What is the $39 fee for Planet Fitness?

What is the $39 fee for Planet Fitness? It’s an annual membership fee that every Planet Fitness member pays once per year, separate from your monthly dues. This charge covers equipment upgrades, routine maintenance, and general club operations. Both Classic and Black Card members pay this fee, and it shows up on your billing statement around the same month you joined.

The fee currently sits at $39 in the United States, which converts to roughly $55 AUD at current exchange rates. Some locations charge $49 USD (about $69 AUD), so you need to check with your specific gym. Planet Fitness clubs are individually owned and operated, which means pricing can shift between locations.

When does Planet Fitness charge the annual fee?

Planet Fitness bills the annual fee once every 12 months. New members get charged approximately 8 weeks after signing up. After that first year, the fee hits your account on the same date each year.

Most locations charge on either the 1st or 17th of your anniversary month. If you joined on March 15th, expect your annual fee around May 15th for the first time. Then it repeats every year on that same date.

Your membership agreement lists the exact billing date. You can also log into your Planet Fitness account online or call your home club to confirm when the charge will process.

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Why does Planet Fitness charge an annual fee?

This fee funds ongoing club improvements that keep your monthly rate low. Planet Fitness advertises memberships starting at $10 USD per month ($14 AUD), which is cheaper than most gyms. The annual fee helps balance this affordable monthly cost.

The money goes toward replacing worn equipment, upgrading machines, maintaining facilities, and covering operational expenses. Without this yearly charge, monthly dues would need to increase significantly.

According to Planet Fitness customer service responses, the fee covers club maintenance and equipment improvements specifically. This keeps treadmills running, weights in good condition, and facilities clean throughout the year.

Does everyone pay the same annual fee?

Both Classic and Black Card members pay the annual fee. The amount stays the same regardless of which membership tier you choose.

Classic membership costs $10 to $15 USD monthly ($14 to $21 AUD) and gives you access to your home club. Black Card membership runs $24.99 to $29.99 USD monthly ($35 to $42 AUD) and includes access to all Planet Fitness locations worldwide, plus spa amenities like HydroMassage beds and tanning.

Even though Black Card members pay more each month and get extra perks, the annual fee remains identical. A Classic member paying $10 monthly and a Black Card member paying $25 monthly both get hit with the same $39 annual charge.

Can you avoid the Planet Fitness annual fee?

You cannot skip the annual fee under normal circumstances. It’s written into your membership contract when you sign up.

Some promotional periods waive the annual fee for new members. Planet Fitness runs these promotions during New Year, summer months, and occasionally other times throughout the year. If you join during one of these special offers, check your contract carefully to confirm the fee waiver applies to you.

The only guaranteed way to avoid paying the fee is to cancel your membership before the billing date arrives. Planet Fitness requires written notice or an in-person visit to cancel, and you must complete this process before your annual fee date.

If you cancel one day after the fee processes, you won’t get a refund. The annual fee is non-refundable in nearly all cases.

What happens if you miss the annual fee payment?

Planet Fitness automatically charges your bank account or credit card on file. If the payment fails, several consequences follow.

First, you get charged a late fee on top of the $39 annual fee. Second, your gym access gets suspended until you settle the balance. Third, if you continue to ignore the charge, Planet Fitness may send your account to collections.

Your best move is keeping your payment information current. Update your card details before expiration dates and make sure you have sufficient funds when the annual fee is due.

Planet Fitness typically sends an email reminder 1 to 2 weeks before charging the fee. However, many members miss these notifications if their email address is outdated or they’ve marked Planet Fitness emails as spam.

How does the Planet Fitness annual fee compare to other gyms?

Planet Fitness remains one of the cheapest gym options even with the annual fee included. Let’s break down the real annual cost.

Classic membership costs $10 monthly plus $39 annually in fees. Over 12 months, you pay $120 in monthly dues plus $39 for the annual fee, totaling $159 USD per year ($224 AUD). That works out to $13.25 USD monthly ($18.70 AUD) when you average everything together.

Black Card membership costs $24.99 monthly plus $39 annually. Your yearly total hits $299.88 in monthly dues plus $39 for the fee, which equals $338.88 USD annually ($478 AUD). Averaged monthly, that’s $28.24 USD ($39.82 AUD).

Compare this to premium gyms charging $40 to $100 monthly with no additional perks. Many boutique fitness studios charge $150 to $300 per month for unlimited classes. Even with the annual fee factored in, Planet Fitness delivers significant savings.

What’s included in your membership besides gym access?

Both membership levels include free fitness training. Planet Fitness offers small group training sessions led by certified trainers. These classes are first come, first serve, and you don’t pay extra to attend.

All members get access to cardiovascular equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. You also get strength training machines and free weights. WiFi access is available at every location.

Black Card members receive additional benefits worth considering. You can bring a guest for free every time you visit. Access to HydroMassage beds helps with muscle recovery after workouts. Tanning beds are available at most locations. You can use any Planet Fitness location worldwide instead of just your home club. The Black Card Spa includes massage chairs and other recovery amenities.

The annual fee applies to both levels, but Black Card members might find the value justifies the higher monthly cost when you factor in guest privileges and recovery equipment.

Do you get notified before the annual fee is charged?

Planet Fitness sends email notifications approximately 1 to 2 weeks before processing your annual fee. The email reminds you of the upcoming charge and confirms the amount.

Many members report never receiving these emails. This happens when your email address on file is incorrect, outdated, or you’ve filtered Planet Fitness messages to spam. Some email providers automatically sort promotional messages into folders you might not check regularly.

Your safest approach is marking your calendar with the annual fee date. Set a reminder for one month before the charge to verify your payment method is current and you have funds available.

You can also call your home club directly to confirm your annual fee date and the exact amount you’ll be charged. Staff can pull up your account and give you specific information based on your location and membership type.

Can you get a refund on the annual fee?

Refunds are extremely rare and usually only granted due to billing errors. If Planet Fitness charges you twice by mistake or bills you for a service you didn’t receive, you can request a refund through your home club manager.

Standard refund requests for buyer’s remorse get denied. You signed a contract agreeing to the annual fee, and Planet Fitness holds members to this agreement.

Some members successfully disputed the charge through their bank or credit card company during the 2020 COVID closures when gyms were shut down for months. This was an unusual circumstance where facilities were physically inaccessible to members.

Under normal operating conditions, expect no refund if you simply change your mind about wanting the membership. Cancel before the annual fee date if you want to avoid the charge completely.

What if you only use the gym occasionally?

The annual fee applies regardless of how often you visit. You could go to Planet Fitness every single day or once per month, and you’ll still pay the same $39 annual fee.

This structure makes Planet Fitness better for regular gym users rather than occasional exercisers. If you only work out a few times per year, paying $10 monthly plus a $39 annual fee might not make financial sense.

Calculate your actual cost per visit. Someone visiting twice per month pays $159 annually for 24 visits, which equals $6.63 per workout ($9.35 AUD). Not bad. But visiting only once per month means $159 for 12 visits, or $13.25 per workout ($18.70 AUD).

Compare this to gyms offering day passes or punch cards. Some facilities charge $10 to $15 per single visit with no commitment. For very infrequent exercisers, these options might save money compared to a Planet Fitness membership with the annual fee included.

How is the annual fee different from the startup fee?

Planet Fitness charges two separate one-time fees that confuse many new members. The startup fee and the annual fee serve different purposes.

The startup fee ranges from $1 to $59 USD ($1.40 to $83 AUD) depending on location and current promotions. This is a one-time charge when you first join to cover administrative costs and setup. You pay it once and never again.

The annual fee is $39 USD ($55 AUD) and recurs every single year. This charge happens whether you’re a brand new member or you’ve belonged to Planet Fitness for a decade.

Many promotional periods waive the startup fee entirely. Planet Fitness commonly advertises $1 enrollment fees during special campaigns. The annual fee rarely gets waived outside of specific limited-time offers.

You cannot negotiate either fee. These charges are standardized across the franchise, though exact amounts vary by location based on local operating costs.

Does the annual fee increase over time?

The annual fee has remained relatively stable at $39 to $49 USD for several years. However, franchises can adjust pricing based on location and operating costs.

Your membership agreement locks in your monthly rate, but annual fees can change with proper notice. Planet Fitness must inform members of fee increases in advance, typically through email or posted notices at the gym.

Most members report their annual fee staying consistent year after year at the same location. Fee increases are uncommon but possible as inflation and operating costs rise.

If you’re concerned about future increases, check your local club’s policy on fee adjustments. The front desk staff can explain whether your location has raised annual fees in the past and what notice period they provide before implementing changes.

What payment methods does Planet Fitness accept for the annual fee?

Planet Fitness processes the annual fee through your bank account or credit card on file. You cannot pay cash in person or make a separate payment outside the automated billing system.

When you sign up, you provide either checking account information or a credit card for monthly dues. This same payment method gets charged for your annual fee automatically.

Make sure your payment information stays current. If your credit card expires or you close a bank account, update your details at the front desk before your annual fee date. Failing to update causes payment failures, late fees, and potential account suspension.

Some locations allow you to prepay the annual fee in advance. This option isn’t available everywhere, so ask your home club if you prefer managing the charge on your own schedule.

Can you split or pay the annual fee monthly?

The annual fee gets charged as a single lump sum payment. Planet Fitness does not offer payment plans or monthly installments for this fee.

You pay $39 all at once on your billing date. If this creates a financial hardship, your only option is canceling before the fee processes and rejoining later when you can afford the charge.

Some members try to time their cancellation and rejoin to avoid the annual fee. This strategy rarely works because Planet Fitness requires a 30-day cancellation notice, and you often need to pay a new startup fee when rejoining.

Your best approach is budgeting for the annual fee throughout the year. Set aside $3.25 monthly ($4.60 AUD) so you have the full amount ready when the charge hits.

Is the Planet Fitness annual fee tax-deductible?

The annual fee is not considered a deductible medical expense for most people. The IRS typically does not allow gym memberships as medical deductions unless specifically prescribed by a physician for treating a diagnosed medical condition.

Even with a doctor’s prescription, you would need to itemize deductions and prove the expense exceeds a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income. For most members, this creates more paperwork than the small deduction is worth.

If you’re self-employed and use Planet Fitness for business purposes like maintaining health for physically demanding work, consult a tax professional about potential deductions. This falls into a gray area where proper documentation and business justification matter.

The vast majority of Planet Fitness members should expect no tax benefits from the annual fee or monthly membership costs.

What do other members say about the annual fee?

Many members express frustration with the annual fee because they feel surprised by the charge. Despite being listed in membership agreements, the fee often catches people off guard when it appears on their bank statement.

Common complaints include lack of clear communication about when the fee will be charged and feeling misled by the “$10 per month” advertising. Members point out the true cost is higher when you factor in the annual fee.

Some members appreciate the fee as a necessary part of keeping monthly costs low. These users understand the business model and plan for the yearly charge without issue.

During the 2020 gym closures, thousands of members took to social media complaining about being charged the annual fee while facilities were shut down. Planet Fitness maintained these charges were contractually valid, which upset many people who expected fee waivers during the pandemic.

Overall member sentiment suggests the fee itself is reasonable, but communication about when and why it’s charged could improve. Reading your contract thoroughly and setting calendar reminders prevents most surprises.

FAQ

How much is the Planet Fitness annual fee in Australian dollars?

The annual fee is $39 USD, which equals roughly $55 AUD based on current exchange rates. Some locations charge $49 USD or about $69 AUD. Check with your specific club for exact pricing.

Can I cancel my membership to avoid paying the annual fee?

Yes, but you must cancel before your annual fee billing date. Planet Fitness requires 30 days notice for cancellations in most cases. Cancel too late and you’ll get charged the fee with no refund.

Does the Black Card membership cost more for the annual fee?

No, both Classic and Black Card members pay the same annual fee. The difference is only in monthly dues and included perks, not the yearly charge.

When will I get charged the annual fee if I just joined?

New members typically get charged 8 weeks after their join date. After that first charge, the fee repeats annually on the same date each year.

What happens if my card is declined for the annual fee?

Planet Fitness will attempt to charge again, and you’ll likely get hit with late fees. Your gym access gets suspended until you pay the balance. Extended non-payment can result in collections.

Do student discounts apply to the annual fee?

No nationwide student discount exists, though some clubs near schools offer local deals. The annual fee remains the same regardless of student status at most locations.

Can I prepay the annual fee to avoid future charges?

Some locations allow prepayment, but this isn’t standard across all clubs. Ask your home club front desk if they offer this option.

What’s the difference between the annual fee and enrollment fee?

The enrollment fee is a one-time charge when you first join, ranging from $1 to $59. The annual fee is $39 and repeats every year for as long as you maintain membership.

Will Planet Fitness email me before charging the annual fee?

They typically send reminders 1 to 2 weeks in advance, but many members never receive these emails due to spam filters or outdated email addresses. Don’t rely solely on email notifications.

Is the annual fee refundable if I cancel right after being charged?

No, the annual fee is non-refundable in nearly all cases. You must cancel before the billing date to avoid the charge completely.

Can I pay the annual fee in cash at the gym?

No, Planet Fitness processes the annual fee through your bank account or credit card on file automatically. Cash payments are not accepted for this charge.

Do all Planet Fitness locations charge the same annual fee?

Most locations charge $39 to $49 USD, but franchises can set their own pricing. Ask your specific club for their exact annual fee amount.

What does the annual fee actually pay for?

The fee covers equipment maintenance, facility upgrades, new machines, general operations, and helps keep your monthly membership rate low.

Can I negotiate or reduce the annual fee?

No, the annual fee is non-negotiable. It’s a standard charge set by each franchise location and applies to all members equally.

Will my annual fee increase next year?

Most locations keep the fee stable year to year, but franchises can increase it with proper member notice. Check your club’s history and policy on fee adjustments.

Understanding gym membership costs like the Planet Fitness fee structure connects to the practical planning discussed in our article on realistic weight loss in 3 weeks. Budgeting for fitness is an important consideration for long-term sustainability. If you’re evaluating career options that support your fitness lifestyle, explore our insights on jobs that pay $5000 a month. For those seeking premium, results-focused training in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, our Glen Iris personal trainers deliver customized programs that maximize your fitness investment with expert coaching and accountability.