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 24 Hour Fitness ($29.99-$49.99/mo) subscribers in Wisconsin, citing applicable state and federal law.
Wisconsin doesn't have a specific auto-renewal law, but the DTPA (no specific auto-renewal law) (Wis. Stat. § 100.18) and federal consumer protection laws still protect you:
Applied to 24 Hour Fitness (In-person, mail, or online) in Wisconsin
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, mail, or online · Difficulty: hard
24 Hour Fitness-specific tips
No refunds. 30-day notice required.
These apply to 24 Hour Fitness in every state, including Wisconsin:
SubScrub auto-cites 16 CFR Part 425 + sends legally-backed letters