Is Planet Fitness really only $10 a month?

Is Planet Fitness really only $10 a month? Yes, the Black Card plan costs $15 per month, and this is the price that shows up when you join at most locations through their online membership. Now I want to explain the costs clearly so you know exactly what you pay.

Planet Fitness offers two main membership types and both come with their own fees. The standard membership costs around $15 to $16 per month in Australia, and the Black Card membership runs about $30 to $35 per month. Most people see the $15 price tag advertised, and they think that’s all they will pay. This is partly true, but there are other costs you need to know about.

When you first sign up you will pay a startup fee of around $1 to $60 depending on the location and any promotions running at the time. This is a one-time cost. You will also pay an annual fee of around $60 once per year, usually in the month you joined. This annual fee catches many people off guard because gyms don’t always mention it clearly when you sign up.

The standard membership gets you access to one home club location, and you can use all the cardio equipment, strength machines, and free weights there. The Black Card membership costs more but gives you access to all Planet Fitness locations, unlimited guest privileges so you can bring a friend for free every time you go, massage chairs, tanning beds, and half-price drinks. If you travel a lot or want to bring a friend to train with you the Black Card makes sense.

What fees will I pay in the first month?

In your first month you will pay the startup fee, the monthly membership fee, and possibly a prorated amount depending on when you join. If you sign up for the standard membership you might pay around $75 in the first month, which includes the $15 membership fee plus a $60 startup fee. After that you will just pay $15 each month until your annual fee comes around.

For the Black Card membership your first month might cost around $95, which is the $35 monthly fee plus the $60 startup fee. Some locations run promotions where they waive the startup fee or drop the annual fee, so always ask what deals are available before you sign up.

Can I cancel my Planet Fitness membership anytime?

Yes, you can cancel your Planet Fitness membership at any time, but you need to follow their cancellation process. You can cancel in person at your home club, by sending a letter through certified mail, or in some cases online through your account. There is no cancellation fee if you have been a member for at least 12 months. If you cancel before 12 months you might have to pay a fee depending on your location and membership agreement.

Some people try to cancel by just stopping their credit card payments, but this does not work. The gym will keep charging you and send the debt to collections if you don’t cancel properly. Always cancel the right way to avoid extra charges and damage to your credit.

Are there hidden fees I should know about?

Planet Fitness does not have many hidden fees, but the annual fee surprises a lot of people. This fee is not hidden, it is in the contract you sign, but many people forget about it or do not read the fine print. The annual fee is around $60 and gets charged once per year on the same month you joined. This fee applies to both standard and Black Card memberships.

Some locations also charge a prorated fee if you join partway through a billing cycle, and this amount depends on when in the month you sign up. If you want to freeze your membership because you are injured or traveling you can do that for a small fee of around $10 per month. Freezing is cheaper than canceling and restarting later.

Is Planet Fitness worth the price?

Planet Fitness is one of the cheapest gym memberships you can get, and it is a great value if you want basic equipment and a no-pressure environment. The gyms are clean, the staff are friendly, and the equipment is well-maintained. You get access to cardio machines, strength machines, free weights, and stretching areas. For most people this is more than enough to reach their fitness goals.

The Black Card membership is worth it if you want extra perks like guest privileges, tanning, massage chairs, and access to all locations. If you just want to lift weights and do cardio a few times per week the standard membership will do the job. Many people stay at Planet Fitness for years because the price stays low and the service stays consistent.

What should I do before signing up?

Before you sign up visit the gym and take a tour. Check out the equipment, see how crowded it gets at the times you plan to train, and ask the staff about any current promotions. Read the membership agreement carefully and make sure you understand the monthly fee, annual fee, and cancellation policy. Ask if they are running any deals where they waive the startup fee or drop the annual fee.

Also decide if you need the Black Card or if the standard membership will work for you. If you train alone and only go to one location the standard membership saves you money. If you bring friends or want access to all locations the Black Card is a better deal.

FAQ

How much does Planet Fitness cost per month in Australia?
The standard membership costs around $15 to $16 per month, and the Black Card membership costs around $30 to $35 per month.

Is there a signup fee at Planet Fitness?
Yes, most locations charge a startup fee of $1 to $60 depending on promotions. This is a one-time fee paid when you join.

What is the annual fee at Planet Fitness?
The annual fee is around $60 and gets charged once per year in the month you joined. This applies to both membership types.

Can I bring a guest to Planet Fitness?
You can bring a guest for free every time you go if you have the Black Card membership. Standard members cannot bring guests.

Can I use any Planet Fitness location?
Black Card members can use any Planet Fitness location worldwide. Standard members can only use their home club.

How do I cancel my Planet Fitness membership?
You can cancel in person at your home club, by sending a letter through certified mail, or sometimes online through your account. There is no fee if you have been a member for at least 12 months.

Does Planet Fitness have contracts?
Planet Fitness does not lock you into a long-term contract. You can cancel anytime after 12 months with no fee, or before 12 months with a possible small fee depending on your location.

What does the Black Card membership include?
The Black Card includes access to all locations, unlimited guest privileges, massage chairs, tanning beds, and half-price drinks.

Are there any hidden fees at Planet Fitness?
There are no hidden fees, but the annual fee of $60 surprises many people because they forget about it. Read your contract carefully to know all costs.

Is Planet Fitness good for beginners?
Yes, Planet Fitness is great for beginners. The gym has a judgment-free zone policy, friendly staff, and all the basic equipment you need to start your fitness journey.