Planet Fitness charges whichever payment method you set up during signup, and you cannot mix the two

When you join Planet Fitness, you choose one payment method at enrollment: either a credit card or a bank account (checking or savings). Planet Fitness will charge that method every month on your billing date. You cannot have them charge your credit card one month and your bank account the next—the system is locked to whichever you selected first.

The payment method you choose affects how disputes work, how quickly charges post, and what protections you have if something goes wrong. If you want to switch from one to the other, you have to contact Planet Fitness directly and ask them to update your account. straightforward adding a new card to your wallet will not change what they charge.

Key Takeaways

  • You select either a credit card or bank account during signup, and Planet Fitness charges that method every month until you cancel.
  • Charges from a bank account typically post within one to three business days, while credit card charges may take longer to appear on your statement.
  • Credit card charges are easier to dispute through your card issuer, but bank account charges require you to file a dispute directly with your bank or Planet Fitness first.
  • If you want to switch payment methods, you must contact Planet Fitness customer service—changing your card in your wallet does not update their system.
  • Planet Fitness bills on the same date each month, so knowing your billing date helps you catch unauthorized charges or billing errors quickly.

How the charge appears on your statement

Planet Fitness charges appear on your statement under the name "PLANET FITNESS" or sometimes "PF HOLDINGS" depending on your bank or card issuer. The charge is usually a flat monthly amount, though if you have add-ons like premium services or personal training packages, the total may vary.

If you pay by bank account, the charge typically posts within one to three business days of your billing date. If you pay by credit card, the charge may take three to five business days to show up, depending on your card issuer's processing speed. Neither method is instantaneous, so do not assume a charge failed just because you do not see it when ready.

Disputing a charge: credit card versus bank account

A credit card charge is simpler to dispute. You contact your card issuer (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or your bank's card department) and report the charge as unauthorized or incorrect. The card issuer will typically reverse the charge within 24 to 48 hours while they investigate, and you will not owe that amount while the dispute is pending. The burden is on Planet Fitness to prove the charge was legitimate.

A bank account charge is harder to reverse. You must first contact Planet Fitness directly and ask them to cancel the charge or correct the error. If they refuse or do not respond, you can file a dispute with your bank, but your bank will not reverse the charge as quickly. Bank disputes can take 10 to 30 days to resolve, and you may owe the amount during that time. Your bank will contact Planet Fitness to investigate, but the process is slower than a credit card dispute.

If you suspect fraud or an unauthorized charge, a credit card is the safer choice because the card issuer protects you first and asks questions later. A bank account puts more of the burden on you to prove the charge was wrong.

Changing your payment method

To switch from a credit card to a bank account (or vice versa), you cannot do it through the Planet Fitness app or website. You must call Planet Fitness customer service at 1-855-707-1895 or visit a local gym and ask the front desk to update your account. Have your new payment information ready when you call.

Planet Fitness will not charge your old method again once you confirm the switch, but the timing depends on when your next billing date falls. If you switch mid-cycle, your next charge will use the new method. If you switch close to your billing date, confirm with customer service exactly when the new method will be charged to avoid confusion.

Do not assume that adding a new card to your Planet Fitness app account will change the payment method. The app may let you add cards for other purposes, but the recurring membership charge still goes to whatever method is registered in their billing system. Always confirm the change with customer service.

What happens if your payment method fails

If your credit card or bank account is declined when Planet Fitness tries to charge you, they will typically retry the charge one or more times over the next few days. If all retries fail, your membership may be suspended or canceled, depending on Planet Fitness's policy.

Planet Fitness will usually send you an email or text notification when a charge fails. Check your spam folder if you do not see it. You should update your payment method as soon as possible to avoid losing access to the gym. If your membership is suspended, you may be able to reactivate it by updating your payment information, but some locations may require you to re-enroll or pay a reactivation fee.

Recurring charges and cancellation

Planet Fitness charges you on the same date every month until you cancel your membership. Cancellation does not happen automatically when your contract ends—you must actively cancel through the gym or by phone. If you do not cancel, the charges will continue indefinitely.

To cancel, contact Planet Fitness customer service or visit your local gym in person. Some locations allow cancellation through the app, but this varies. Ask for written confirmation of your cancellation date. If charges continue after your cancellation date, contact your bank or card issuer and dispute the charges as unauthorized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?

Yes. A debit card functions like a credit card for billing purposes—Planet Fitness will charge it monthly just as they would a credit card. However, debit card disputes work more like bank account disputes and take longer to resolve. If you want maximum protection, a credit card is preferable.

What if Planet Fitness charges me twice in one month?

Contact Planet Fitness customer service when ready and report the duplicate charge. If they cannot reverse it, dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer. Provide them with your Planet Fitness account statement and billing history as proof. Most duplicate charges are billing errors and are reversed within a few days.

Does Planet Fitness charge on weekends or holidays?

Planet Fitness charges on your billing date regardless of the day of the week. If your billing date falls on a weekend or holiday, the charge may post the next business day. Your bank or card issuer may delay posting the charge by one to two days, but Planet Fitness initiates it on schedule.

Can I change my billing date?

This depends on your location and membership type. Some Planet Fitness locations allow you to change your billing date through the app or by calling customer service. Others do not offer this option. Contact your local gym or call 1-855-707-1895 to ask whether your account can be adjusted.

What if I want to pause my membership instead of canceling?

Planet Fitness offers membership freezes at some locations, which temporarily stops charges without canceling your account. The freeze period and any associated fees vary by location. Contact your gym directly to ask whether a freeze is available and what it costs. During a freeze, Planet Fitness should not charge your card or bank account.