You open your bank or credit card statement and see a charge that mentions Active Network, ACT*, ACTIVE-NETWORK, or something similar related to registration.
The amount may match a race, camp, sports league, or event fee, or it could be a larger annual charge you do not remember approving.
In most cases this is a legitimate payment processed by ACTIVE Network for an activity registration or a related membership. Still, you should verify it carefully.
This guide explains what the Active Network registration charge on bank statement is, why it appears, how to confirm it, and the clear steps to cancel or seek a refund if needed.
Table of Contents
What Is the Active Network Registration Charge?
ACTIVE Network (also known as Active.com or ACTIVE Network, LLC) is a company that provides online registration and payment software for thousands of organizations.
These include running races, triathlon events, youth sports leagues, summer camps, park and recreation programs, school activities, and community events.
When you register and pay for one of these activities online (or sometimes in person through the organization’s system), the charge often appears under a merchant descriptor that starts with:
- ACT*
- ACTIVE-NETWORK
- ACTIVE Network
- Followed by the organization or event name
The full line on your statement may look like “ACT*RACE NAME,” “ACTIVE-NETWORK CAMP,” or similar variations.
A separate and frequently confusing charge is for ACTIVE Advantage, a premium discount membership program offered by ACTIVE Network.
This often appears as a $99.95 (or similar) annual charge after a free trial.
Why Did This Charge Appear?
Common reasons include:
- You registered for a race, camp, sports program, or event that uses ACTIVE Network’s registration platform.
- You accepted a free trial offer for ACTIVE Advantage during or after registration (this is often presented on the confirmation page).
- The free trial ended and the annual membership fee posted.
- A family member or someone using your card registered for an activity.
- You paid a registration fee plus processing charges through the ACTIVE system.
- An organization processed a payment for you through their ACTIVE Network point-of-sale system.
ACTIVE Network itself is the payment processor in these cases. The actual activity or membership is what you paid for.
How to Verify the Charge
Follow this checklist:
- Note the exact date, amount, and full descriptor from your statement.
- Search your email for registration confirmations or receipts from Active.com or the specific event/organization around that date.
- Log into any Active.com account you may have and review your registration history.
- Check for emails about ACTIVE Advantage or a free trial that may have converted.
- Ask family members or anyone who shares the payment method whether they registered for an activity.
- If the charge is for an event, contact the race, camp, or organization directly with the transaction details.
Matching the amount and date to a registration or membership confirmation usually confirms the charge is legitimate.
Is It Legitimate or Fraud?
Common legitimate scenarios
- Payment for an event, race, camp, or program registration
- ACTIVE Advantage membership after a free trial
- Processing fees tied to an online registration
Warning signs
- You have never registered for any activity through Active.com
- You do not recall accepting any free trial or membership offer
- Multiple unexpected charges appear
- The amount does not match any known registration
ACTIVE Network is a real company that processes legitimate payments.
However, some consumers have reported unexpected ACTIVE Advantage charges after registration.
If you do not recognize the charge after checking your records, treat it as needing follow-up.
How to Cancel
For an event or activity registration charge:
Contact the specific organization or event first. Registration refunds are usually controlled by the event’s own policy, not ACTIVE Network.
For ACTIVE Advantage membership:
- Email ActiveAdvantage@ACTIVE.com or support@active.com with your details.
- Or call the ACTIVE Advantage support line at 1-866-561-0647 (hours typically Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. CT).
- You can also disable auto-renewal through your ACTIVE Advantage account if you have login access.
Canceling stops future annual charges. Access to benefits continues until the end of the current paid period in most cases.
Can You Get a Refund?
Refund options depend on the type of charge:
- Event/registration fees: Follow the refund policy of the race, camp, or organization. ACTIVE Network usually does not control these refunds.
- ACTIVE Advantage: The program offers a satisfaction money-back guarantee. Contact support to request a refund or prorated refund if you are not satisfied.
- Unauthorized charges: Report them promptly to both ACTIVE Network and your bank or card issuer.
Credit cards generally allow disputes within 60 days of the statement date. Debit cards often require faster action. Keep records of all emails and call reference numbers.
What to Do If the Charge Is Unauthorized
- Review your email and any Active.com account for related confirmations.
- Contact ACTIVE Network support (support@active.com or the Advantage phone number) and request details or cancellation.
- Cancel any ACTIVE Advantage membership if it is active.
- Call your bank or credit card issuer the same day and report the charge if it remains unexplained.
- Request a card freeze or replacement if you suspect broader misuse.
- Document every conversation with dates, names, and reference numbers.
Prevention Tips
- Read every screen carefully during online event registration, especially free-trial or membership offers.
- Uncheck any optional membership or trial boxes before completing payment.
- Save registration confirmation emails and note the exact amount paid.
- Use a dedicated virtual card or secondary payment method for event registrations.
- Set calendar reminders for any free-trial end dates.
- Review bank and credit card statements weekly.
- Turn on real-time transaction alerts.
- Regularly check for active subscriptions or memberships linked to your email.
Common Active Network Descriptor Variations
| Statement Appearance | Typical Meaning |
|---|---|
| ACT* or ACTIVE-NETWORK + org name | Event, race, camp, or program registration |
| ACTIVE Advantage or similar | Annual discount membership after trial |
| ACT*ACTIVE-NETWORK | General ACTIVE Network processed payment |
| Variations with phone or event name | Specific organization registration |
Refund & Dispute Overview
| Charge Type | Who to Contact First | Typical Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Event registration | The race/camp/organization | Follow their refund policy |
| ACTIVE Advantage | ACTIVE Advantage support | Request cancellation + refund |
| Unrecognized charge | ACTIVE Network + your bank | Cancel membership and open dispute |
FAQs: Active Network Registration Charge on Bank Statement
Q. Why does the charge say ACT* instead of the event name?
A. ACTIVE Network is the payment processor. Many banks show the processor name (ACT* or ACTIVE-NETWORK) followed by a short version of the organization name.
Q. What is ACTIVE Advantage and why was I charged $99.95?
A. ACTIVE Advantage is a paid annual membership that offers discounts on activities and products. It is often offered as a free trial during registration. After the trial, the annual fee posts if not canceled.
Q. Can I get a refund if I did not mean to join ACTIVE Advantage?
A. Yes. Contact ACTIVE Advantage support and request cancellation under their satisfaction guarantee. Many people receive refunds when they act promptly.
Q. How do I stop future Active Network charges?
A. Cancel any ACTIVE Advantage membership and avoid accepting optional trials or memberships during future registrations. For one-time event fees, no further action is needed once paid.
Conclusion
An Active Network registration charge on bank statement is usually a payment processed by ACTIVE Network for an event, race, camp, or sports program, or it may be the annual ACTIVE Advantage membership fee after a free trial.
Check your email and registration history to match the amount and date. Contact the event organizer for activity fees or ACTIVE Advantage support for membership charges.
If the charge is unauthorized or unwanted, cancel promptly and dispute with your bank if needed.
Understanding these descriptors helps you quickly resolve the charge and avoid similar surprises in the future.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice. Always confirm details directly with ACTIVE Network, the event organizer, and your bank or card issuer, as policies and descriptors can change.
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