Yes, Planet Fitness does offer a prepaid membership option at select locations, allowing you to pay upfront for a fixed term—usually 6 or 12 months—rather than committing to monthly billing or a long-term contract. This is a great solution for those who don’t want auto-billing, lack a bank account, or just want full control over their gym budget. Understanding how prepaid memberships work at Planet Fitness is important if you’re looking for a straightforward, no-surprises gym plan in 2025. In this guide, you’ll get current pricing, key details, pros and cons, and steps to sign up—plus answers to common questions and expert tips. Always check with your local club, as policies and prices can differ.
What Is a Planet Fitness Prepaid Membership?
A prepaid membership at Planet Fitness lets you pay for several months (commonly 6 or 12) upfront in a single payment, instead of being billed automatically each month.
- No recurring charges—pay once, and you’re set for the entire period.
- No cancellation, annual, or hidden fees on prepaid plans at most clubs.
- Available for Classic memberships; Black Card® prepaid is much less common and typically not offered at most locations.
- Sign-up is in-person only—not available online or via app.
Why Choose Prepaid?
- Prefer not to link a bank account or credit card
- Want a temporary, no-strings-attached gym experience
- Good for students, travelers, or seasonal visitors
Planet Fitness Prepaid Membership Cost (2025)
Prices and availability can vary by location and are set by each Planet Fitness franchise. The following are current typical rates as of July 2025:
| Plan Type | Term | Typical Cost (2025) | Where to Buy | Refundable? | Annual Fee? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 12 months | $199–$229 total | In club only | No | No |
| Classic | 6 months | $120–$150 total | In club only | No | No |
| Black Card® | 12 months | $349–$499 (rare) | Some clubs | No | No |
- No monthly auto-payments.
- No annual fees or cancellation fees on prepaid plans.
- Non-refundable: Once paid, you cannot cancel and receive a refund.
- Some clubs may charge a small startup fee or taxes at signup.
- Black Card prepaid options are rare—ask your local club if available.
Real-World Example
A user in New Jersey paid $229 for a 12-month Classic prepaid membership (July 2025). In some locations, it can be as low as $199 for a year.
Key Benefits of a Planet Fitness Prepaid Membership
1. No Billing Surprises
- Set price for the whole term—no risk of missed payments, overcharges, or billing errors.
2. No Bank Account Required
- Perfect for those without a checking account or who don’t want to provide card details.
3. Easy, No-Commitment Access
- Great for students, temporary residents, or anyone needing gym access for a set time.
4. Same Perks as Standard Members
- Enjoy all amenities included in Classic or Black Card® (if offered) plans during your prepaid period.
5. No Cancellation Worries
- Your membership simply ends when your prepaid term runs out—no need to provide notice.
Drawbacks & Things to Know
- Not Available Online: Must visit a participating club in person.
- Non-Refundable: Once purchased, you can’t get your money back—even if you stop attending.
- Not Always Cheaper: Sometimes the prepaid plan costs more than 12 months of monthly payments plus an annual fee (compare before you buy!).
- No Referral Credits: Prepaid members aren’t eligible for Planet Fitness’s refer-a-friend program.
- Limited to Classic Plan: Black Card® prepaid is rare and not widely available.
Tip: Always confirm with your local club, as each franchise owner sets their own prepaid policies.
How to Get a Planet Fitness Prepaid Membership
- Find Your Local Club: Use the Planet Fitness gym locator to find the nearest location.
- Call Ahead: Ask if they offer prepaid memberships, for which terms, and the current price. Not every club participates.
- Bring ID and Payment: Most clubs require a government-issued photo ID. Payment by cash, credit, or debit is typically accepted.
- Sign Up In Person: Fill out the membership agreement and pay the full amount for your term.
- Start Working Out: Enjoy immediate access with all the usual amenities for the duration of your prepaid plan.
Official policy: Planet Fitness Membership FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planet Fitness prepaid membership refundable?
No. All prepaid memberships are non-refundable once purchased.
Can you upgrade a prepaid Classic plan to Black Card®?
Usually no—prepaid upgrades aren’t available until your current term ends. You’ll need to start a new plan.
Is there a trial or one-month prepaid option?
Typically, the shortest prepaid terms are 6 months. Day passes and short-term trials are a separate offering.
Do I need to cancel a prepaid membership?
No. It automatically expires at the end of your term. No action needed.
Can I use my prepaid membership at other locations?
With a Classic prepaid, you’re limited to your home club. Black Card® prepaid—if available—may offer multi-club access.
Prepaid vs. Monthly Membership: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Prepaid Plan | Monthly Plan |
|---|---|---|
| How You Pay | Upfront lump sum | Monthly auto-bill |
| Annual Fee | None | $49/year (most clubs) |
| Bank Account Needed? | No | Yes |
| Refunds? | No | Cancel anytime |
| Club Access | Home club only | Home club (Classic) |
- Prepaid: Best for commitment-free, simple, and privacy-focused gym goers.
- Monthly: More flexible for ongoing access or if you may cancel mid-year.
Is a Planet Fitness Prepaid Membership Worth It?
A Planet Fitness prepaid membership is worth it if you value simplicity, want to avoid auto-pay billing, or only need the gym for a fixed period—such as a semester, summer, or travel period. You pay upfront for 6 or 12 months and never have to worry about monthly charges, bank accounts, or unexpected cancellation fees. This option is especially good for students, short-term residents, gift-givers, and anyone who wants full control over their fitness spending.
However, it’s not always the cheapest option. In many locations, the prepaid price is similar to (or sometimes higher than) what you’d pay over 12 months with monthly billing and the standard annual fee. You also lose the flexibility to cancel early or get a refund if your plans change. Plus, not every Planet Fitness offers the prepaid plan, and Black Card® prepaid memberships are rare.
Bottom line:
Choose a prepaid membership if you want convenience, no commitment, and no recurring billing, and the price at your club is competitive. But if you need flexibility, want the lowest possible price, or like the perks of monthly billing (like the option to pause or upgrade), a traditional monthly plan might suit you better. Always compare both options at your local club before signing up.