Planet Fitness is known for its affordable memberships and “Judgement Free Zone,” but what happens when your payment is late or you need to cancel early? That’s when late fees and buyout charges come into play—and for many members, they’re not clearly explained upfront.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How much is the late fee at Planet Fitness?” or “What’s the cost to cancel early?”—this is your definitive guide.
In this post, we’ll give you a full breakdown of Planet Fitness late fees and buyout charges, how to avoid them, and what to do if you’ve already been charged.
What Are Planet Fitness Late Fees?
Planet Fitness late fees are charges applied when a monthly membership payment fails to process due to insufficient funds, expired card, or any other billing issue.
Standard Late Fee Amount:
- $10–$15 per missed payment (varies by location)
- May be stacked if multiple payments are missed
- Usually applies after 30 days of non-payment
Pro Tip: Planet Fitness doesn’t accept credit card payments—only direct bank drafts (EFT). Make sure your checking account is always up-to-date.
What Is a Buyout Fee at Planet Fitness?
The buyout fee is the amount you must pay to cancel a 12-month contract early. It is essentially a penalty for breaking the contract before the agreed-upon term ends.
Typical Buyout Amount:
- $58 early termination fee for classic contracts
- May vary by franchise and club location
- Charged only if you cancel before your 12-month term ends
Important: The buyout fee is different from the annual membership fee or late fees.
Complete Breakdown: Fees at Planet Fitness
| Fee Type | Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Late Payment Fee | $10–$15 | After failed EFT payment |
| Buyout Fee | $58 | Cancel before 12-month term |
| Annual Fee | $39 | Once per year, typically in month 2 |
| Black Card Downgrade | Free | You can switch to basic without penalty |
| Rejoin Fee | Varies | If returning after cancellation |
How to Avoid Late Fees at Planet Fitness
- Keep bank info updated: EFT billing is mandatory
- Monitor payment schedule: Know your billing dates
- Ask for email/text alerts: Some clubs offer reminders
- Communicate issues early: Talk to your local club if payment will be late
Can You Waive a Late Fee?
Yes, some clubs may waive the fee once if it’s your first offense. Always be polite and ask.
When Are You Charged the Buyout Fee?
You’ll pay the buyout fee if:
- You’re under a 12-month Classic Membership
- You cancel before the 12-month term is over
- You request cancellation in person or via certified mail
Black Card Members on month-to-month plans typically don’t have buyout fees.
Planet Fitness Cancellation Policy and Fees
| Cancellation Type | Fee | Method |
| Classic (12-mo) Early | $58 | In person or certified mail |
| Black Card (month-to-month) | $0 | No fee if canceled properly |
| No-show cancellation | Full charge | Charged if no proper cancellation given |
Can You Cancel Planet Fitness Without Paying Fees?
Yes—if you:
- Cancel after your 12-month term ends
- Cancel at least 5–7 days before your next billing date
- Use certified mail or cancel in person
💡 Want a faster way? Use our free cancellation letter PDF generator to send the correct letter format instantly.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Planet Fitness?
Ignoring charges can lead to:
- Accumulating late fees
- Account sent to collections
- Possible credit score impact if debt is sold
Always cancel your planet fitness membership properly and resolve any billing disputes early.
FAQs: Planet Fitness Late Fees & Buyout Charges
1. How much is the late fee at Planet Fitness?
Usually $10 to $15, depending on the location and policy.
2. Can I cancel Planet Fitness before 12 months?
Yes, but you’ll pay the $58 buyout fee unless it’s waived for special reasons.
3. What happens if I miss a payment?
You’ll likely be charged a late fee and possibly additional penalties.
4. Can I dispute Planet Fitness late charges?
Yes, contact your home club. Some waive first-time offenses.
5. Do all locations charge the same fees?
No. Each Planet Fitness franchise may have slightly different rules.
6. What is the $39 annual fee for?
It covers equipment maintenance and is billed annually, typically in month two.
7. Can I pause my membership instead of canceling?
Yes, some clubs allow holds for medical or travel reasons.
8. What is the difference between a buyout fee and a cancellation fee?
Buyout = early termination penalty; cancellation = general exit with or without penalty.
9. Can I get a refund after cancellation?
Rarely. Most clubs have a no-refund policy.
10. What if I switch banks?
Update your EFT info immediately to avoid payment issues.
11. Do Black Card members have a buyout fee?
Not typically, since Black Card is month-to-month.
12. Will unpaid fees hurt my credit score?
Yes—if sent to collections and reported to credit bureaus.
13. How do I cancel to avoid fees?
Submit cancellation in person or via certified mail before your billing date.
14. Can I rejoin after canceling?
Yes, but you may need to repay enrollment fees.
15. How do I know if I’m under contract?
Check your original agreement or ask your home club.
Final Thoughts
Planet Fitness keeps costs low—but not knowing the rules about late fees and buyouts can cost you more than expected. The good news? Now you’re equipped with every detail to avoid hidden charges.
Be proactive, ask your club questions, and when you’re ready to cancel—do it properly to avoid fees. Use our tools to stay ahead of the game.