How Much Does Planet Fitness Membership Cost?

Last Updated on September 12, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With over 2,000 locations across the United States, Planet Fitness has become one of the most popular and fastest-growing gym chains. Planet Fitness prides itself on offering affordable fitness options with a judgment-free, welcoming atmosphere. But how much exactly does it cost to join Planet Fitness?

Planet Fitness provides two straightforward membership tiers: the Basic and Black Card memberships. However, fees like enrollment charges, annual fees, and add-ons can impact the total cost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the monthly fees, discounts, billing options, and potential hidden costs to help you understand the true price of Planet Fitness.

How Much Does Planet Fitness Membership Cost?

Planet Fitness membership has monthly costs ranging from $10 to $22.99 depending on membership type, along with a $39 annual fee charged to all members. Additional costs include a one-time enrollment fee of $1 to $49 when you first join, and a $58 cancellation fee if you break an annual contract early.

Planet Fitness provides two straightforward membership levels:

Basic Membership – $10-$15 per month

Black Card Membership – $22.99 per month

Both options allow flexible month-to-month billing or discounted annual subscriptions. The key differences in amenities are:

Basic – Access to one Planet Fitness location

Black Card – Access to all 2,200+ locations nationwide, massage chairs, tanning, and additional perks

According to CNN, Planet Fitness has offered $10 monthly memberships for 30 years, making it one of the few things that still costs the same despite the highest inflation in decades.

The company uses the $10 price as a powerful marketing tool to attract people interested in exercising who have never joined a gym before, are intimidated by fitness fanatics at other gyms, or can’t afford pricier clubs.

However, USA Today reports that Planet Fitness will raise the price of its Classic Card membership from $10 monthly to $15 for new members beginning this summer. Current members paying $10 per month will not see a price change for the duration of their membership.

The company also plans to do price testing for its Black Card membership, currently priced at $24.99 monthly, which offers additional perks and the ability to bring a guest.

CBS News provides further details on the price hike, stating that the 50% increase comes after price-testing costs in multiple markets. The company aims to find the best balance between higher dues while minimizing the loss of membership.

The price change will only affect new Classic Card memberships, as current members will continue paying the $10 rate until their membership expires.

The official Planet Fitness website explains that the average Planet Fitness member pays around $17.60 a month, helping the company keep the lower plan at $10. The $10 price is in the sweet spot, as it is cheap enough to attract people interested in exercising but not so expensive that they will cancel if they don’t go often.

The company believes $10 is an entryway for the roughly 80% of Americans who don’t belong to a gym.

Planet Fitness Membership Options

Planet Fitness aims to provide a gym experience that’s affordable, non-intimidating, and free of judgment. Here are the two main membership types available:

Basic Membership – The Basic membership offers access to cardiovascular machines and strength equipment at your home Planet Fitness location. This provides unlimited gym use in your local area only.

Black Card Membership – The Black Card membership provides full access to all Planet Fitness locations nationwide. It also includes extra perks like unlimited guest privileges, access to massage chairs, tanning, and more.

Both membership types allow for flexible month-to-month billing or discounted annual payments. Now let’s break down the specific costs associated with each.

Monthly and Annual Costs

Below we break down the standard monthly fees, annual fees, and expected additional charges for both Basic and Black Card Membership types:

Monthly Membership Fee

• Basic – $10 to $15 per month
• Black Card – $22.99 per month

Actual monthly rates vary from $10 to $15 for Basic and $22.99 for Black Card depending on your specific location

Annual Membership Fee

• $39 Annual Fee – Applies to all membership types
• Charged each year on your signup anniversary

Enrollment Fee

• One-time initiation fee charged at signup
• Ranges from $1 to $49 depending on current promotions
• Covers costs of membership registration

Taxes and Additional Surcharges

• Monthly rates listed do not include taxes
• Expect to pay $1 to $5 extra in taxes and fees
• Additional annual rate increases may also apply

Membership Cancellation Fee

• If you cancel with an active annual term contract, a cancellation fee of $58 is typically charged
• Applies when canceling before 12-month commitment is fulfilled

Total First Year Fees Example:

• Black Card monthly charge = $22.99
• Plus $39 annual fee
• Plus $30 enrollment fee
• Plus approx. $60 taxes and surcharges

Approximate total for first 12 months = $500

You might also like our articles about the cost of membership at the Chelsea Piers Gym, California Family Fitness Club, or Equinox Gym.

Benefits and Amenities

What facilities and services are included with Basic vs. Black Card membership?

Basic Membership Perks

The Basic membership ($10 to $15 monthly) includes:

• Access to cardio equipment, weights, and fitness classes at your home gym
• Ability to bring one guest for free per day
• Free fitness advice and basic workout program
• Use of public amenities like showers, lockers, and lounge areas

Access limited to home gym location only

Black Card Membership Perks

The Black Card membership ($22.99 monthly) provides:

• Unlimited access to all 2,200+ Planet Fitness locations nationwide
• Ability to bring a guest FREE every time you visit
• Access to massage chairs, tanning beds, and hydro massage beds
• Use of premium locations with more amenities
• Access to exclusive Black Card member areas
• Priority check-in at home location

Nationwide gym access and unlimited guests

Cost Comparison

Here’s how Planet Fitness’s monthly rates size up against competing national gym chains:

• Planet Fitness – $10 to $22.99 per month
• LA Fitness – $25 to $50 per month
• Gold’s Gym – $29.99 to $59.99 per month
• Anytime Fitness – $55 to $65 per month
• Crunch Fitness – $9.95 to $29.99 per month
• Equinox – $175 to $300 per month

For budget-conscious gym-goers, Planet Fitness offers the lowest monthly membership rates. Their maximum $22.99 fee provides nationwide access and premium amenities. Competitors charge $25+ just for individual location access.

Hidden Fees and Extra Charges

Aside from standard membership costs, keep an eye out for these additional fees:

Monthly Billing Processing Fees

• $1 to $5 per month for bank/card payment processing
• Charged separately from membership dues

Late Payment Fees

• $10 to $15 fee if monthly dues not paid on time
• Ensure payment information is up to date

Failed Payment Fees

• $25 fee for any failed monthly billing charges
• This applies to any rejected credit card or bank withdrawals

Membership Reactivation Fee

• $5 to $10 fee charged if membership lapses
• Keep your monthly dues current to avoid this surcharge

Fitness Gear Rental Fees

• $3 to $10 rental fee may apply for certain equipment items like weights and bands
• Varies by location – basic gear usually included

How to Get the Best Deals

To maximize savings on membership fees, take advantage of the following Planet Fitness discounts and promotions:

Waived or Reduced Enrollment Fee

• Enrollment is often $1 with promotions
• Can save up to $50 off standard joining fee

Student Membership Discounts

• Students under 18 pay $10 per month with valid student ID
• Applies to high school or college students

First Workout Free

• Get a free 7-day pass or one-day guest pass
• Opportunity to try the gym first before joining

Membership Referral Bonuses

• Refer a friend for a $25 credit after their signup
• Credits can offset your monthly fees

Corporate Wellness Program Rates

• Major companies offer reduced rates for employees
• Typically, 10 to 20% off normal pricing

Payment and Billing Options

Planet Fitness offers flexible billing and payment options:

Monthly Payments

• Most common option with rates from $10 to $22.99 per month
• Continuous monthly billing until membership cancellation

Annual Subscription

• Pay full year upfront at a 10%+ discount
• Around $200 to $300 total for the year

Recurring EFT Withdrawals

• Free option for automated bank account debits

Recurring Credit Card Charges

• Free when card stored for auto-billing

PayPal Billing

• Available at some gyms for easy online payments

No Commitment Flexibility

• Cancel anytime without contract break fees
• Offered occasionally for higher monthly rate

Additional Membership

Beyond equipment access, Planet Fitness offers additional perks through their app and x-club programs:

Digital Fitness App – The Planet Fitness app provides workout tips, nutrition guidance, class schedules, and more with free app membership.

X-Club Challenges – Members can join exclusive fitness challenges each month for extra motivation, earning prizes like supplement samples or apparel.

Nationwide Equipment Access = With nationwide reciprocity, Black Card members can use fitness equipment at any location when travelling.

Final Words

Overall, Planet Fitness provides exceptional value and affordability. The monthly cost of $10 to $22.99 is hard to beat for unlimited gym access. Black Card perks like free hydro-massage, tanning, and guest access further add to the value.

The membership costs are very transparent upfront. Even extra charges like annual or enrollment fees are reasonable compared to other gyms. Taking advantage of promotions and referrals can minimize these startup costs too.

For casual gym-goers on a budget, Planet Fitness offers an appealing balance of affordability and amenities. And the judgment-free culture and vibe can be welcoming to first-timers. Planet Fitness Membership works for anyone seeking high value low-cost fitness options.

Answers to Common Questions

Does Planet Fitness charge an annual fee twice?

No, the $39 annual fee is a one-time per year charge. It is not in addition to any monthly fees paid. This annual charge is to help cover costs of maintaining your existing membership from year to year.

Why did Planet Fitness charge me $49?

Most likely this is the standard one-time enrollment fee Planet Fitness charges all new members to initiate your membership registration. This startup fee covers administrative costs. Make sure to ask about any enrollment specials to possibly waive it.

Can I change my Planet Fitness membership from black card to regular?

Yes, you can downgrade from a Black Card to a Basic membership at any time simply by contacting your home gym. You would then lose access to Black Card perks. Upgrading back to Black Card can be done too for the price difference.