Stop a Recurring Gym Charge With Your Bank
You cancelled, the charges kept coming, and the bank "couldn't" help. Banks can stop recurring charges — you just have to ask for the right thing.
Two different tools
A dispute / chargeback reverses a charge that already hit (best for charges after a valid cancellation, marked "services cancelled"). A stop-payment order tells the bank to block future charges before they post (useful for ACH/bank-draft memberships).
For card charges — dispute it
For each charge dated after your written notice, file a dispute with your card issuer as "cancelled service." Attach your cancellation letter and proof of delivery. The notice date is what makes the charge the gym's problem, not yours.
For bank-draft (ACH) charges — revoke + stop-payment
If the gym pulls straight from your checking account, you have the right to revoke the ACH authorization in writing (under the NACHA rules and the federal EFTA), then place a stop-payment order with your bank. Put the revocation in writing to both the gym and the bank.
A stop-payment blocks the money, it does not cancel your contract. If the membership is still active, the balance keeps building and can go to collections. Cancel the membership in writing first, then block the bank.
Educational only, not legal or financial advice. Your bank's exact process and any fees vary; ask them to put the order in writing.