The Planet Fitness Black Card is worth it if you want extra perks like unlimited guest privileges, use of massage chairs, and access to all Planet Fitness locations. At a higher monthly cost, this membership is designed for people who value more than just basic gym access. With the Black Card, you also get benefits like tanning and discounted drinks.
For frequent travelers, people who enjoy post-workout recovery tools, or those who like working out with friends, the added features can make your gym experience more enjoyable and convenient. However, if you only want access to the gym equipment and don’t plan to use the extras, the basic membership might be a better fit. See how others weigh the value of the extras in discussions like this one.
Understanding the Planet Fitness Black Card
The Planet Fitness Black Card is designed for members who want access to additional amenities and greater flexibility. There are notable differences between this tier and the basic membership, especially regarding perks, guest privileges, travel benefits, and pricing.
What Is the Planet Fitness Black Card?
With a Black Card, you become a premium member at Planet Fitness, unlocking benefits beyond the standard “Classic” plan. This membership type lets you access any Planet Fitness location worldwide.
You can bring a guest with you each visit at no extra cost, making it convenient for working out with a friend. The Black Card is popular among people who travel frequently or want to exercise at different clubs.
Many see value in the upgrade if they want variety or flexibility, but it’s not necessary for everyone. If you only use your home gym and rarely bring a guest, the Black Card’s most prominent benefits may go unused.
Included Amenities and Perks
The Black Card comes with a set of amenities that are not available to Classic members:
- Access to all Planet Fitness locations
- Ability to bring one guest per visit
- Use of tanning beds and massage chairs
- Unlimited use of hydromassage equipment
- Discounts on select drinks and Reebok products
- Half-price cooler drinks
You also get 50% off select cooler drinks and special deals on other products throughout the year. These perks focus on comfort, recovery, and social flexibility, appealing to people who want a little more from their gym beyond standard workouts.
Unlike the basic membership, which only grants access to your home club, the Black Card works at any club, even abroad, which can be particularly useful if you travel often. For more about these perks, see detailed Black Card amenities and benefits.
Cost Compared to Basic Membership
A Black Card membership at most locations typically costs about $24.99 per month, while the Classic membership is often around $10 per month. There may be differences in annual fees and start-up fees depending on promotions and your location.
You pay more each month for the added perks and access. If you value being able to visit any location, bring guests, and use extras like tanning or hydromassage, the additional monthly cost can be justified. If you only plan to use one club, work out alone, and don’t use the perks, the Classic option is more budget-friendly. See more details about price comparisons in this membership cost breakdown.
Evaluating the Value of the Black Card
The Planet Fitness Black Card provides a range of premium perks, including guest privileges and access to extra amenities. Weighing the benefits and restrictions can help you decide if the added cost matches your personal fitness needs and habits.
Who Benefits Most from the Black Card
If you travel frequently or enjoy inviting friends to your workouts, the Black Card can be a practical choice. You get access to any Planet Fitness location, which is useful if you move between cities or visit different gyms during your routine.
Having the Black Card also allows you to bring a guest on every visit. This is especially valuable for those who like a workout partner or want to share membership perks with family. Other extras include unlimited use of massage chairs, tanning, and specialty equipment.
For those who use tanning salons or relax in massage chairs, the monthly rate may be more cost-effective than paying for these services elsewhere. You can also take advantage of discounts on cooler beverages and some exclusive retail promotions.
Limitations to Consider
The Black Card costs more each month than the basic Planet Fitness membership. If you only work out alone and rarely use any extra amenities, you might not recoup the higher monthly fee. You should consider how often you plan to use features like tanning, hydro-massage, or bringing a guest.
Keep in mind that some perks, like access to certain equipment or premium areas, may be subject to local availability or specific club guidelines. Not all clubs have the same amenities.
You will also want to consider if you are comfortable with the annual fee in addition to the higher monthly cost. Before signing up, review the terms closely and make sure the amenities fit your routine.
Real-World Member Experiences
Many members report that the Black Card is justified if you use multiple locations, frequently bring guests, or like the added perks. Comments such as those on Reddit reflect that if you only visit one gym and never bring a guest, the standard membership may suit you fine.
Some note that the Black Card can be less expensive than tanning salons or massage businesses, as described in Money Digest. Others mention that it’s not worth it if you do not use the extra features or amenities.
Feedback also highlights occasional frustration over the availability of tanning beds or certain perks during busy hours. Thoughtful evaluation of your actual usage can help you decide if the upgrade is a fit for you.
Comparing Alternatives and Making a Decision
Membership perks, costs, and access to amenities all matter when you’re weighing whether the Planet Fitness Black Card is your best fit. The key factors often come down to your lifestyle, routine, and what you value in a gym.
Popular Competitor Membership Options
Many gyms offer membership tiers that compete with Planet Fitness. For example, LA Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and 24 Hour Fitness all have multi-club access options and amenities like pools or group fitness classes.
A typical LA Fitness membership is around $35–$40 per month, and it often includes classes, basketball courts, and pools. Anytime Fitness averages $40–$50 monthly but comes with 24/7 access and a strong presence nationwide. Crunch Fitness starts at about $10 but upscale tiers can add group classes, tanning, or hydro-massage.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Gym | Basic Price/mo | Multi-location Access | Showers & Lockers | Group Classes | Special Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Fitness | $10 / $24.99 | Black Card Only | Yes | No | Tanning, massage chairs |
| LA Fitness | ~$35–$40 | With certain plans | Yes | Yes | Pool, sauna, basketball |
| Anytime Fitness | ~$40–$50 | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | 24/7 Access |
| Crunch Fitness | $10+ | Some tiers | Yes | Higher tiers | Classes, hydro massage (tiers) |
Different gyms cater to different needs. You may want to consider if you’ll use extras like classes and pools or simply need a clean space to work out.
How to Decide If the Black Card Is Right for You
If you travel often or want access to multiple Planet Fitness locations, the Black Card is the only way to do it. You can also bring a guest for free every visit and use perks like the tanning booths, massage chairs, and 50% off select drinks.
For those who rarely venture beyond their home club, the Classic membership covers the basics at a lower cost. If amenities like group classes, a swimming pool, or 24-hour access rank high on your list, competitors such as LA Fitness or Anytime Fitness might be better suited for your needs.
Think about your routine honestly. If you live in your car or travel frequently, the Black Card may be especially practical for its wide club access and amenities, as discussed on Quora. If your gym routine is straightforward and you don’t need the added perks, it may make sense to stick with a more affordable plan.