How to permanently disable auto-renewal so you never get surprised by an unexpected renewal charge again. This guide applies specifically to Gold's Gym ($25-$40/mo) subscribers in Maryland, citing applicable state and federal law.
Maryland's Automatic Renewal Law (Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1321) gives you specific protections when dealing with Gold's Gym subscriptions:
Penalties: CPA violation — AG enforcement plus private right of action
Applied to Gold's Gym (In-person or certified mail) in Maryland
Log into your account settings
Go to the service's website (not app, unless it's an app-store subscription). Navigate to Settings → Billing → Subscription or Plan.
Maryland note: Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1321 requires Gold's Gym to provide an easy cancellation mechanism.
Look for 'Auto-Renewal' or 'Recurring Billing' toggle
Most services have an explicit auto-renewal toggle. Turn it off. You will typically keep access until your current paid period ends, then it won't renew.
Get written confirmation
After toggling, screenshot the settings page and save any confirmation email. If they charge you after disabling auto-renewal, you have documented proof.
For app-store subscriptions, disable in the store
iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions → [App] → Turn off Renew. Google Play: Manage subscriptions → Cancel. The app itself cannot see these settings.
Set a final billing date reminder
Note when your current period ends. After that date, verify no charge appears. If you see a charge after disabling auto-renewal, that is an unauthorized charge.
Method: In-person or certified mail · Difficulty: hard
Gold's Gym-specific tips
No refunds. 30-day notice applies.
Under Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1321, you may be entitled to a full refund if Gold's Gym didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms at signup.
These apply to Gold's Gym in every state, including Maryland:
SubScrub auto-cites Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1321 + sends legally-backed letters