Getting charged unexpected fees on your credit card can be scary.
Many consumers have found mysterious charges from “Active Advantage” and wondered if they fell victim to a scam.
This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about Active Advantage, the controversies surrounding it, and how to protect yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Active Advantage is a legitimate discount membership program, but it has faced serious legal challenges for deceptive enrollment practices and unclear cancellation policies Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued Active Network in 2022, alleging the company used “digital dark patterns” to trick consumers into unwanted subscriptions worth over $300 million in fees
- Many customers report being automatically enrolled without clear consent when registering for events through Active.com, leading to unexpected annual charges of $89-$99
- Cancellation can be difficult according to numerous complaints, with some consumers reporting they had to dispute charges with their credit card companies to stop recurring billing
- You can protect yourself by carefully reading all terms during event registration, regularly monitoring your credit card statements, and knowing your cancellation rights before signing up for any trial offers
What Is Active Advantage
Active Advantage is a discount membership program operated by Active Network, a company that processes online registration for sporting events, camps, and recreational activities. The program promises members savings on event registration fees, gear purchases, and travel bookings.
The membership typically costs $89 to $99 per year and claims to offer discounts on thousands of events and activities. Active Network partners with organizations like YMCA camps, race organizers, and recreational facilities to process their online registrations.
Members receive benefits including reduced registration fees for races and events, discounts on sporting goods, and savings on travel and accommodation bookings. The program markets itself as valuable for active individuals who regularly participate in sporting events and outdoor activities.
The Controversy Behind Active Advantage
The main controversy stems from how Active Network enrolls customers into the program. Numerous complaints suggest the company uses deceptive practices during the checkout process for event registrations.
Many consumers report discovering unexpected charges on their credit cards months after registering for a single event. They claim the enrollment process was unclear or hidden within the regular registration steps.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau took serious action in 2022, filing a federal lawsuit against Active Network. The CFPB alleged the company generated over $300 million through questionable enrollment practices that violated consumer protection laws.
Consumer advocacy groups have documented patterns of complaints about unauthorized charges and difficult cancellation processes. These issues have created a significant trust problem for the company among recreational athletes and event participants.
Common Complaints From Consumers
Better Business Bureau records show hundreds of complaints against Active Network related to Active Advantage charges. The most common complaint involves unexpected billing for memberships consumers claim they never knowingly purchased.
Many customers report seeing charges of $89.95 or $99.95 on their credit card statements with only cryptic descriptors like “ACT ADDV” or “ACTIVE ADVANTAGE.” When they contact customer service, they learn about a membership they don’t remember signing up for.
Cancellation difficulties represent another major complaint category. Consumers report spending hours on hold, being transferred between departments, or being told they must cancel through specific online processes that are hard to find.
Some customers describe getting charged even after canceling their memberships or having charges reappear months later. A few report needing to cancel their credit cards entirely to stop unwanted recurring charges from Active Network.
How the Enrollment Process Works
The enrollment typically happens during checkout for event registrations on Active.com or partner websites. During the payment process, customers encounter offers for “free trials” or membership benefits that appear as optional add-ons.
The presentation of these offers has been criticized as confusing or misleading. Some consumers report the membership offer appeared pre-checked or was presented in a way that made declining it unclear.
The “free trial” period typically lasts 30 days, after which automatic billing begins for the full annual membership fee. Consumers must actively cancel during this trial period to avoid charges.
Critics argue the enrollment process doesn’t clearly explain the auto-renewal nature of the membership or make the cancellation requirements sufficiently obvious. This creates situations where consumers feel they were tricked into ongoing financial commitments.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Several red flags can help you identify potentially problematic enrollment practices. Be especially cautious of pre-checked boxes during checkout for any additional services or memberships you didn’t specifically request.
Watch for vague language about “premium benefits” or “exclusive access” without clear pricing information upfront. Legitimate services should clearly state costs, billing frequency, and cancellation policies before you complete your purchase.
Free trial offers that require credit card information upfront deserve extra scrutiny. Always understand exactly when billing will begin and how to cancel before the trial period ends.
Be wary of lengthy terms of service that you’re expected to accept quickly during checkout. Take time to read membership agreements, especially sections covering automatic renewals and cancellation procedures.
Legitimate Benefits vs Questionable Practices
Active Advantage does provide real discounts and benefits to members who actively use the service. Regular participants in races and sporting events can save money through reduced registration fees and gear discounts.
The program offers access to member-only events and early registration opportunities for popular races. Travel discounts and hotel savings can add value for people who frequently travel for sporting events.
However, the value proposition only works for highly active consumers who participate in numerous paid events throughout the year. Casual participants unlikely to recoup the annual membership fee through savings.
The questionable practices center on enrollment methods rather than the program’s legitimacy. While Active Advantage delivers advertised benefits, the way consumers are enrolled has raised serious legal and ethical concerns.
How to Cancel Active Advantage
If you discover an Active Advantage charge on your statement, you can cancel through several methods. The official cancellation process requires logging into your Active.com account and navigating to the membership management section.
Once logged in, look for “My Account” or “Active Advantage” sections where you can find cancellation options. The interface may require you to disable auto-renewal and then cancel the membership in separate steps.
For immediate assistance, call Active Network customer service at 866-561-0647 between 7 AM and 5 PM Pacific Time. Have your account information and credit card details ready when calling.
If you encounter difficulties with standard cancellation methods, contact your credit card company to dispute the charges. Many consumers have successfully stopped recurring billing by reporting unauthorized charges to their card issuers.
Getting Refunds and Disputing Charges
Active Network does process refunds for Active Advantage memberships under certain circumstances. Contact customer service immediately if you believe you were enrolled without proper consent or clear understanding of the terms.
Document your attempts to cancel and keep records of all communication with Active Network. If the company refuses a refund, this documentation will be valuable for credit card disputes or regulatory complaints.
Your credit card company can often help recover unauthorized charges through their dispute resolution process. Most card issuers have strong policies protecting consumers from deceptive billing practices.
Consider filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if you experience problems getting refunds or canceling unwanted memberships. These agencies track complaint patterns and may take action against problematic companies.
Protecting Yourself From Similar Scams
Always read checkout pages carefully when registering for events online. Uncheck any pre-selected boxes for additional services unless you specifically want those features and understand their costs.
Take screenshots of checkout pages showing what you selected and didn’t select. This documentation can be valuable if billing disputes arise later about services you didn’t intend to purchase.
Monitor your credit card statements regularly for unexpected charges from companies you don’t recognize. Set up account alerts for transactions over certain amounts to catch problems quickly.
Research companies before providing credit card information for any trial offers or memberships. Check Better Business Bureau ratings and online reviews to identify potential red flags before making purchases.
What Regulators Are Doing
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lawsuit represents significant regulatory action against questionable online enrollment practices. This case could set precedents for how companies must present membership offers during checkout processes.
State attorneys general have also investigated Active Network’s practices in response to consumer complaints. Some states have specific laws governing automatic renewal subscriptions that may apply to this situation.
The Federal Trade Commission has guidelines for online marketing and subscription services that companies like Active Network must follow. Violations can result in substantial fines and required changes to business practices.
Consumer protection agencies continue monitoring the situation and may take additional action based on ongoing complaint patterns. The outcome of the CFPB lawsuit will likely influence future enforcement priorities.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Active Advantage operates as a legitimate discount program, but serious concerns exist about its enrollment and cancellation practices. The CFPB lawsuit and hundreds of consumer complaints suggest systemic problems with how the company obtains customer consent.
If you’re an active participant in sporting events and carefully read all terms before enrolling, the program might provide value. However, casual participants should approach with extreme caution given the documented enrollment issues.
Your best protection is vigilance during online checkout processes and regular monitoring of your financial statements. When in doubt, skip optional add-ons and premium memberships unless you’re certain about their value and terms.
The ongoing legal proceedings may result in changes to Active Network’s practices and potential compensation for affected consumers. Stay informed about developments in the CFPB case if you’ve experienced problems with Active Advantage charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Active Advantage a legitimate program?
Yes, Active Advantage is a real discount membership program that provides actual benefits to members who use it regularly.
Why did I get charged without signing up?
Many consumers report being automatically enrolled during event registration checkout processes that weren’t clearly explained.
How do I cancel my membership?
Log into your Active.com account, go to the Active Advantage section, and follow the cancellation prompts, or call customer service.
Can I get a refund?
Active Network does process refunds in certain situations, especially if you were enrolled without clear consent.
What should I do about unauthorized charges?
Contact Active Network customer service first, then dispute the charges with your credit card company if necessary.
Is the CFPB lawsuit still ongoing?
The lawsuit filed in October 2022 is still proceeding through federal court as of 2025.
How can I avoid similar problems?
Read all checkout pages carefully, uncheck pre-selected boxes, and monitor your credit card statements regularly.
Who can I complain to about problems?
File complaints with the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and your state attorney general’s office.
