Virgin Active is a well-known gym chain in South Africa. They have lots of gyms with cool equipment, fitness classes, and health programs.
If you want to join or pay for your membership, it’s good to know what payment options they take. This will make everything easier for you.
This article talks about the different ways you can pay Virgin Active in South Africa.
Virgin Active Membership Payments
Virgin Active South Africa handles payments mainly through automated systems for convenience. Monthly fees are common for most members, while some choose upfront options for longer terms.
These methods ensure reliable billing for gym access, classes, and extras like swimming or kids’ programs.
Virgin Active South Africa accepts debit orders for monthly membership fees, upfront payments for annual plans, and EFT deposits for arrears from banks like FNB, Nedbank, and Standard Bank. Partnerships like Discovery Vitality offer discounted billing options.
Primary Payment Method
The most common way to pay for Virgin Active memberships in South Africa is through a debit order. This is an automatic deduction from your bank account each month.
Debit orders collect fees in advance, usually on a date you select, such as your salary day. For example, if you join mid-month, your first deduction might cover a pro-rated amount plus the next full month.
This method is secure and reduces the risk of missed payments, which could lead to account suspension.
To set up a debit order, you’ll provide your bank details during signup, either in-club or through their support team. It’s ideal for ongoing memberships like Premier or Club plans, keeping your access uninterrupted.
Upfront Payments for Annual or Fixed-Term Memberships
If you prefer to avoid monthly deductions, Virgin Active allows upfront payments for certain memberships. This often applies to 12-month or 24-month plans, where you pay the full amount at once.
In promotions, such as those running in 2025, members paying upfront get extras like free months added to their term. This option is listed as cash upfront in their terms, but it typically means a one-time bank transfer or in-club payment rather than physical cash.
Upfront payments can save money through discounts and lock in rates against future increases. They’re suitable for committed members who want to budget ahead. Check current offers on the Virgin Active Memberships page.
Arrears and EFT Deposits
If your account falls into arrears due to a failed debit order, Virgin Active provides flexible ways to catch up. You can make an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly into their bank accounts.
They accept EFT deposits from major South African banks like FNB, Nedbank, and Standard Bank. You’ll need to use your ID number or access card number as the reference.
For example:
- FNB account: 624 5648 7125 (Branch code: 204109)
- Nedbank account: 1452 040 737 (Branch code: 198765)
- Standard Bank account: 201 102 188 (Branch code: 051001)
You can also call their support line at 0860 888 886 to arrange payments over the phone. This helps avoid extra fees or club access issues. EFT is quick and can be done via online banking, making it a practical fix for temporary setbacks.
For more on arrears, see the Virgin Active Support Article.
Payments Through Partnerships Like Discovery Vitality
Many South Africans pay for Virgin Active through health partnerships, such as Discovery Vitality. This isn’t a direct Virgin Active method but integrates with their system.
With Vitality, you can get up to 75% off monthly fees, paid via your Vitality account. Activation might involve a one-off fee equal to one month’s rate, deducted through Vitality’s billing. This option rewards regular gym visits with points and discounts.
Similar setups exist with Momentum Multiply, offering 25% savings without minimum visits. If you’re part of these programs, payments flow through the partner’s debit order or account.
Suggestions for Managing Your Payments
To keep things easy, always update your bank details if they change to prevent failed deductions. Virgin Active doesn’t mention credit cards as a standard option in their terms, so stick to debit orders or EFT for reliability.
If joining, expect to pay an activation fee upfront, often via the same method as your ongoing fees. Monitor your account through the Virgin Active app to track billing and avoid surprises.
For any issues, contact their call center at 0860 200 911 or visit a club. This ensures your fitness journey stays on track without payment hassles.
Issues About Payment Methods
Some wonder if cash is accepted for regular fees, it’s mainly for upfront deals, not monthly. International members in South Africa can use local bank options or check with support for foreign transfers using SWIFT codes.
Payments are processed in South African Rand, and refunds follow their cancellation policy. Always review the full contract before signing up.
