellation is not available.

How to sign up for a membership

To join Planet Fitness, visit your nearest location in person or start the process online. If you begin online, you will still need to complete the signup at the gym itself and pay the enrollment fee. Bring a valid photo ID and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account information for automatic monthly billing).

At the gym, a staff member will walk you through the membership options, show you the facilities, and explain which amenities come with each tier. This is the time to ask whether tanning beds are included with the membership level you are considering. You will sign membership paperwork and set up your payment method. Most gyms process this on the spot and give you access to the facility the same day.

What tanning access looks like at Planet Fitness

If you hold a Black Card membership, you can use the tanning beds at your home gym as part of your membership. The number of tanning beds varies by location, and some gyms may have different bed types (such as stand-up or lay-down beds). Tanning is not included with standard memberships.

Planet Fitness does not charge extra per tanning session if you have a Black Card. However, some locations may have limits on how often you can tan per week or may require you to book time in advance during busy periods. Call your home gym to ask about their specific tanning schedule and any booking procedures.

Monthly costs and billing

Planet Fitness bills you monthly on the date you joined. The charge appears on whatever payment method you provided during signup — usually a debit card, credit card, or bank account. You can update your payment method by visiting your home gym or calling them directly.

If your payment fails, the gym will typically attempt to recharge you. If it fails again, your membership may be suspended until you provide a working payment method. Contact your home gym to resolve billing issues rather than waiting, as suspensions can make it harder to cancel later.

How to cancel your membership

Planet Fitness requires you to cancel in person at your home gym, by phone, or by certified mail — you cannot cancel online. Visit the front desk, call the gym's main number, or send a certified letter to your gym's address requesting cancellation. Include your membership number and the date you want the cancellation to take effect.

Cancellations typically take effect on the date you request, though some locations may require 30 days' notice. Ask the gym staff when you cancel whether your final billing date will be before or after your cancellation request. If you cancel by mail, keep a copy of the letter and the certified mail receipt as proof.

If you are on a contract (such as a promotional rate locked in for a set period), you may face an early termination fee if you cancel before the contract ends. Review your membership agreement to see whether a contract applies to you.

Freezing your membership instead of canceling

If you need a temporary break from your membership rather than a permanent exit, Planet Fitness offers the option to freeze your account. A freeze pauses your monthly billing for a set period — usually one to three months, depending on the gym's policy — without canceling your membership.

To freeze your membership, contact your home gym in person or by phone and ask about their freeze policy. You will need to provide a reason (such as injury, travel, or financial hardship) and agree to the freeze dates. When the freeze ends, your membership resumes and billing restarts automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Planet Fitness membership at any location?

It depends on your membership tier. Black Card members can visit any Planet Fitness location worldwide. Standard membership holders can only use their home gym — the specific location where you signed up. If you think you might visit different gyms, ask about Black Card pricing before joining.

Do I need to bring anything to use the gym?

Bring your membership card or the phone number associated with your account so staff can look you up. You will also need a lock for the lockers (or you can purchase one at the gym), a towel, and workout clothes. Most gyms provide towel service for a small monthly fee if you do not want to bring your own.

What happens if I do not pay my monthly fee?

The gym will attempt to recharge your payment method. If it continues to fail, your membership will be suspended and you will lose access to the facility. You may also be sent to collections if the debt goes unpaid for several months. Contact your gym when ready if you are having trouble with payment.

Can I change my membership tier after I join?

Yes. Visit your home gym and ask to upgrade or downgrade your membership. Changes usually take effect on your next billing date. If you upgrade to Black Card, you may pay a prorated fee for the remainder of your current billing period.

Is there a contract or commitment period?

Standard memberships typically have no contract and can be canceled anytime. However, promotional rates or special offers may come with a contract requiring you to stay for a set period (such as 12 months). Read the terms before you sign, and ask the staff to explain any contract language you do not understand.