Frequently Asked Questions — Gym Membership Issues (USA)

Check your contract for a "cooling-off period" (usually 3-5 days after joining). If you canceled but were charged anyway, you are typically entitled to a refund. For unused prepaid services (like personal training), state laws vary, but refunds are often required if you move or have a medical disability.

Gather your proof: evidence of your cancellation date vs. the charge date. Send a formal written demand letter (use our templates) attaching this proof. If they refuse, file a credit card dispute (chargeback) citing "services not received" or "unauthorized charge."

It depends on the specific "Personal Training Agreement" you signed, which is often separate from your membership. However, if you have a medical note preventing exercise or have moved away, many state consumer protection laws override "non-refundable" clauses.

Verbal promises are hard to enforce. Write a short confirmation email immediately: "As discussed with [Name] on [Date] at [Time], I am confirming that a refund of $[Amount] will be issued." Ask for a reply confirming this.

Send a cancellation letter via Certified Mail with Return Receipt. This provides legal proof of delivery that stands up in court and credit card disputes, even if the gym's policy says "in-person only." Many states legally require gyms to accept mail cancellations.

Your letter should be simple: state your name, membership number, and the clear sentence "I am canceling my membership effective immediately." Do not offer reasons or ask for permission. Copy our cancellation template here.

Check your contract for a "Notice Period" clause (often 30 days). If it's in the contract you signed, you likely owe that final month. However, they cannot charge you beyond that notice period once you have given written notice.

Yes. Always create a paper trail. If you go in person, bring two copies of your letter and have them stamp one "Received." If they refuse, mail it Certified immediately.

First, send a "Revocation of Authorization" letter to the gym. Second, contact your bank or credit card issuer to place a "Stop Payment" or dispute the charges as "Unauthorized." Provide your proof of cancellation.

Yes, if you have proof of cancellation and the gym ignores you. A chargeback is a powerful tool. Be sure to provide your bank with your cancellation letter and the delivery receipt. Keep your dispute focused on specific transaction dates.

You can ask your bank to "revoke authorization" for the specific merchant. This blocks future attempts. Note that this stops the payment, but doesn't technically cancel the contract—so ensure you have also sent a cancellation letter to avoid debt collection.

Yes, ACH is harder to dispute than credit cards. You must notify your bank at least 3 business days before the scheduled transfer to stop it. Tell your bank you have "revoked authorization" for this biller.

Common legal reasons to avoid early termination fees include: moving more than 25 miles from the gym (proof of new address required), significant medical disability (doctor's note required), or if the gym materially changed its services (e.g., closed the pool you joined for).

Yes, if they believe you owe money. However, you can dispute the debt. Under the FDCPA, you can send a "Debt Validation Letter" requiring them to prove the debt is valid. If you canceled properly, the debt is likely invalid.

Most states have "Health Club Statutes" that mandate cancellation rights if you move a certain distance (usually 25 miles) from the gym or any of its franchise locations. You usually just need to provide proof of your new utility bill or lease.

Ask for the clause in your original contract that allows price hikes. If it was a "fixed rate" contract, they cannot raise it. If it's a month-to-month, they usually must provide 30-60 days written notice before a price change.

If the gym is unresponsive or keeps billing despite documented cancellation attempts, a complaint to your State Attorney General’s consumer protection office can be a reasonable escalation step.

Keep everything in writing, dispute incorrect charges in writing, and retain proof of your cancellation attempts. For high amounts or complex contracts, consult an attorney in your state.