Can a gym keep charging after I cancel?

Only for a contractual notice period that was clearly disclosed. Payments taken after that period ends can be reclaimed from the gym or reversed by your bank.

Free download · No payment · No sign-up

Free gym membership cancellation letter template

Gyms often refuse phone cancellations and keep taking payments. This letter cancels the contract in writing, creates a dated record, and instructs them to stop collecting money.

Who this letter is for

Cancel a gym contract and stop further payments in writing. It is written in the formal register companies, landlords and card issuers expect, and it records the facts, the remedy sought and the deadline in a way that supports any later escalation to an ombudsman or the courts.

How to use this template

1Check your notice period and minimum term in the membership agreement.
2Download the template and insert your membership number and cancellation date.
3Send it to the club and to head office, and keep proof of postage.
4Cancel the direct debit with your bank once the notice period is served.
5Dispute any payment taken after the cancellation date in writing.

What to include before you send it

Send by email and keep the delivery receipt — it is your proof of the date.
Cancel the direct debit or card mandate with your bank as well.
If you are moving, injured or lost income, say so — it can end a minimum term early.

The rights you are relying on

Unfair contract terms rules (UK Consumer Rights Act 2015), state gym-contract cancellation statutes (US) and unfair-contract-term provisions of the Australian Consumer Law.

The letter template

[Your name]
[Your address]
[Email address] · [Phone number]
Membership number: [NUMBER]
[Date]

Membership Team
[Gym name]
[Gym address]

Re: Notice of cancellation — membership [NUMBER]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to give formal notice that I am cancelling my membership with immediate effect from [DATE], in accordance with the notice period in my contract.

Please:

1. Confirm in writing within 7 days that my membership is cancelled and the effective end date.
2. Cancel all further direct debit or recurring card collections. I am also instructing my bank to cancel the mandate.
3. Refund any payment taken after the cancellation date.

[Optional: I am cancelling because [I have moved to [LOCATION] / a medical condition prevents me from training / a change in my circumstances], and I am enclosing supporting evidence. I ask that any remaining minimum term be waived on that basis.]

If payments continue after the effective date I will treat them as unauthorised, recover them through my bank and report the matter to [the relevant consumer regulator].

Yours faithfully,

[Your name]

Frequently asked questions

Can a gym keep charging after I cancel?: Only for a contractual notice period that was clearly disclosed. Payments taken after that period ends can be reclaimed from the gym or reversed by your bank.

Have it drafted around your case

Keep the free template, or for £0.59 our drafting desk prepares it with your names, dates, sums and evidence — with an email version, a follow-up notice and a step-by-step plan.

Commission my letter — £0.59

Or read more about our personalised cancellation letter.

Related free letter templates

Free subscription cancellation and refund letter templateCancel an auto-renewing subscription and claim back an unwanted renewal.Free chargeback request letter templateAsk your bank or card issuer to reverse a card payment.Free final complaint letter template — company not respondingA firm final-notice letter for a company that is ignoring you.Free faulty product refund letter templateDemand a full refund for goods that are faulty, damaged or not as described.

Browse the full library of free refund and cancellation letter templates.