How to Cancel Active Network $89.95 Charge & Get an Instant Refund (ACT*ACTIVE.COM Explained)

#finance #subscription #refund #hacks

Have you suddenly noticed a mysterious $89.95 or $99.95 charge from ACT*ACTIVE.COM or ACTIVE NETWORK on your credit card statement?

You are not alone. Thousands of parents, runners, and event participants get ambushed by this exact charge every month.

Here is the exact truth behind this billing code, how you were enrolled without realizing it, and the exact 3-step script to get an immediate, full refund.

What is Active Network & Why Were You Charged $89.95?

Active Network (ACTIVE.com) is an event registration software company used by local 5K marathons, youth soccer leagues, summer camps, and YMCA programs.

When you registered for a local community event online, Active Network sneaked in a pre-checked 30-day trial for their "Active Advantage" premium membership.

Once the 30-day trial quietly expires, their system automatically bills your credit card $89.95/year as an auto-renewing annual membership fee.

On your credit card or bank statement, it typically appears as:

ACT*ACTIVE NETWORK 800-349-2811 CA
ACTIVE.COM 800-349-2811 CA
ACTIVE ADVANTAGE 888-543-7223

Step-by-Step: How to Cancel & Force a Full Refund

Do not just delete your account—that will not reverse the charge. Follow this battle-tested 3-step checklist:

Step 1: Cancel the Recurring Membership Immediately

Log in to your account at active.com.
Go to My Account > ACTIVE Advantage.
Click Cancel Membership to ensure your card is not auto-billed another $89.95 next year.

Step 2: Demand a Direct Courtesy Refund (The Copy-Paste Script)

Active Network’s customer service is legally authorized to grant instant refunds if you demand it firmly.

Call their direct billing hotline at 800-349-2811 (Mon–Fri, 7am–5pm MT) or use their live chat.
Use this exact script: > "I noticed an unauthorized charge of $89.95 for Active Advantage on [Date]. I never intentionally opted into a recurring paid membership during my race/camp registration. Under FTC consumer protection guidelines against negative-option billing, I demand an immediate full refund and a cancellation confirmation email."

In 90% of cases, the agent will process the refund to avoid chargeback fees.

Step 3: What if They Refuse? File an FCBA Billing Error Claim

If the representative claims the charge is "non-refundable," do not give up.
Because you did not explicitly consent to recurring annual billing, this qualifies as a billing error under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).

Notify your credit card company (Chase, Amex, Capital One, etc.) in writing to dispute the charge under negative-option billing rules.

👉 For detailed dispute templates and legal notification drafts, visit the ChargeDecode Active Network Official Guide & Dispute Templates.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational guidance only and does not constitute formal legal or financial advice.

DEV Community