>If you are willing to negotiate with the owner/manager, they might even allow you to pay the full year up front - because that's basically the same thing (this was my argument)
One difference is that with a credit card on file the company can bill you for damages, or allow you to purchase accessories after hours by signing a form.
At the gym where I'm a member, there were two separate forms to fill out: one for membership payment, one for incidental payment. Membership could be up front, automatic credit card payment, and so on. Incidental payment was optional, and could only be a credit card.
One difference is that with a credit card on file the company can bill you for damages, or allow you to purchase accessories after hours by signing a form.