Gym memberships typically require monthly auto-pay from a debit card, credit card, or bank account, but some gyms have workarounds that you can use if you prefer to pay with cash.
The gym may allow you to purchase an annual or six-month membership upfront, in full, instead of making monthly payments.
A less-advertised policy at some gyms allows you to make your monthly payment cash within a certain number of days before payment is due. This option still requires a card or banking account number on file but allows you to use cash.
Some gyms also offer daily and weekly passes, which you can purchase with cash instead of signing up for a monthly or long-term membership.
In addition to gyms, you may want to check out recreational centers or university athletic centers in your city, which may also offer cash payment options.
The List
We’ve gathered a list of nationwide gyms that accept cash payments.
To compile this list, we contacted the customer service department and a few locations for each gym.
Note that the terms and conditions may vary from state to state. Some gyms are independently operated franchises, so it’s best to call your nearest location to verify cash payment options.
24 Hour Fitness
- When you can use cash: Advance or monthly payment on membership; you must make monthly payments 10 days before the due date, and you must have a payment method on file[1][2]
- Other accepted payment types: Debit, credit, prepaid card, bank account number[2]
- Find a gym
Anytime Fitness
- When you can use cash: Advance payment for an annual membership, or drop-in classes and weekly passes[3]
- Other accepted payment types: Debit, credit, bank account number[4]
- Find a gym
Blink Fitness
- When you can use cash: When paying your monthly dues in-person or paying for your full membership in advance at a Blink Fitness location[5]
- Other accepted payment types: Credit card, debit card[6]
- Find a gym
Gold’s Gym
- When you can use cash: Monthly, but with an additional $5 on each statement; day pass; weekly pass[7]
- Other accepted payment types: Debit, credit, bank account number[7]
- Find a gym
LA Fitness
- When you can use cash: Monthly, but you must make the payment seven days before the due date and must have a payment method on file[8]
- Other accepted payment types: Debit, credit, prepaid card, bank account number[8]
- Find a gym
Snap Fitness
- When you can use cash: Day pass, weekly pass, signup fee[9]
- Other accepted payment types: Debit, credit, banking account number[9]
- Find a gym
YMCA
- When you can use cash: Advance payment for a six-month or annual membership in advance at some locations, though you must still have a card on file; some locations allow monthly cash payments[10]
- Other accepted payment types: Debit, credit, check, bank account number[10]
- Find a gym
Youfit
- When you can use cash: Advance payment on annual membership; enrollment fees; day pass; and monthly if paid 10 days before the due date[11]
- Other accepted payment types: Debit, credit, or bank account number[11]
- Find a gym
Gyms That Don’t Accept Cash Payments
In the course of our research, we discovered that the following gyms don’t allow cash payments for memberships.
However, note that the gym may allow you to pay for your enrollment fee or additional services like cafes and spas in cash.