Opening an Anytime Fitness location is one of the most compelling franchise opportunities available to entrepreneurs today. With more than 5,000 locations across 30+ countries and a proven 24/7 business model, Anytime Fitness consistently ranks among the top fitness franchises in the United States. But turning that opportunity into a reality requires significant capital - and understanding how to secure an Anytime Fitness franchise loan is the most important first step you can take.
From the initial franchise fee to gym equipment, build-out costs, and working capital reserves, the total investment to open an Anytime Fitness franchise typically ranges from $100,000 to over $500,000 depending on your location and facility size. Fortunately, multiple financing options exist specifically designed to help franchise owners get funded - including SBA loans, equipment financing, lines of credit, and private lender programs.
This guide covers everything you need to know about financing your Anytime Fitness franchise: what loan types are available, how to qualify, what lenders look for, and how Crestmont Capital can help you get the capital you need to open your doors.
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An Anytime Fitness franchise loan is any form of business financing used to fund the startup or expansion of an Anytime Fitness gym location. Unlike a general small business loan, franchise financing is often structured specifically around the franchise model - accounting for the initial franchise fee, build-out costs, equipment purchases, and the working capital needed to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Because Anytime Fitness is a recognized, established franchise with documented financial performance data through its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), lenders are often more willing to finance these ventures than they would be for a completely new, untested business concept. The brand recognition and proven system reduce perceived risk for banks and alternative lenders alike.
There is no single "Anytime Fitness loan product" - instead, franchise owners typically combine multiple financing tools to cover different parts of the investment. The most common approach is to use an SBA loan for the largest portion of startup costs, supplemented by equipment financing for gym machinery and a business line of credit for working capital. Understanding how these pieces fit together is critical to structuring your financing effectively.
Before approaching any lender, you need a clear picture of what you are financing. According to Anytime Fitness's Franchise Disclosure Document, prospective franchisees should expect the following cost ranges:
These figures reflect the range reported in Anytime Fitness's FDD. Your actual costs will vary based on your local real estate market, construction labor costs, and whether you are building out a shell space or converting an existing fitness facility. Markets with high commercial real estate costs such as New York, California, or Hawaii will trend toward the upper end of these ranges.
Key Insight: Most Anytime Fitness franchisees finance 70-80% of their total startup costs through a combination of SBA loans and equipment financing. Lenders typically require you to contribute 20-30% as a down payment or equity injection from your own funds.
Ongoing costs to budget for include a royalty fee of approximately $699 per month for most established locations, a marketing contribution, and ongoing equipment maintenance. Your lender will factor these into their assessment of your debt service coverage ratio - so having a realistic projection of monthly revenue from membership sales is essential before you apply for financing.
Several distinct financing products are commonly used to fund Anytime Fitness franchise openings. Each has different terms, eligibility requirements, and ideal use cases. Understanding the full menu of options allows you to select the combination that minimizes cost while maximizing your approved loan amount.
The SBA 7(a) loan program is the most popular financing vehicle for franchise startups in the United States. These government-backed loans offer loan amounts up to $5 million with repayment terms up to 10 years for working capital and up to 25 years for real estate. Interest rates are typically capped at Prime + 2.75%, making them among the most affordable long-term financing options available.
For Anytime Fitness specifically, the SBA 7(a) loan is well-suited because Anytime Fitness is listed on the SBA Franchise Registry - meaning the SBA has already reviewed and approved the franchise agreement, which significantly speeds up the loan review process. Lenders participating in the SBA Preferred Lender Program can often approve and fund these loans faster than standard SBA applications.
The downside of SBA 7(a) loans is that they have strict eligibility requirements. You will typically need a personal credit score of 680 or higher, two years of business or relevant management experience, a 10-30% equity injection from your own funds, and detailed financial projections. The application and underwriting process can take 60 to 90 days from application to funding.
The SBA 504 loan program is specifically designed for long-term fixed assets - including commercial real estate and major equipment purchases. If you plan to purchase the building where your Anytime Fitness gym will operate (rather than leasing), an SBA 504 loan can finance up to 90% of the property purchase price at a below-market fixed interest rate.
SBA 504 loans are structured as a partnership between a Certified Development Company (CDC), a participating lender, and the borrower. The lender provides 50% of the total project cost, the CDC provides 40%, and the borrower contributes 10%. This structure allows franchisees to preserve more of their own capital for working capital and other startup needs.
One of the most efficient ways to fund your gym equipment purchase is through dedicated equipment financing. With this approach, the gym equipment itself serves as collateral for the loan, which means lenders can often approve these loans with less stringent credit requirements and faster turnaround times than SBA loans.
Equipment financing for a standard Anytime Fitness equipment package typically covers treadmills, ellipticals, strength training equipment, free weights, cardio machines, and any proprietary technology systems required by the franchise. Loan terms typically range from 3 to 7 years, and the equipment retains its value well enough that lenders are comfortable financing up to 100% of the purchase price in many cases.
Combining equipment financing with an SBA loan is a smart strategy: use the SBA loan for the franchise fee, build-out, and working capital, then finance the equipment package separately. This approach keeps your monthly SBA loan payment lower while still covering 100% of your equipment needs.
A business line of credit is an excellent tool for managing cash flow during your first 12-18 months of operation. Unlike a term loan, a line of credit lets you draw funds as needed and only pay interest on what you use. This makes it ideal for covering payroll, marketing expenses, and unexpected costs during the membership ramp-up period.
Most Anytime Fitness franchise owners carry a working capital line of credit alongside their primary term loan. The line provides a financial cushion during slower months and can be repaid as membership revenue grows. Approved amounts typically range from $25,000 to $250,000 depending on your financial profile and time in business.
If you need faster funding than the SBA process allows, or if your credit profile does not fully meet traditional bank requirements, alternative small business loans from private lenders can bridge the gap. These lenders typically have lighter documentation requirements, approval timelines measured in days rather than months, and flexible credit standards.
The tradeoff is that alternative loans carry higher interest rates than SBA-backed products. However, they can be highly effective for covering specific startup costs - such as the initial franchise fee or grand opening marketing expenses - while you wait for an SBA loan to close. Some franchise owners use short-term alternative financing to get open quickly, then refinance into a longer-term SBA product once they have 12-24 months of operating history.
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Anytime Fitness Franchise - Key Financing Statistics
5,000+
Global Anytime Fitness locations across 30+ countries
$614K
Maximum estimated startup investment for a new location
$5M
Maximum SBA 7(a) loan amount for franchise financing
60-90
Typical SBA loan closing timeline in days
Qualifying for franchise financing requires preparation. Lenders evaluate multiple factors simultaneously, and your strongest applications will address each of them proactively. Here is what lenders look for when reviewing an Anytime Fitness franchise loan application:
For SBA loans, most lenders require a personal credit score of at least 650, with stronger applicants scoring 700 or above. Higher credit scores unlock better interest rates and increase the likelihood of approval. If your score falls below 650, consider working with an alternative lender while taking steps to improve your credit profile - paying down revolving debt, disputing inaccuracies on your credit report, and avoiding new credit applications in the months before you apply.
For equipment financing, credit requirements are more flexible because the equipment serves as collateral. Some equipment lenders will work with scores as low as 580-600, particularly for well-established franchise brands like Anytime Fitness.
SBA lenders typically require you to contribute 10-30% of the total project cost from your own funds. This equity injection demonstrates financial commitment and reduces the lender's risk exposure. Sources of equity injection include personal savings, retirement account funds (through a ROBS structure), gifts from family members, or proceeds from the sale of existing assets.
If you can contribute a larger down payment - say 25-30% rather than the minimum 10% - you will typically receive better loan terms and a higher probability of approval. Lenders view larger equity injections as a signal that the borrower is serious and less likely to walk away from the business.
Every franchise loan application requires a comprehensive business plan. This document should include a description of your market, a competitive analysis, your marketing strategy, your management team's qualifications, and detailed financial projections for your first 3 years of operations. The projections must demonstrate that your Anytime Fitness location will generate sufficient cash flow to service all debt obligations.
Anytime Fitness provides franchisees with Item 19 of the FDD, which discloses average revenue and membership figures across its franchise system. Use these figures as the foundation for your financial projections, then adjust for your specific market conditions. Lenders who are familiar with the Anytime Fitness system will recognize these benchmarks and view them as credible.
SBA lenders and most traditional banks prefer to see borrowers with relevant business or management experience. You do not necessarily need prior experience in the fitness industry - management experience from any industry, combined with Anytime Fitness's comprehensive training program, is often sufficient. If you are purchasing an existing Anytime Fitness location with a track record, your application will be evaluated differently than a new greenfield location.
Pro Tip: Because Anytime Fitness is listed on the SBA Franchise Registry, lenders who participate in the SBA Preferred Lender Program can waive certain review steps that apply to non-registered franchises. This can cut weeks off your approval timeline. Always ask your lender whether they are an SBA Preferred Lender before applying.
Understanding what to expect during the loan application process helps you prepare correctly and avoid common mistakes that delay or derail approvals. Here is a step-by-step overview of the typical Anytime Fitness franchise financing process:
Step 1 - Execute the Franchise Agreement: Most lenders require a signed franchise agreement before they will process your loan application. Complete Anytime Fitness's standard franchisee selection process, including your interview with the corporate team, territory selection, and signing the franchise agreement.
Step 2 - Gather Your Financial Documents: Compile your personal financial statement, 2-3 years of personal tax returns, your business plan with financial projections, the signed franchise agreement, a copy of the FDD, a site lease or letter of intent, and your construction and build-out cost estimates. Having these documents ready before you approach lenders speeds up the application significantly.
Step 3 - Apply to Multiple Lenders: Submit applications to at least 2-3 lenders simultaneously. Different lenders have different appetites for franchise lending, and approval criteria can vary meaningfully between institutions. Crestmont Capital can help you identify the right lenders for your specific financial profile and location.
Step 4 - Underwriting and Due Diligence: After you submit your application, the lender's underwriting team will review your financial documents, order a business appraisal, and conduct due diligence on both your personal financial profile and the Anytime Fitness franchise system. This phase typically takes 30-60 days for SBA loans and 1-7 days for alternative lenders.
Step 5 - Loan Commitment and Closing: Once approved, you will receive a commitment letter outlining your loan terms. Review this carefully before signing - pay particular attention to the interest rate, repayment term, prepayment penalties, and any personal guarantee requirements. After signing, the closing process typically takes 1-2 additional weeks to complete.
Step 6 - Fund Disbursement: Funds are typically disbursed directly to vendors (for equipment purchases), to the franchisor (for the franchise fee), and to your business bank account (for working capital and build-out costs). Work with your lender and franchise development team to coordinate the timing of fund releases with your build-out schedule.
Crestmont Capital is a national business lender with deep experience in franchise financing. We work with fitness franchise owners across the United States to structure the right combination of loan products for their specific situation - whether that means an SBA loan, equipment financing, a working capital line of credit, or a combination of all three.
Our lending advisors understand the Anytime Fitness franchise model and know what documentation lenders need to see to approve franchise financing applications quickly. We can help you structure your financing package, prepare your business plan, and submit applications to the right lenders simultaneously - reducing the time it takes to get funded.
For gym franchise owners specifically, our fitness company business loans are designed to address the specific capital needs of fitness businesses: high upfront equipment costs, lease build-out expenses, and the working capital needed to survive until membership revenue ramps up. We also offer dedicated gym equipment financing that can be structured to minimize your monthly payment during the critical first year of operations.
If you have already explored other franchise financing options - such as our resources on yoga franchise business loans or weight loss franchise financing - you will recognize that Crestmont applies the same franchise-specific expertise to gym financing that we bring to every fitness vertical we serve.
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Our team understands the Anytime Fitness model and can structure a financing package tailored to your market, timeline, and financial profile.
Get Your Free Quote →The following scenarios illustrate how different franchisee profiles approach Anytime Fitness financing - and what the outcomes typically look like. These are representative examples based on common franchise financing structures, not guarantees of any specific outcome.
Marcus is a 42-year-old operations manager from Columbus, Ohio with a 710 credit score, $80,000 in personal savings, and a clean financial history. He has identified a 5,500-square-foot retail space in a suburban strip mall and has a signed letter of intent from the landlord. His total estimated startup cost is $290,000.
Marcus applies for an SBA 7(a) loan to cover $200,000 of the total project cost and uses $30,000 of his savings as the equity injection. He finances his $80,000 equipment package separately through Crestmont Capital's gym equipment financing program. His all-in monthly debt service is approximately $3,800, which his financial projections indicate will be covered by month 9 as membership climbs toward 400 active members.
Jennifer has operated two successful Anytime Fitness locations in suburban Atlanta for four years. Her existing locations generate combined annual revenue of $1.2 million with consistent profitability. She wants to open a third location and is considering acquiring an underperforming franchise location in a neighboring market for $350,000.
Because Jennifer has operating history, financial statements, and established relationships with lenders, she qualifies for an SBA 7(a) loan at more favorable terms than a first-time applicant. Her lender agrees to finance 80% of the acquisition price - $280,000 - with Jennifer contributing $70,000 from her business operating reserves. She uses a separate equipment financing line to fund $40,000 in equipment upgrades at the acquired location.
David is a personal trainer who wants to open his first Anytime Fitness location within 90 days to capitalize on a retail lease opportunity at a favorable rate. The SBA loan process would take too long. Instead, he uses an alternative business loan for $150,000 to cover the franchise fee, initial build-out, and marketing, while simultaneously applying for an SBA loan that will close later and refinance his short-term debt at a lower rate.
This strategy allows David to execute on the lease opportunity immediately, begin the build-out, and still transition to more affordable long-term financing once the SBA loan closes. The higher interest cost of the short-term loan is offset by the favorable lease rate he locked in by moving quickly.
Industry Note: According to the International Franchise Association, franchise businesses have historically had lower failure rates than independent businesses. This track record is one reason lenders are often more willing to approve franchise financing than equivalent loans for startups without a proven brand behind them.
Different loan products serve different needs. Use this comparison to identify which option is best suited for each component of your Anytime Fitness startup costs:
| Loan Type | Best For | Typical Amount | Term | Approval Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Franchise fee, build-out, working capital | Up to $5M | Up to 10 years | 60-90 days |
| SBA 504 | Real estate purchase, major fixed assets | Up to $5.5M | 10-25 years | 60-90 days |
| Equipment Financing | Gym equipment package, technology systems | $10K - $500K | 3-7 years | 3-10 days |
| Business Line of Credit | Working capital, marketing, payroll | $25K - $250K | Revolving | 1-7 days |
| Alternative Lender | Fast capital, bridge financing | $25K - $500K | 3-36 months | 1-5 days |
The right combination depends on your credit profile, available cash for a down payment, timeline, and the specific cost breakdown of your startup project. A Crestmont Capital advisor can help you map your situation to the optimal financing structure.
Anytime Fitness franchise loans are best suited for entrepreneurs who meet one or more of the following profiles:
If you fall into any of these categories and are seriously considering an Anytime Fitness franchise, the financing step should not be an afterthought. Begin your financing research early - ideally before you sign a franchise agreement - so you have a clear picture of your borrowing capacity and can negotiate your lease and build-out terms accordingly.
According to the SBA's startup cost guidance, having your financing pre-arranged before committing to a location significantly reduces the risk of costly delays and helps you negotiate from a position of financial strength with landlords and vendors.
Industry research from Forbes highlights that franchises with strong brand recognition and documented franchise disclosure information tend to have higher loan approval rates than independent startup concepts - a category that clearly benefits Anytime Fitness franchisees. For additional context on how the SBA supports franchise lending, the SBA's franchise financing resources provide a comprehensive overview of available programs.
The total estimated investment to open a new Anytime Fitness franchise ranges from approximately $107,796 to $613,907 according to the franchise's Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the initial franchise fee of approximately $42,500, leasehold improvements, equipment, technology systems, marketing, and working capital. Your actual costs will depend on your location, facility size, and local construction costs.
For SBA loans, most lenders require a personal credit score of 650 or higher, with stronger candidates scoring 700 or above. For equipment financing, lenders may work with scores as low as 580-600 because the equipment itself serves as collateral. If your credit score is below these thresholds, alternative lenders may still be able to help, though rates will be higher.
Anytime Fitness does not directly provide financing to franchisees. However, the franchisor does maintain relationships with preferred lending partners and may provide referrals to SBA lenders or equipment financing companies as part of the franchise development process. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own financing.
Yes. Anytime Fitness is listed on the SBA Franchise Registry, which means SBA lenders can streamline their review process for Anytime Fitness applications. The SBA 7(a) loan program is the most commonly used financing vehicle for Anytime Fitness franchise startups, offering loan amounts up to $5 million with terms up to 10 years for working capital.
SBA loans typically take 60 to 90 days from application to funding. Equipment financing can be approved in as little as 3-7 days. Alternative business loans can fund in 24-72 hours. Crestmont Capital can help you navigate a multi-track approach to cover immediate costs while your SBA application processes in parallel.
SBA lenders typically require an equity injection of 10-30% of the total project cost from your own funds. The minimum net worth requirement for Anytime Fitness franchisees is approximately $150,000, with at least $50,000 in liquid assets. For a $300,000 startup, this means contributing $30,000 to $90,000 of your own capital.
Common documents required include: personal financial statement, 2-3 years of personal tax returns, signed franchise agreement, copy of the FDD, business plan with 3-year financial projections, site lease or letter of intent, build-out cost estimates, and (if applicable) 2-3 years of business tax returns for existing businesses.
Yes. Many Anytime Fitness franchisees finance their equipment package separately through dedicated equipment financing - which often allows for faster approval, lower credit requirements, and 100% equipment coverage without depleting their equity injection for the SBA loan. Separating equipment financing from your main startup loan can also simplify your accounting and give you more flexibility in managing debt service.
Anytime Fitness franchisees pay a monthly royalty fee starting at approximately $699 per month for most established locations. This fee, along with marketing contributions and other recurring obligations, must be factored into your monthly cash flow projections when determining how much financing you can comfortably service.
Yes. Acquiring an existing Anytime Fitness location is generally considered lower risk by lenders because the business already has established membership, operating history, and revenue. SBA 7(a) loans can be used for business acquisitions, including franchise transfers. Your lender will evaluate the seller's financial statements, membership trends, and business valuation as part of the underwriting process.
Anytime Fitness has consistently ranked among the top fitness franchises in the U.S. due to its low overhead model, recurring membership revenue, and 24/7 staffing-light operations. Success depends on your location selection, marketing execution, and operational management. Conduct thorough due diligence, speak with existing franchisees, and consult with a financial advisor before committing.
Yes. Some lenders will approve multi-unit franchise financing packages covering two or more locations under a single SBA 7(a) umbrella loan. This is generally reserved for borrowers with strong financial profiles and prior franchise experience. Most first-time franchisees start with a single location and expand once they have demonstrated operating success.
SBA 7(a) loans are typically capped at Prime + 2.75% for loans over $50,000. Equipment financing rates generally range from 6-15% depending on your credit score and term length. Alternative business loans carry higher rates, often ranging from 15-40% APR, reflecting faster approval and more flexible eligibility. Your actual rate will depend on your credit, collateral, and the lender you work with.
SBA 7(a) loans require collateral when available, which may include business assets, personal assets such as home equity, and the franchise itself. The SBA will not decline a loan solely because of insufficient collateral if the borrower's overall financial profile is strong. For equipment financing, the gym equipment itself serves as collateral.
The best first step is to assess your financial readiness: pull your personal credit report, calculate your liquid assets, and review your personal financial statement. Then consult with a franchise financing specialist at Crestmont Capital who can help you understand your borrowing capacity and identify the right loan products for your Anytime Fitness franchise.
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Do not let financing be the obstacle between you and your fitness franchise. Apply with Crestmont Capital and get a decision on your funding options faster than the SBA alone.
Apply Now - It's Free →Securing the right Anytime Fitness franchise loan is the foundation of a successful gym franchise launch. With total startup costs ranging from $108,000 to over $600,000, having a clear financing strategy is just as important as selecting the right location or building the right marketing plan. The good news is that multiple financing options exist specifically designed to support franchise owners at every stage of the process.
SBA loans offer the lowest long-term cost for established borrowers with strong credit. Equipment financing provides fast, flexible coverage for your gym equipment package without depleting your equity injection. Business lines of credit give you the working capital flexibility to manage cash flow during your membership ramp-up phase. And for those who need to move quickly, alternative lenders provide fast-access capital that can be refinanced into a more affordable long-term product later.
Crestmont Capital specializes in franchise financing and works with gym owners across the United States to structure multi-product financing packages that cover every component of the startup cost. If you are serious about opening an Anytime Fitness franchise, contact our team today - we will help you understand your options, prepare a strong application, and get funded so you can open your doors.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.