How to cancel a gym membership without paying more than you must

To cancel a gym membership, give notice the way your contract names (in person, by letter or online), keep proof that you did, and expect to pay any notice-period dues, an annual fee already charged and, on a commitment, the remaining months or a buyout fee. The most expensive exit we found: leaving 9Round – Louis Pasteur Dr’s 12-Month Term Membership plan after three months costs at least $711.

Step by step

1. Find your agreement. It says how to cancel, how much notice to give and what leaving early costs. Ask the gym for a copy if you do not have one.
2. Cancel the way it names. If it says in person or by letter, an email may not count. By letter, use a method that proves delivery.
3. Keep proof: a signed cancellation form, a confirmation email or a delivery receipt, with the date.
4. Count what is still owed: the dues during the notice period, and on a contract the months left or the buyout fee. An annual fee already charged is usually not refunded.
5. Watch your statement for the next two billing dates. A charge after your cancellation date is a question for the gym first, then your bank.

Before you join, compare what leaving costs as well as what joining costs: every gym page on this site shows both. See also gym contract red flags.