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Click to Cancel: What U.S. Gym Owners Need To Know

Click to Cancel: What U.S. Gym Owners Need To Know

Click to Cancel: What U.S. Gym Owners Need To Know

This blog was supposed to be about the Click to Cancel deadline hitting… but the FTC pushed it back. Gym owners, you now have until July 14, 2025 to get compliant.

That extra time? Use it.

Whether or not this rule sticks long term, it’s already shaping how cancelation policies are being enforced, especially at the state level.

A couple of months ago, we sat down with Matt Becker from Gym Lawyers to unpack what this means for you. If you haven’t made any updates yet, don’t stress. This post breaks down what the rule is, how it works, and how Wodify can help you stay compliant without giving up control.

I still recommend reading on—because ready or not, this rule feels more real by the day.

📍 This is a U.S.-based federal regulation. If you’re located outside the U.S., this specific rule may not apply—but it’s still worth considering if you offer online memberships, plan to expand, or you have similar requirements in your country

If you haven’t made any changes yet, you’re not alone. But the time to act is now—and Wodify has your back every step of the way. 

If you're a Wodify customer, we’ve introduced new features and tools designed to help you confidently comply with the Click to Cancel requirement. These updates not only ensure your business meets evolving regulations but also support a seamless, user-friendly experience for your clients—while putting you in the best position to retain or win them back.

If you're not a Wodify customer, don’t worry—this blog post, along with our exclusive interview with Matt Becker, a compliance expert in the fitness industry, offers clear, actionable insights into what Click to Cancel entails and how to prepare for it.

You’re in Control

Let’s be clear: Wodify will never surface cancellation options without your input, we’re here to help you stay compliant but you decide how and when to implement.

With Wodify you decide:

  • If and where the Click to Cancel option appears

  • How a Click to Cancel workflow behaves and when it triggers

  • What happens after a customer clicks “cancel” (trigger an exit interview, automated check-in, etc.)

We give you the tools—you choose how to use them. This isn’t about giving away control. It’s about setting up a process that protects your business and keeps you compliant.

What Is the FTC’s Click To Cancel Rule?

At a high level, the rule says this: if someone can sign up for your service online, they must be able to cancel just as easily.

The FTC is targeting businesses that make it easy to start a subscription—but nearly impossible to get out of one. While most gyms don’t operate in bad faith, you’re still being held to the same standard.

Here’s what’s included:

  • Cancellation must match sign-up: If someone joins online, they should be able to cancel online—no calls, no email-only requests, no delays.

  • Negative option billing is restricted: You can’t roll someone from a free trial into a paid membership without a clear, additional step of consent.

  • Notice windows might shrink: If your signup process is fast and easy, long cancellation policies (like 30-day notice) could be challenged.

  • Exit interviews can’t delay cancellation: You can still schedule one to learn why they cancelled and try to win them back, but the membership must be terminated first—not after the conversation.

Matt’s full breakdown is incredibly helpful. Watch the full conversation here: Click To Cancel – Gym Lawyers x Wodify.

How Do I Know If I’m Compliant?

It depends on how you currently sign people up.

If You Offer Online Sign-Ups

You need an automated online cancellation process. That means:

  1. A form or button hosted online

  2. That triggers immediate cancellation, not a staff review or delay

  3. No follow-up required just to process the cancellation

If your cancellation flow includes emailing you or filling out a form that you manually review later, you’re likely not compliant.

If You Sign People Up In Person

You have more flexibility—but consistency is key. If one client signed up online, they should be able to cancel online. Otherwise, you risk complaints, confusion, and chargebacks.

Also, be aware: Several U.S. states including California, New York, Vermont, Illinois, Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Florida, Colorado, and North Dakota are already enforcing their own versions of these rules, even if the FTC’s federal version gets delayed or challenged. This isn’t going away.

How Wodify Helps

Whether you’re using Wodify Sites (our fully integrated websites) or you’re managing your own website, we’ve made it easier to stay compliant—without blowing up your current processes.

If You Use Wodify Sites

We’ll provide the cancellation workflow for you.

Once you decide how you want it to work (timing, communication, follow-ups), we provide everything you need:

  • Hosted cancellation page that meets FTC standards

  • Workflow automations that handle access, communication, and updates inside Wodify Core

  • Full control over the process—nothing goes live without your approval

If You're Not on Wodify Sites

You’ll need to host the cancellation form yourself, but we’ll support you by:

  • Connecting your completed forms to Wodify automations that automatically cancel the client’s membership

  • Ensuring the process is compliant and hands-free once triggered

  • Helping you set up the automation so your business stays protected

What’s Coming Soon

We’re building an optional in-app cancellation automation that will allow clients to cancel directly from the Wodify App. You'll still be in full control of the workflow and messaging—but this brings a seamless, app-based experience your clients expect.

TL;DR

  • July 14, 2025 is the FTC compliance deadline (U.S. only)

  • If people sign up for a gym membership online, they must be able to cancel online—just as easily

  • Wodify gives you the tools, but you control how and when cancellations happen

  • Our team can help you get compliant quickly

  • This is about protecting your business while meeting new U.S. standards

Need help setting up your cancellation process? Book time with our team and we’ll walk you through it.

Because protecting your business shouldn’t mean giving up control.

A Quick Shoutout to Gym Lawyers

Huge thanks to Matt Becker and the team at Gym Lawyers for continuing to be a go-to legal resource for fitness businesses. If you’re looking for expert support on compliance, contracts, or protecting your gym’s future, Matt’s your guy.

Check them out at gymlawyers.com.

Ready to put what you’ve learned into practice?
Download a free PDF handbook with many of NCFIT’s gym management procedures and philosophies that you can implement in your gym today.
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