You thought you bought a single item. A trial. A one-time package. Then the charges started appearing monthly—for something you never agreed to.
This is one of the most common complaints against 24 Hour Fitness: members being enrolled in recurring charges without clear consent. Here's what's happening and how to fight it.
The "$1 Trial" Trap
"I was offered what was described as a '$1 trial membership' where I could cancel within a month with no obligation. After attempting to cancel, I was informed I had been enrolled in a 12-month contract, cancellation required a $50 fee, and I had already been charged an undisclosed $16."
— BBB complaint against 24 Hour Fitness
This is a documented pattern:
The Training Session "Pack" That Became a Subscription
Another common complaint: members purchase what they believe is a one-time "pack" of personal training sessions, only to discover they've been enrolled in a monthly subscription.
BBB complaints show members being told they purchased a "pack" only to have their bank card charged monthly for "unauthorized" additional sessions, with management claiming they signed up for a "subscription."
The Recurring Package Setup
This is what happened in the case that inspired this website. A member asked for one type of membership and was set up on a recurring package instead.
"Jon should not have set you up on a recurring package."
— District Fitness Manager, 24 Hour Fitness, in writing
The District Manager admitted in writing that the employee made an error. Yet 24 Hour Fitness only refunded the charges within the chargeback window—keeping over $2,000 in unauthorized charges.
Why This Is Illegal
These practices violate multiple laws designed to protect consumers:
ROSCA (15 U.S.C. § 8403)
The Restore Online Shoppers Confidence Act requires clear disclosure of subscription terms BEFORE charging. Fines up to $53,088 per violation.
Violation: Enrolling members in subscriptions without clear, upfront disclosure
California Auto-Renewal Law
Requires "clear and conspicuous" presentation of automatic renewal terms and an easy cancellation method.
Violation: Burying subscription terms in contracts while verbally describing offers as one-time purchases
State Consumer Protection Laws
Most states prohibit unfair and deceptive trade practices, including misrepresenting the terms of a sale.
Violation: Telling members they're buying X when actually selling them Y
What To Do Immediately
Request a Copy of Everything You Signed
24 Hour Fitness must provide copies of your signed agreements. Email [email protected] and request all documents associated with your membership.
Look for Initials on Recurring Terms
Check if you actually initialed or signed the section authorizing recurring charges. If not, you have strong grounds for a refund.
Document Any Employee Admissions
If an employee admits the error—in text, email, or chat—screenshot it immediately. This is evidence that wins disputes.
Calculate the Unauthorized Amount
Add up every charge beyond what you agreed to. This is your claim amount for chargebacks, small claims, or arbitration.
The Escalation Path
- 1
Demand Refund in Writing
Email [email protected] with your documentation. State clearly: "I did not authorize recurring charges. I request a full refund of [amount]."
- 2
File Chargeback for Unauthorized Charges
Tell your bank: "I did not authorize this recurring charge." You have 60-120 days depending on card type.
- 3
File FTC Complaint (ROSCA Violation)
Report to ftc.gov/complaint. ROSCA violations can result in penalties up to $53,088 per incident.
- 4
Small Claims for Unauthorized Debits
California allows claims up to $12,500 without a lawyer. Filing fee is ~$75-100.
The Power of Written Admissions
If any employee admits the error in writing—text message, email, chat, or even a note on your account—this dramatically strengthens your case.
How to Get Written Admissions
- Ask via email or chat (not phone)—creates automatic record
- Follow up verbal admissions with "Just to confirm, you said [X], correct?"
- Screenshot everything immediately
- Ask for the employee's name and position
Key Takeaways
- The "$1 trial" often hides a 12-month contract with cancellation fees
- Training "packs" may actually be recurring subscriptions
- ROSCA violations can result in $53,088+ fines per incident
- Request copies of everything you signed—compare to what was promised
- Employee admissions in writing are powerful evidence