Have you ever glanced at your bank statement and spotted a The Active Network credit card charge that made you pause? You’re not alone. Many people see this charge and wonder what it’s for. Is it legit? Did you sign up for something you forgot about? Or is it something fishy?
What Is the Active Network?
The Active Network is a company that helps people sign up for events and activities online. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes tech that processes payments for things like marathons, soccer leagues, or community events.
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If you’ve registered for a 5K run, a charity bike ride, or even a camping reservation, chances are the Active Network handled the transaction.
Their platform is used by all sorts of organizations, from local park districts to big sports event companies.
When you see a charge labeled “ACT*” or “ACTIVE-Network” on your credit card, it usually means you paid for one of these activities.
The charge might include the event fee, a processing fee, or sometimes a membership fee tied to their services.
Why Does This Charge Show Up?
Seeing an unfamiliar charge can be stressful, but most Active Network charges are tied to something you or someone in your household signed up for.
Let’s look at the most common reasons this charge appears on your statement:
- Event Registration: You signed up for a race, like a marathon or fun run, and the fee was processed through the Active Network.
- Team Sports or Activities: If you or your kids joined a sports league, such as soccer or basketball, the registration fee might go through their platform.
- Membership Fees: The Active Network offers a program called Active Advantage, which gives discounts on events and gear. It often starts with a free trial, but if you don’t cancel, you might see a charge (like $69.95 or $99.95) after the trial ends.
- Extras: Sometimes, during registration, you might add on merchandise (like a T-shirt) or make a donation, which shows up as part of the charge.
- Recurring Charges: If you signed up for a subscription, like event alerts or a fitness plan, you might see regular charges.
If none of these ring a bell, don’t panic just yet. There are ways to figure out what’s going on, which I’ll cover later.
How to Spot an Active Network Charge
Active Network charges don’t always say “The Active Network” clearly on your statement.
They often appear with prefixes like “ACT*” or “ACTIVE-Network,” followed by the name of the event or organization.
For example, it might look like “ACT*Local5KRun” or “ACTIVE-CommunityCenter.” This can make it tricky to recognize at first glance.
Here’s a quick table to help you identify these charges:
| Charge Label | What It Means |
|---|---|
| ACT*EventName | Payment for an event or activity registration |
| ACTIVE-Network | General charge for Active Network services |
| ActiveWorks Endurance | Fee for endurance events like marathons or triathlons |
| $69.95-$99.95 | Likely an Active Advantage membership fee |
If you see something like this, it’s probably tied to an event or service you used. But if it feels off, keep reading for steps to investigate.
What Is Active Advantage?
One common source of confusion is the Active Advantage program. This is a premium membership offered by the Active Network.
It promises discounts on event registrations, sports gear, and even things like movie tickets or travel. Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: it often starts with a 30-day free trial when you sign up for an event.
If you don’t uncheck a box during registration or cancel the trial, you’ll be charged an annual fee, which can range from $69.95 to $99.95.
Some people love the program for its savings, but others feel caught off guard if they didn’t realize they signed up. Always double-check during registration to avoid unexpected charges.
What to Do If You Don’t Recognize the Charge
If the Active Network credit card charge looks unfamiliar, don’t jump to conclusions. It might be legit, but it’s worth checking.
Here are some simple steps to figure it out:
- Check Your Emails: Look for confirmation emails from the Active Network or the event organizer. These usually include details about what you paid for.
- Ask Around: If someone else in your household has access to your card, ask if they signed up for an event or activity.
- Review Recent Activities: Think back to any races, sports leagues, or community events you or your family joined recently.
- Contact the Event Organizer: If you can’t find an email, reach out to the organization running the event. They can confirm if the charge came through the Active Network.
- Email Active Network Support: Still unsure? Send an email to [email protected] with details like the charge amount, date, and last four digits of your card. They can look it up for you.
If you suspect the charge is fraudulent (like if you never signed up for anything), contact your bank or credit card company right away to dispute it.
Most cards offer zero-liability protection for unauthorized charges, so you should be covered.
How to Avoid Unexpected Charges
Nobody likes surprises on their credit card statement. Here are some tips to prevent unwanted Active Network charges:
- Read Carefully During Registration: Watch for pre-checked boxes for programs like Active Advantage. Uncheck them if you don’t want to join.
- Monitor Your Statements: Check your credit card statements regularly, ideally every week, to catch unfamiliar charges early.
- Set Reminders for Free Trials: If you do sign up for a free trial, set a calendar reminder to cancel before the trial ends.
- Use Temporary Card Numbers: Some banks offer one-time-use card numbers for online purchases. These can prevent recurring charges.
- Contact Support Promptly: If you spot a charge you don’t recognize, reach out to the Active Network or your bank quickly to resolve it.
Taking these steps can save you headaches and keep your finances in check.
FAQs: Active Network Credit Card Charge
Q: Is the Active Network charge a scam?
A: Most Active Network charges are legitimate and tied to event registrations or memberships. However, if you didn’t sign up for anything, it could be fraud. Contact [email protected] to verify, and dispute the charge with your bank if needed.
Q: How do I cancel an Active Advantage membership?
A: Email [email protected] or call their support team to cancel. Make sure to do this before the free trial ends to avoid annual fees.
Q: Why does the charge say “ACT” instead of Active Network?*
A: The “ACT*” prefix is a merchant descriptor used by the Active Network. It’s often followed by the event or organization name, like “ACT*Marathon2025.”
Conclusion
The Active Network credit card charge can be confusing at first, but it’s usually tied to something you or someone in your household signed up for, like a race, sports league, or membership program.
By checking your emails, reviewing recent activities, and contacting support if needed, you can quickly figure out what the charge is for.
To avoid surprises, always read registration forms carefully, monitor your statements, and set reminders for free trials.
If you follow these steps, you’ll stay on top of your finances and enjoy your events without worry.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. For specific concerns about your credit card charges, contact your bank or a professional advisor.
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