Step-by-step process to dispute subscription charges you didn't authorize, including chargebacks, FCBA rights, and when to involve your bank. This guide applies specifically to Planet Fitness ($10-$24.99/mo) subscribers in Kansas City, Kansas. The federal FTC Click-to-Cancel Rule protects you.
The KCPA (no specific auto-renewal law) (Kan. Stat. § 50-623) and federal FTC rules protect Kansas City residents:
Applied to Planet Fitness (In-person or certified mail) for Kansas City residents
Identify the charge source
Find the exact merchant name on your statement. Subscription companies often bill under different names (e.g., 'AMZN Digital' for Amazon Prime). Search the billing descriptor online if unfamiliar.
Contact the company first
Call or email the subscription company and state you are disputing the charge. Get their response in writing. Many will refund rather than face a chargeback, which costs them $20–50 in fees.
File a chargeback with your card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card. Say: 'I want to dispute a recurring charge under the Fair Credit Billing Act. The charge was unauthorized / continued after cancellation.' They are required to investigate.
Submit your evidence
Provide your cancellation confirmation, the unauthorized charge dates, and any communication from the company. The card issuer will request a response from the merchant.
Request merchant blocking
Ask your card issuer to add the merchant to a block list. This prevents future charges from that specific merchant ID, even if they try to re-bill.
Method: In-person or certified mail · Difficulty: nightmare
Planet Fitness-specific tips
Annual fee is non-refundable. Monthly billing stops after processing.
SubScrub auto-cites 16 CFR Part 425 for Kansas City residents