If you’re rethinking your Planet Fitness membership, you’re probably asking yourself: Should I downgrade or cancel my Planet Fitness membership? The choice depends on your budget, usage, and long-term goals—but both options have important implications.
This comprehensive guide explores the pros and cons of downgrading vs canceling your Planet Fitness membership, what each option means, how much it costs, and how to decide which is better for your situation.
What Does It Mean to Downgrade a Planet Fitness Membership?
Downgrading means switching from a Black Card membership ($24.99/month) to a Classic membership (usually $10–$15/month depending on location).
Key Differences:
| Feature | Black Card | Classic Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $24.99 | $10–$15 |
| Guest Privileges | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
| Nationwide Access | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
| Massage Chairs / Tanning | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
| Unlimited Use | ✅ – Yes | ✅ – Yes |
| Annual Fee | $39 | $39 |
A downgrade lets you save money while maintaining gym access, but you’ll lose premium perks.
How to Downgrade Your Planet Fitness Membership
- Visit your home club (location where you joined)
- Speak to the front desk and request a membership downgrade
- Fill out a downgrade request form if required
- Confirm your new billing cycle and get a copy of the changes
Downgrades must be done in person and cannot be processed online.
When Is Downgrading the Better Option?
Downgrading makes more sense if:
- You’re on a budget but still want access to the gym
- You don’t use Black Card perks like massage chairs or guest passes
- You want to keep a fitness routine but pay less
Downgrade Pros:
- Lower monthly payments
- No re-enrollment fee later if you upgrade again
- Keep your current member status
Downgrade Cons:
- Lose premium benefits
- Still subject to the same annual fee
- Cannot be done online or via app
What Does It Mean to Cancel Your Planet Fitness Membership?
Canceling means you’re completely terminating your membership, ending both access and billing. You’ll need to:
- Visit your home club in person, or
- Send a certified letter to cancel
Cancellation Details:
- Buyout fee of $58 may apply if under a 12-month Classic contract
- No cancellation fees for month-to-month Black Card holders
- Cancel at least 7 days before your billing date to avoid next month’s charge
Be sure to request a written cancellation receipt.
When Is Canceling the Better Option?
Canceling may be the better route if:
- You no longer plan to use the gym
- You’re moving to a location without Planet Fitness
- You’re switching to another gym or workout routine
Cancellation Pros:
- Stop all payments
- Avoid future charges
- Freedom to switch fitness programs
Cancellation Cons:
- Lose gym access entirely
- May owe a buyout fee if canceling early
- Must re-enroll later and possibly pay a signup fee
Comparison Table: Downgrade vs Cancel Planet Fitness Membership
| Factor | Downgrade | Cancel |
| Monthly Cost | Lower | $0 |
| Gym Access | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
| Guest Perks | ❌ – No | ❌ – No |
| Contract Impact | None | May owe fee |
| Easy to Reverse | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
| Must Visit Club | ✅ – Yes | ✅ – Yes |
Tips Before Making Your Decision
- Check when your next billing cycle begins
- Ask your club about buyout or cancellation fees
- Consider pausing your membership as a third option
- Use the downgrade route first if you’re unsure
Can You Pause Instead of Downgrading or Canceling?
Yes, some clubs allow members to freeze or pause their account:
- Ideal for short-term breaks (travel, injury)
- Usually costs $5–$10/month
- Pausing is temporary, unlike cancellation
Why Some Members Choose to Downgrade First
Many Planet Fitness users choose to downgrade instead of canceling outright because:
- It’s less commitment than canceling
- Keeps access in case motivation returns
- Avoids re-enrollment fees
- Better for budgeting without fully quitting
What Happens to the Annual Fee?
Regardless of whether you downgrade or cancel:
- If you’re charged the $39 annual fee, it’s non-refundable
- Cancel or downgrade before the annual fee billing date to avoid it
FAQs: Downgrade vs Cancel Planet Fitness
1. Can I downgrade my Planet Fitness membership online?
No. Downgrades must be done in person at your home club.
2. Is there a fee to downgrade?
No. Downgrading is usually free.
3. Will I lose perks if I downgrade?
Yes—guest passes, massage chairs, tanning, and nationwide access are Black Card perks only.
4. Can I upgrade again later?
Yes, you can switch back to Black Card anytime (in person).
5. Do I need to sign a new contract when I downgrade?
No new contract is needed.
6. Is it better to cancel if I’m moving?
Yes—especially if there’s no Planet Fitness in your new area.
7. What’s the buyout fee for canceling early?
Usually $58 for Classic 12-month contracts.
8. Can I pause instead of canceling or downgrading?
Yes—some clubs allow you to freeze your account.
9. Does the annual fee change when I downgrade?
No. It remains $39.
10. What happens if I cancel after being charged?
You’re unlikely to get a refund unless there was a billing error.
11. Can I downgrade multiple times?
Yes. There’s no limit, but only once per billing cycle.
12. How fast does a downgrade take effect?
It usually takes effect in the next billing cycle.
13. Can I cancel and rejoin at a lower price?
You can, but you may have to pay a new sign-up fee.
14. Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
No. Planet Fitness does not prorate refunds.
15. Can I use the gym after canceling?
Only until the end of your current billing period.
Final Thoughts
So, should you downgrade or cancel your Planet Fitness membership? If you’re looking to save money without fully giving up your fitness routine, downgrading is the smarter, more flexible choice. But if you’re ready to move on or switch gyms entirely, then cancellation is the way to go.
Whatever you choose, be sure to act early—before your next billing date—and always get a receipt of your downgrade or cancellation to avoid future issues.
Ready to cancel your membership? Click here to download your free Planet Fitness cancellation letter PDF