If you’re thinking about joining Planet Fitness and want access to more than just the basic gym amenities, the Black Card membership is a popular upgrade. It’s designed for people who want to get more value from their gym experience — from access to all club locations to perks like tanning and massage chairs. In this guide, I’ll break down what you can really expect when it comes to the cost of Planet Fitness Black Card membership, hidden fees, and whether it’s worth it based on real-world gym habits.
What Is the Planet Fitness Black Card?
The Planet Fitness Black Card is the premium membership tier that unlocks additional benefits beyond standard gym access. With this membership, you can work out at any Planet Fitness location nationwide, bring a guest every time you go, enjoy unlimited use of massage chairs, tanning beds, and hydromassage, and access perks like discounts on drinks and partner deals.
How Much Is the Planet Fitness Black Card?
The typical monthly cost for the Planet Fitness Black Card is around $24.99 per month. Pricing can vary slightly by location, but most Planet Fitness gyms follow this general price point. This is significantly higher than the standard $10 monthly membership, but the Black Card adds a variety of extras for those who like more than just the basics.
Annual and Startup Fees Explained
In addition to the monthly fee, there are a couple of additional charges to be aware of:
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Startup Fee: This fee usually ranges between $1 to $39 depending on ongoing promotions. Sometimes Planet Fitness offers “$1 down” sign-up specials, so it’s smart to wait for those.
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Annual Fee: Every Black Card membership includes an annual fee, which is $49, billed once a year around your membership anniversary date.
Altogether, the total cost includes your monthly dues, a once-a-year fee, and a possible startup fee.
Is There a Contract?
Planet Fitness markets itself as a no-commitment gym, but it’s important to read the fine print. With the Black Card, some locations require a 12-month commitment before you can cancel without a fee. If you think you might not stay consistent or move to another city, it’s something to consider.
My Experience with the Planet Fitness Black Card
When I first signed up, I went for the basic membership, thinking I just needed access to weights and cardio machines. But after a few months, I upgraded to the Black Card after realizing how much I liked the idea of gym variety. The ability to use any Planet Fitness location came in handy during business trips, and surprisingly, the hydromassage chairs became my favorite reward after a tough workout. I also found that bringing a friend occasionally made workouts more fun, which helped with consistency. If you’re someone who values little extras like this, the Black Card offers good bang for your buck.
Planet Fitness Membership Options: A Quick Comparison
| Membership Type | Monthly Fee | Access | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Membership | $10/month | Single Location | Basic gym access |
| Black Card Membership | ~$24.99/month | All Locations | Unlimited guest privilege, massage chairs, tanning, hydromassage, discounts |
Is the Black Card Worth It?
It comes down to how often you’ll use the extra perks. If you travel frequently, like having a guest join you, or enjoy tanning and massages, the Black Card more than pays for itself. On the other hand, if you just need a place to lift weights a few times a week, the classic membership may be all you need.
Final Thoughts
The Planet Fitness Black Card price is reasonable considering the wide range of amenities it offers. For those who use the extra benefits, it can add real value to your fitness journey. Just be sure to check for location-specific pricing and any ongoing promotions before signing up. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to get back into fitness, Planet Fitness provides flexible options that can fit most budgets and lifestyles.
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