18% partner-driven fee increase with no response to CPA queries

Item: Planet Fitness
Rating: 1
Author: Ruan S

I am a Planet Fitness member on the Sanlam Reality partner benefit.

I joined in September 2025 with a monthly membership fee of R849. My base membership fee was increased to R999 effective January 2026 — an increase of approximately 18% over the prior fee.

I do not object to a reasonable annual increase aligned with CPI or transparent contractual terms. However:

• The increase significantly exceeds CPI. • The communication re**** upon was a marketing email that did not clearly disclose the percentage increase or even the new monthly membership fee. • I was not clearly informed of my right to reject the increase in terms of Section 14 of the Consumer Protection Act. • Planet Fitness has indicated the increase is “partner-driven” due to Sanlam Reality.

I sent a formal CPA query and subsequently a final notice requesting clarification on:

1. The legal and contractual basis for an 18% increase; 2. Confirmation of CPA-compliant notice; 3. Confirmation that my February debit will reflect the correct 80% Sanlam Reality discount (capped at R750, resulting in R249).

I have received no response.

I do not wish to cancel my membership. I simply want:

• A reasonable, lawfully app**** increase; and • Correct application of the Sanlam Reality discount.

I hope Planet Fitness will engage constructively and resolve this matter without further escalation.

Helpful (0)

Replies (1)

Ruan S's updateReviewer Update

24 Feb 2026, 17:19

Thank you for your response.

The email of 11 February (Ref: PFQ-667322) does not address the legal questions raised in my query.

The response states that:

• Membership increases are implemented annually;
• The increase is due to commercial considerations;
• My current discount is 50%;
• 36 visits over 3 months are required for 80%.

However, my formal query requested clarification on the following:

The contractual basis permitting an increase materially exceeding CPI and the 10% escalation clause contained elsewhere in the agreement;
Evidence of compliance with Section 14 of the Consumer Protection Act, specifically:
- Clear and unambiguous notice of the percentage increase;
- Delivery of such notice at least 40 business days prior to implementation;
- Confirmation that I was informed of my right to reject the increase.

None of these points were addressed. In addition, my November, December and January visits total 53, which qualifies for the 80% Sanlam Reality tier. With the R750 discount cap app**** to the R999 base fee, the February debit should therefore be R249. I am not seeking cancellation. I am seeking: • A reasonable and lawfully app**** increase; and
• Correct application of the Sanlam Reality discount. I respectfully request that Planet Fitness provide a direct response to the outstanding CPA compliance questions. —

Ruan S's update24 Feb 2026, 17:19

Reviewer Update

Thank you for your response.

The email of 11 February (Ref: PFQ-667322) does not address the legal questions raised in my query.

The response states that:

• Membership increases are implemented annually;
• The increase is due to commercial considerations;
• My current discount is 50%;
• 36 visits over 3 months are required for 80%.

However, my formal query requested clarification on the following:

The contractual basis permitting an increase materially exceeding CPI and the 10% escalation clause contained elsewhere in the agreement;
Evidence of compliance with Section 14 of the Consumer Protection Act, specifically:
- Clear and unambiguous notice of the percentage increase;
- Delivery of such notice at least 40 business days prior to implementation;
- Confirmation that I was informed of my right to reject the increase.