Account payer has no rights

Planet Fitness – I need clarity on consumer rights

I joined Planet Fitness on a contract of R399 per month. For the past few months, I have been charged R975 per month because the required number of gym visits per month was not met.

I understand that contracts may include clauses around usage. However, if a fee can increase to more than double (almost 2.5x) the original amount, this should be clearly and explicitly stated upfront at sign-up, not vaguely referred to as “there may be an increase” if usage requirements are not met.

What concerns me even more is the lack of rights afforded to the account payer. • I am the person financially responsible for the account • I am the one paying the monthly debit order • Yet I am being told I cannot cancel the contract • I am refused assistance, refused a formal record of my request, and told that only my daughter may cancel in person, despite her not being available

This effectively leaves me with all the financial responsibility and none of the authority.

My question is simple: 👉 What rights does the account payer have when they are fully responsible for payment but denied any ability to cancel or manage the contract?

Completely excluding the payer from any decision-making, while enforcing payment, does not feel reasonable or consumer-friendly.

I would appreciate a clear response on this matter.