Can a gym keep charging me after I cancel?

No. Once you have canceled in accordance with your contract (and notice period), further charges are unauthorized. You have the right to stop these payments.

How do I stop recurring gym payments?

Send a 'Revocation of Authorization' letter to the gym and your bank. If charges continue, file a dispute (chargeback) with your credit card issuer.

What if the gym threatens to send me to collections?

Don't panic. Send a 'Debt Validation Letter' requiring them to prove the debt. If you have proof of cancellation, the debt is likely invalid and they must stop collection efforts.

Gym Billing Disputes Guide — Stop Recurring Charges

Step 1: Revoke Authorization

You have the legal right to stop automatic payments at any time. This is called "Revoking Authorization."

Write to the gym: "I hereby revoke your authorization to charge my card ending in [1234] for any future fees."

Once you send this, any future charge is legally considered "unauthorized" under banking regulations (Regulation E for debit/ACH, Truth in Lending Act for credit).

Step 2: The Chargeback

If they charge you after you revoked authorization or canceled, file a dispute with your bank.

Winning Strategy: Don't just click "dispute" in the app. Upload documents:

Your cancellation letter.
The proof of delivery (Certified Mail receipt).
Your revocation of authorization notice.

ACH vs. Credit Card

Credit Cards are safest. Disputes are easier to win.

ACH (Bank Transfer) is harder. You must notify your bank at least 3 business days before the scheduled transfer to stop it. You may need to pay a "Stop Payment" fee to your bank, but it's worth it to stop a rogue gym.

"We'll send you to collections"

Gyms often threaten this to scare you. Don't panic.

If the debt is invalid (because you canceled), you can dispute it.
Send a "Debt Validation Letter" to the collection agency.
They must prove you owe the money. If you have your cancellation receipt, they usually can't proof it, and must drop the debt.

Protect your bank account

Generate a "Revocation of Authorization" letter now to send to your gym and bank.

Create Revocation Letter