How do I cancel a gym membership?

Updated October 2026 · How we answer

Read the Contract First

Gym contracts often list how and when cancellation must happen. Some require written notice a set number of days before the next billing date, while others ask you to visit the front desk. Missing the required method can mean another month of charges, so check early.

Also look for any early termination fee, a cancellation fee, or a freeze option. Some states have rules about gym contracts, including cancellation rights in certain situations such as relocation or disability. Those rules vary, so check your state's consumer protection office.

• Find the cancellation clause in your contract
• Send written notice by the required method
• Ask for a written confirmation
• Track whether billing stops on schedule

Stopping the Charges

If the gym keeps billing you after your notice, call the card issuer and explain that you canceled. Provide the notice, the date, and any confirmation you received. Your bank can often help stop future charges or start a dispute.

Keep copies of every notice, email, and receipt. Good records help if the gym claims it never received your request.

If you signed up online, the gym may still require written notice by mail or in person. Save the sign-up page and any emailed terms, since they may describe the cancellation method. Do not rely on a phone call alone unless the contract allows it.

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