After the explosion of virtual fitness classes over the past few years, the fitness game has changed for good.

We’re stoked that in-person training is back, of course. However, the demand for online options remains high. In fact, 62% of gym members want to train in-person and remotely. Smart personal trainers offer a mix of both.

In this brave new world where credit card numbers get passed around like high-fives, it’s safety first in the world of online payment solutions. (You’d never attempt a PR without a spotter, right?) From there, the rest of the payment process should flow smoothly.

So if you’ve ever wondered, ‘What are online payment solutions and how can they help me?’, you’re in the right place! We’ll break down online payment solutions—what they are, how they work, and why they’re the ultimate upgrade for busy fitness pros like you. 

 

What Makes a Great Online Payment System for Personal Trainers?

Choosing the right online payment solutions feels a bit like navigating a crowded gym. (Someone’s using your hex bar AGAIN?) So what are online payment solutions, and what features are important to look for? Here’s the gist.

#1: Security first 🔒

Your clients trust you with their training and their CC. Nobody wants to see charges from Dubai after trusting you with their card! That’s why it’s important for your online payment solutions to be secure AF. Look for encryption, fraud protection, and basic data security compliance.
What is PCI DSS? 🤔

It stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It’s a set of rules created by major credit card companies that all businesses must follow to keep credit card info safe and prevent fraud. If a payment system is PCI DSS compliant, then it’ll protect your clients’ payment data. 👍

#2: Recurring billing and subscriptions 🔄

If you’re offering memberships or training packages, look for a solution that allows recurring payments. Automated billing means you spend less time chasing payments and more time giving Kayla Itsines a run for her money.

🎬 Learn More: How to Automate Your Business and Work Less

#3: Seamless integration 🤝

Next, it’s important for your online payment system to play well with your other digital tools. You lean on scheduling apps and software that helps you manage your clients and classes, right? How you handle cash should mirror and support your tried-and-true workflows.
For example, if a client books a session in your scheduling app, your payment system should automatically charge their card and mark their spot as paid—without chasing invoices or cross-checking spreadsheets.

💰 Learn More: How to Sell More with Less Effort with ABC Trainerize Payments

#4: Easy for everyone to use 🙌

When people ask “what are online payment solutions”, they’re really asking how to make payments simpler and faster. And today’s clients expect this kind of convenience. Clunky systems or manual tracking are a time suck, creating friction thatis guaranteed to turn hot leads into an icy cold plunge.

For your clients: mobile-friendly, multi-device access is a must.
For you: A straightforward setup, no tech-wizardry required.

#5: Transparent costs 💸

Hidden fees aren’t fun for anyone! Research your options for online payment solutions to get the most bang for your buck. Dig deep into transaction fees, monthly costs, and chargebacks so you’re not caught off guard.

And remember, every dollar you save on fluff gets funneled back into the good stuff.

The Top Online Payment Platforms for Personal Trainers in 2025

Next, when it comes to online payment solutions for PTs, the market is as diverse as it is competitive. So, whether you’re running solo or steering a fitness empire, the right payment platform will be the business partner you didn’t know you needed.

Online payment solutions have the power to help streamline your cash flow, improve the client experience, and allow you to scale with confidence.

👩🏻‍💻 Watch the webinar: How ABC Trainerize Can Help You Do It All: In-Person, Online, and Hybrid Services

Here’s a breakdown of some of the best options for personal trainers, from industry giants to fitness-focused up-and-comers:

ABC Trainerize

ABC Trainerize Pay (powered by Stripe) was made for personal trainers and fitness pros. It brings together billing, recurring payments, and client management into one single easy-to-use dashboard. ABC Trainerize removes billing headaches and helps you focus on client experience and growth. 

Streamline Your PT Payments with the ABC Trainerize Business Add-On 

With built-in payment processing powered by Stripe, ABC Trainerize Business handles one-time sales, recurring subscriptions, and bundled packages.

Invoices, billing, and client onboarding trigger seamlessly once a purchase is completed. Real-time revenue tracking and reporting give you visibility into your business performance, all without juggling spreadsheets or multiple tools. 

Learn more about ABC Trainerize Business, the all-in-one business management software for trainers. 

Stripe

Stripe is a powerhouse when it comes to online payments.

Pros: Offers must-have features like subscription billing, international payments, and customizable checkout pages. If you have developer support, Stripe lets you create a payment experience tailored to your brand and clients.

Cons: It often feels a bit overwhelming if you’re just getting started. Plus it isn’t tailored to the fitness industry.

PayPal

PayPal’s strength lies in its ease of use and the fact it’s literally everywhere.

Pros: Most clients have PayPal accounts or credit cards linked, making checkout easy. It also offers buyer and seller protection which can give peace of mind.

Cons: Fees tend to be high, and some trainers report issues with frozen accounts based on suspicious activity.

Square

Square shines if you offer a mix of in-person and online training, thanks to its all-in-one payment and POS (point of sale) system.

Pros: Super user-friendly, especially for trainers running boot camps or in-person classes.

Cons: Customization options are limited, and some users report account holds. 

ABC Glofox

ABC Glofox is one of the top booking and payment solutions for gym, studio, and multi-trainer businesses.

Pros: This best-in-class online payment solution allows you to handle memberships, class passes, and retail sales in one place.

Cons: It’s powerful, but doesn’t make sense for smaller fitness businesses or independent PTs just starting out.

PT Distinction

For trainers with a SWOL online presence, check out PT Distinction. It’s built for coaches who want deep customization, plus it integrates with Stripe and PayPal.

Pros: A highly customizable client experience with solid integrations. Great for building branded programs.

Cons: Some users report that the interface can feel a bit dated, and that more setup time is required than other platforms.

TrueCoach

TrueCoach focuses on ease of use and clean design, making it popular with online coaches and hybrid trainers.

Pros: Simple, user-friendly interface and strong workout tracking and communication tools.

Cons: Fewer built-in customization options compared to PT Distinction, and payment features depend on third-party integrations.

Bottom line: Choosing the right platform means balancing features, costs, and fit. The right payment solution should help you cut down on billing time so you can focus on building stronger bodies and a more resilient business.

FAQ: Online Payment Solutions for Personal Trainers

Here are some top FAQ’s:

What’s the best online payment system for personal trainers in 2025?

The best online payment solution depends on what you really need. If you want training app integration, try ABC Trainerize, which is built for fitness pros. Stripe, PayPal, and Square are also great for hybrid businesses.

How do personal trainers collect payments online?

Tools like Stripe, PayPal, Square, and fitness-first platforms like ABC Trainerize let trainers take one-off payments or set up easy recurring charges for memberships and packages. They also keep transactions secure and easy to manage. No stress, no fuss. 👍

How can personal trainers accept payments securely online?

Security is HUGE. It’s your platform’s ability to meet PCI-DSS standards, offer encryption, and support secure payment gateways. Many have built-in fraud prevention and data protection, so your clients’ info stays safe, and you avoid costly chargebacks.

Which payment platforms integrate with fitness coaching apps?

Many fitness apps, including ABC Trainerize, integrate with popular payment platforms. This makes tracking payments, automated billing, and subscription-based programs a breeze. (No more flipping back and forth between different systems!)

How do I set up recurring billing for my personal training clients?

Most online payment solutions feature recurring payment options for memberships or packages. Just link your client list, set billing intervals (weekly, monthly, etc.), and let the system do the dirty work. (Goodbye manual invoicing and receipts!)

Online Payment Solutions: Your Next PR

Finally. having a solid online payment setup will take you from rookie to pro. ABC Trainerize makes getting paid easy and stress-free, so you’re able to focus on helping your clients crush their goals!
Whether you’re all about the in-person sessions or love to mix it up with virtual options, you can trust us to keep your payments smoother than an R&B playlist.

No more chasing down dollars or juggling a million apps. Now everything’s in one place—and you’ve got the tool to handle it all.

Why not give it a try? Start your free 30-day trial and see how simple getting paid can be.