If you’re considering joining a gym, understanding the cost and benefits is a smart first step. Planet Fitness membership prices currently start at $15 a month for the Classic plan and $24.99 a month for the PF Black Card, before taxes and fees. These rates reflect recent updates, as the company raised its popular $10 membership for the first time in decades.
Knowing exactly what you’ll pay up front can help you budget and decide which membership level fits your needs. Additional costs—like an annual fee—may also apply depending on the plan, so it’s important to look at all the details before making your decision. Whether you want a basic gym experience or access to more perks, you’ll find Planet Fitness offers a straightforward pricing structure.
Planet Fitness Membership Tiers
Planet Fitness offers several membership options, each tailored to a different level of access and included benefits. Prices, amenities, and terms can vary, so it’s important to understand what is included in each tier to make the right choice for your needs.
Classic Membership
The Classic Membership provides access to your designated home club during its operating hours. This plan is designed for people who want a no-frills fitness experience and do not need access to multiple locations or extra perks.
Key details:
- Monthly Cost: Starts at around $15 per month (subject to local taxes and fees).
- Annual Fee: There is a separate annual fee that is charged once a year.
- Access: You can use cardio and strength equipment at your enrolled club and participate in fitness training sessions.
- Notably, guest privileges, tanning, massage chairs, and reciprocal use of other locations are not included.
This tier typically has a 12-month commitment, so check the terms before signing up.
PF Black Card Membership
The PF Black Card Membership adds flexibility with access to all Planet Fitness locations and a suite of additional benefits. This is best if you travel often or want access to extra club amenities.
Key features:
- Monthly Cost: Starts at about $24.99 per month, excluding taxes and fees.
- Annual Fee: An annual fee applies as with other plans.
- Access: Visit any Planet Fitness club nationwide.
- Perks: Bring a guest with you every visit, use massage chairs, HydroMassage, tanning beds, and receive discounts on select products.
This plan also offers short-term flexibility, as you may have options for shorter commitments depending on the club.
No Commitment Membership
The No Commitment Membership provides a more flexible contract option, so you can cancel any time without penalty. This is designed for anyone who wants gym access without long-term obligations.
Key points:
- Monthly Cost: Pricing usually matches the Classic plan but check with your local club since rates may vary.
- Annual Fee: The same annual fee structure applies.
- Access: You receive the same access as the Classic tier, limited to the club where you enroll.
- The main benefit is the absence of a 12-month contract, so you can end your membership whenever you choose.
This option is ideal if you anticipate short-term use or prefer maximum flexibility.
Cost Breakdown and Fees
Planet Fitness membership costs differ based on the type of plan you choose, and there are also additional annual and enrollment fees to consider. Knowing these specific costs up front makes it easier to match your fitness budget to your needs.
Monthly Rates
Planet Fitness offers two main membership options with different monthly rates. The Classic membership typically starts at $15 per month, making it an accessible choice for many people. The PF Black Card membership is available at $24.99 per month.
The Black Card offers extra benefits, such as the ability to use facilities at any location, bring a guest, access tanning, and use massage chairs. In some regions, the Classic membership may start as low as $10 per month during promotional periods, but this is not guaranteed year-round. For a detailed look at price ranges, visit Planet Fitness’ official memberships page.
Annual Fees
Planet Fitness charges an annual fee to all members. This fee is generally $49 per year, and it is billed a few months after you join. The annual fee is not included in your regular monthly payment and is charged separately, regardless of your membership type.
You need to budget for this fee as it covers maintenance, equipment upkeep, and facility improvements. It applies whether you have the Classic or Black Card membership. For more member discussions about the timing and details of this charge, check this Reddit thread from current members.
Enrollment and Startup Costs
When you sign up for Planet Fitness, you may be required to pay an enrollment or startup fee. These fees can vary depending on the location, current promotions, and the type of membership chosen. Standard startup fees often range from $1 to $39, but certain promotions can waive or significantly reduce this cost.
In addition to the startup fee, you might also pay your first month’s membership dues at the time of registration. Promotions around New Year’s or special events may drop the enrollment fee to just $1, lowering your initial commitment. To get current rates and see active deals, visit NerdWallet’s membership cost guide.
Membership Benefits and Value
Planet Fitness membership offers multiple perks, with the most important being access to clean gyms, low-cost rates, and several add-ons. Pricing and benefits depend on the type of membership you select, such as the Classic or Black Card.
Gym Access and Amenities
When you join Planet Fitness, you get access to a wide range of gym equipment, including cardio machines, strength training gear, and free weights. The facilities are known for being clean and welcoming to users of all experience levels.
Membership plans start as low as around $15 per month, making it an affordable option. Every member can use the locker rooms, showers, and the PF mobile app for guided workouts and tracking progress.
Black Card members receive additional perks, such as tanning beds, massage chairs, and the ability to use the Hydromassage lounge. For many people, these extras add significant value, especially if you enjoy amenities outside of standard gym equipment.
Guest Privileges
The Black Card membership at Planet Fitness allows you to bring a guest with you on each visit. Your guest can use the gym’s basic facilities at no extra cost, regardless of whether they are already a member.
This is useful if you want a workout partner or wish to introduce a friend or family member to the gym. The process for bringing a guest is simple; you just check in together at the front desk.
While Classic members do not receive guest privileges, Black Card access makes social workouts more convenient and adds value for those who want added flexibility without needing to purchase a secondary membership.
Nationwide Access
As a Black Card member, you gain entry to any Planet Fitness location in the United States. This includes over 2,000 clubs nationwide, making it especially useful if you travel for work or leisure.
If you move or visit other cities, you can visit the gym without additional fees. You do not need to transfer your membership or pay a day-use charge, which can save you money compared to gyms without network privileges.
Classic memberships, in contrast, only allow access to your home location. The nationwide gym access feature is one reason many frequent travelers and relocators select the Black Card option.
Additional Considerations
Understanding extra costs, policy details, and value compared to competitors helps you make a more informed decision about signing up. Factors like how to cancel, available discounts, and what you get for the price can influence whether Planet Fitness is right for your needs.
Cancellation Policies
When signing up for a Planet Fitness membership, it’s important to know the cancellation rules and potential fees. If you joined on a 12-month commitment, canceling early may result in a buyout fee of about $58. Month-to-month plans usually don’t have early termination fees.
You generally need to cancel in person at your home club or send a written letter. Canceling over the phone, by email, or through the app is not supported. Make sure to confirm your cancellation was processed to avoid being billed for another month.
Be aware that most memberships require written notice ahead of your billing date, often 30 days in advance. Contacting your club directly is the best way to get up-to-date details, as policies can vary slightly between locations.
Discounts and Promotions
Planet Fitness occasionally offers promotions like $1 enrollment fees or discounted memberships during certain times of the year. These deals may be advertised online or directly at local clubs, particularly around New Year’s or other high-traffic periods.
You won’t find standard discounts for students, seniors, or military members. However, some special events or employer partnerships might provide eligible employees a lower rate. It pays to ask your local club about current or upcoming promotions before you sign up.
Monthly pricing has recently increased to $15 for new “Classic” members, while the Black Card remains at $24.99 as of 2024. Find updated information about membership costs and fees on the Planet Fitness website.
Comparing Planet Fitness to Other Gyms
Planet Fitness focuses on affordability with low monthly fees and no-frills amenities. The Classic membership is now $15 for new members, while the PF Black Card offers upgraded access for $24.99 per month. Both plans have relatively low annual fees.
Other gyms, such as LA Fitness, Anytime Fitness, or 24 Hour Fitness, often charge between $30 and $60 per month, sometimes with higher initiation or yearly fees. However, these alternatives may offer more equipment variety, group classes, pools, childcare, or multi-location access.
If your priority is a basic, budget-friendly club for solo workouts, Planet Fitness may suit you best. Should you need classes, pool access, or a broader range of options, it’s worth comparing what is included at other gyms before you commit.