The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued gym chain LA Fitness for making it “exceedingly difficult” to cancel memberships, claiming its practices constitute “unfair conduct.” The complaint alleges that the company’s methods are “opaque and complicated,” requiring customers to appear in person or send a notice via mail. Customers must also remember their passwords, provide sensitive account information, and face restrictions on cancellation times.
According to the FTC, LA Fitness complicates the process by enacting a policy where only one employee is allowed to process cancellations. This can make it difficult for customers to arrive at the gym during available hours. The complaint also alleges that consumers are not informed of their right to submit a simple written notice of cancellation and must pay out-of-pocket to send it via certified or registered mail.
The FTC is seeking a court order to prohibit LA Fitness’s allegedly unfair conduct and provide refunds to affected consumers. The company has responded, stating that the allegations are without merit and claims to have implemented an online cancellation option voluntarily in response to regulations.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/08/21/ftc-sues-la-fitness-cancellation-policy/85757903007