What is the 'Merchant Account' for Aira Fitness franchisees?
Aira_Fitness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As a duly authorized signer on the Merchant Account, I authorize Aira Fitness Franchising, LLC ("Company") to initiate monthly Merchant Account debits for payments due or when applicable, apply Merchant Account credits to the same. Said debits may be for Royalty Fees, National Marketing Fund contributions, website fees, yearly maintenance fees, interest, late fees, and any other amounts Franchisee owes to the Company or its affiliates pursuant to the Franchise Agreement between Franchisee and Company, and in amounts required by the Franchise Agreement. The dollar amount to be debited for each debit will vary.
Currently, Company is initiating monthly debits on the first day of every calendar week for payment of the Royalty Fees, National Marketing Fund contributions, website fees, yearly maintenance fees, interest, late fees, and any other amounts then due, unless that day falls on a holiday, in which case the debit will be initiated the following business day. The dates and intervals for initiating debits for amounts due under the Franchise Agreement may be changed upon delivery of notice to Franchisee.
If, at the time of any debit, the Merchant Account does not contain sufficient credit for all amounts then due (Non-Sufficient or Uncollected Funds), I understand that Company shall be entitled to collect interest and late fees as provided in the Franchise Agreement, and to debit same from the Merchant Account once there are sufficient funds to cover it.
Franchisee is responsible for, and shall pay on demand, all costs or fee charged by the Approved Payment Processor holding the account relating to the handling of debits pursuant to this authorization. I understand and authorize all of the above.
Source: Item 23 — **RECEIPTS (FDD pages 59–254)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aira Fitness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'Merchant Account' is an account that Aira Fitness Franchising, LLC is authorized to debit for various fees and payments owed by the franchisee. As a franchisee, you authorize Aira Fitness to initiate monthly debits from this account for Royalty Fees, National Marketing Fund contributions, website fees, yearly maintenance fees, interest, late fees, and any other amounts owed to Aira Fitness or its affiliates, as stipulated in the Franchise Agreement. The exact dollar amount of these debits may vary.
Currently, Aira Fitness initiates these debits on the first day of every calendar week, unless that day falls on a holiday, in which case the debit is initiated the following business day. However, Aira Fitness retains the right to change these debit dates and intervals with notice to the franchisee. It is the franchisee's responsibility to ensure that the Merchant Account has sufficient funds to cover all amounts due.
If the Merchant Account lacks sufficient funds at the time of debit, Aira Fitness is entitled to collect interest and late fees as outlined in the Franchise Agreement. These fees can also be debited from the Merchant Account once sufficient funds are available. The franchisee is also responsible for covering any costs or fees charged by the Approved Payment Processor related to handling these debits. This arrangement ensures that Aira Fitness can efficiently collect ongoing fees and maintain financial obligations under the franchise agreement.