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 New York, citing applicable state and federal law.
New York's Auto-Renewal Law (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 527) gives you specific protections when dealing with Planet Fitness subscriptions:
Penalties: Violations subject to AG enforcement and consumer private action
Applied to Planet Fitness (In-person or certified mail) in New York
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.
New York note: N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 527 requires Planet Fitness to provide an easy cancellation mechanism.
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.
Under N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 527, you may be entitled to a full refund if Planet Fitness didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms at signup.
These apply to Planet Fitness in every state, including New York:
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