Unraveling the Mystery: Why Did Planet Fitness Charge Me $39?

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Picture this: you join a gym, excited to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. You make your way through the enrollment process and sign up for a membership, thinking everything is good to go. Then, bam! You check your bank account and notice an unexpected charge from Planet Fitness for $39. Confused and frustrated, you wonder, “Why did Planet Fitness charge me $39?” Well, you’re not alone. Many people have been in this situation and are left scratching their heads. In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons why Planet Fitness may have charged you this unexpected fee and what you can do about it. So, let’s get started and put those unanswered questions to rest.

Planet Fitness is known for their affordable gym memberships and no-frills approach to fitness. However, many members have reported being charged an extra $39 fee by the gym. This unexpected charge can be confusing and frustrating for members who are already trying to stick to a budget. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Planet Fitness charging an additional $39 and offer some tips on how you can avoid this fee in the future.

Understanding Planet Fitness Membership Fees

To understand why Planet Fitness charged you an extra $39, it’s important to first have a clear understanding of their membership fees. When signing up for a Planet Fitness membership, there is a one-time enrollment fee of $39. This covers the cost of processing your membership application and setting up your account.

In addition, there is also an annual fee of $39 that is due on or around October 1st of each year. This fee goes towards maintaining and upgrading equipment at all Planet Fitness locations. It is important to note that these fees are disclosed to potential members before signing up for a membership.

So why did you get charged an extra $39 outside of the annual fee? Well, there could be a few reasons for this.

Late Payment Fee

One possibility is that you missed a payment on your monthly membership dues. While it may seem insignificant, missing even one payment can result in additional fees being tacked onto your account.

According to Planet Fitness’ terms and conditions, if your monthly membership payment fails to process, they will attempt to process it again within 10 days. If they are unable to successfully process the payment after multiple attempts, they may charge you a late payment fee of up to $10.

This late payment fee could explain the additional $39 charge on your account if you had multiple missed payments over several months.

Upgrade Fee

Another possible reason for the $39 charge is if you upgraded your membership plan. Planet Fitness offers two tiers of membership: the basic $10/month plan and the black card membership for $22.99/month. If you initially signed up for the basic membership and then decided to upgrade to the black card, you would be charged a one-time fee of $39.

It’s important to note that if you upgrade your membership in the middle of your billing cycle, you will still be charged the full amount for that month. Your upgraded membership plan and monthly dues will not go into effect until the next billing cycle. So if you upgraded your membership during a month where you had already paid your monthly dues, this could explain the additional $39 charge on your account.

Hidden Fees

While Planet Fitness is known for their affordable memberships, there may be some hidden fees that members may not be aware of. Some members have reported being charged an additional $1-$2 per week on top of their monthly dues.

This fee is called the “enhancement fee” and it goes towards maintaining and upgrading facilities. However, this fee was not disclosed at sign-up and may come as a surprise to those who see it on their bank statements.

Additionally, some Planet Fitness locations require biannual or annual maintenance fees ranging from $15-$40 for basic members and up to $90 for black card members. These fees are also not clearly disclosed at sign-up and can add up to an unexpected expense.

How To Avoid Future Fees

If you want to avoid being hit with an unexpected $39 charge in the future, here are some tips to keep in mind:

– Pay attention to your billing cycle and make sure all payments are made on time.
– Make sure to read all terms and conditions before signing up for any gym membership.
– If you are considering upgrading your membership, make sure to do so at the beginning of your billing cycle to avoid any extra charges.
– Keep track of any and all fees associated with your membership, including annual maintenance fees and enhancement fees.
– If you feel like you were charged a fee that was not disclosed to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Planet Fitness’ customer service for clarification.

While the additional $39 charge from Planet Fitness may have caught you off guard, there are several possible explanations for it. By understanding their membership fees and staying on top of payments, you can avoid any unexpected charges in the future. And if you have any questions or concerns about your charges, don’t be afraid to reach out to Planet Fitness’ customer service for assistance.

Understanding the $39 Charge from Planet Fitness

If you are a member of Planet Fitness, you may have noticed a monthly charge of $39 on your account. This fee has caused confusion and frustration for many members, as they are unaware of why they are being charged this amount. In this article, we will dive deeper into the reasons behind this charge and provide clarity for those who have been wondering, “Why did Planet Fitness charge me $39?”

What is Planet Fitness?

Before we get into the details of the $39 charge, let’s first understand what Planet Fitness is. It is one of the largest gym chains in the United States with over 2,000 locations nationwide. It was founded in 1992 with a mission to provide an affordable and judgement-free gym experience for everyone. The gym prides itself on being clean, comfortable, and non-intimidating, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to start their fitness journey.

At Planet Fitness, there are two types of memberships – a basic membership for $10/month and a black card membership for $22/month. The basic membership gives you access to all equipment and amenities at your home club while the black card membership includes additional perks such as tanning, massage chairs, and access to all locations.

The Annual Fee Explained

Every year, in addition to the monthly membership fee, Planet Fitness charges an annual fee of $39. This fee is not included in your monthly payment and is usually debited from your account around the same time each year.

The purpose of this annual fee is to cover the costs associated with club maintenance and equipment upgrades. While other gyms may sneak in these costs by raising their monthly fees or charging initiation fees, Planet Fitness keeps its prices low by incorporating an annual fee.

When Was I Notified about this Charge?

Understandably, many members are taken aback by the $39 charge, as they were not aware of its existence. However, Planet Fitness does inform their members about this fee before joining. During the signup process, you are presented with a membership agreement that outlines the annual fee and its purpose. This agreement is signed electronically or in-person and it is your responsibility to read and understand all terms before joining.

Additionally, Planet Fitness also sends out an email reminder about the annual fee a few weeks before it is charged to your account. This gives members ample time to prepare for the charge or make any necessary changes to their membership.

Can I Opt-out of the Annual Fee?

Planet Fitness has a strict no-cancellation policy for the annual fee. This means that every member is required to pay this fee every year to maintain their membership. However, if you do not wish to continue with your membership and do not want to pay the annual fee, you have the option to cancel your membership during your billing cycle before the charge is applied.

What Happens if I Cancel My Membership after Being Charged?

If you cancel your membership after being charged the annual fee, Planet Fitness will not refund this amount. The reason behind this is that once you have paid for your annual fee, you are considered a member for one full year from that date. Cancelling mid-year does not entitle you to a refund or proration of any fees.

Understanding Your Membership Agreement

At Planet Fitness, transparency is key. They want their members to fully understand all terms and conditions before signing up. As mentioned earlier, during the signup process, they provide an electronic agreement that outlines all costs associated with your membership.

It is important to carefully read through this agreement and ask questions if anything seems unclear before finalizing your membership. This will ensure that you are fully aware of all fees and charges, including the annual fee.

How to Avoid the $39 Charge?

If you want to enjoy your Planet Fitness membership without any surprises, here are a few tips on how to avoid the $39 annual fee:

– Cancel your membership before the annual fee is charged to your account
– Upgrade to a black card membership as it includes the annual fee
– Join Planet Fitness during their annual no-commitment sale when they waive the initial sign-up fees and annual fee for that year

So there you have it – an in-depth explanation of why Planet Fitness charges its members $39 annually. It is important to understand and acknowledge this fee before joining the gym to avoid any confusion or frustration in the future.

While this charge may come as a surprise for some members, it is clearly outlined in the membership agreement and communicated through email reminders. If you wish to continue with your membership, make sure to factor in this cost and plan accordingly.

Remember, Planet Fitness strives to provide an affordable gym experience for everyone and this annual fee helps them maintain their high-quality facilities and equipment. So keep working out at Planet Fitness knowing that your $39 is contributing towards maintaining a

1. Why did I see a $39 charge from Planet Fitness on my bank statement?
Answer: The $39 charge you see on your bank statement is most likely your annual membership fee that Planet Fitness charges every year.

2. Can I cancel my Planet Fitness membership and avoid the $39 charge?
Answer: Yes, you can cancel your Planet Fitness membership at any time but if you do so within the first 12 months, the $39 annual fee will still apply.

3. Is the $39 charge a one-time fee or will it be charged yearly?
Answer: The $39 charge is an annual fee that will be charged every year as long as you maintain your membership with Planet Fitness.

4. I signed up for a no-commitment membership, why am I being charged $39?
Answer: The no-commitment membership still includes an annual fee of $39, which is stated in the terms and conditions that you agreed to when signing up.

5. Can I get a refund for the $39 charge from Planet Fitness?
Answer: The annual membership fee is non-refundable, even if you cancel your membership. However, some exceptions may apply based on certain circumstances.

6. I have multiple members under my Planet Fitness account, will each member be charged the $39 fee?
Answer: Yes, each member on your account will be charged the annual membership fee of $39.

In conclusion, there could be several reasons why Planet Fitness charged you $39. These could include the annual fee, a late payment fee, or a cancellation fee for breaking the contract. It is important to carefully read and understand your membership agreement to avoid being surprised by unexpected charges.

Remember, Planet Fitness offers an affordable and inclusive gym experience, so the $39 annual fee helps them maintain their low prices and provide top-quality facilities. Avoiding late payments and properly cancelling your membership can also prevent additional charges.

Additionally, it is important to communicate with Planet Fitness if you have any concerns or questions about your fees. They have a customer service team that can help clarify any charges and resolve any issues.

Furthermore, this experience highlights the importance of being responsible for our finances and understanding the terms of any agreements we enter into. Taking the time to read and understand contracts can save us from unforeseen expenses in the future.

Overall, while being charged $39 may seem frustrating in the moment, it is important to understand why Planet Fitness has this policy in place and to take personal responsibility in managing our memberships. By doing so, we can fully enjoy all that Planet Fitness has to offer without any unexpected surprises.

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.