Introduction to Affiliated Acceptance Corporation (AAC)

Affiliated Acceptance Corporation, often abbreviated as AAC, is a third-party billing and payment processing company based in Missouri. It provides financial and membership management services to gyms, fitness centers, martial arts studios, and health clubs across the United States.

While AAC doesn’t own these businesses, it handles their billing, collections, and customer account management. This means that if you join a gym or fitness center that partners with AAC, your membership payments, invoices, and payment reminders are all managed through this company.

However, many consumers report confusion or disputes when charges appear unexpectedly or when their accounts are sent to collections. Understanding how AAC works, your legal rights, and how to resolve issues can help you protect your finances and credit.

What Does Affiliated Acceptance Corporation Do?

AAC’s primary role is to streamline billing and membership management for fitness and service-based businesses. Their services include:

• Automated billing and payments: Handling recurring membership dues.

• Customer account management: Managing cancellations, renewals, and billing updates.

• Debt collection: Recovering overdue payments on behalf of gyms or fitness studios.

• Credit reporting: Reporting delinquent accounts to credit bureaus if payments remain unpaid.

While AAC is not a debt collector by default, when accounts become severely past due, it may act as one or assign your debt to a collection agency.

Why You Might Be Contacted by AAC

If you’ve ever signed a membership contract with a gym, yoga studio, or martial arts academy, you likely authorized AAC to manage your payments. You might be contacted by AAC if:

• Your gym uses AAC for billing and your payment method failed.

• You missed one or more monthly payments.

• You canceled your membership, but the gym didn’t properly process the cancellation.

• A balance is outstanding on your account after a contract ends.

It’s important to understand that AAC operates on behalf of your gym, not independently. Any misunderstanding or contract issue with your fitness center often results in AAC contacting you for resolution.

Common Consumer Complaints Against AAC

Consumers have reported several recurring issues with Affiliated Acceptance Corporation, including:

• Billing after cancellation: Members claim they continued receiving charges even after submitting cancellation requests.

• Difficulty canceling memberships: AAC enforces contract terms strictly, often requiring written proof of cancellation.

• Aggressive collection tactics: Some users allege frequent calls, letters, or threats of credit reporting.

• Lack of transparency: Confusion about who AAC represents or why they’re charging certain fees.

While not every complaint is valid, these reports highlight the importance of reading contracts carefully before signing gym agreements.

Understanding Your Membership Contract

When you sign a gym contract managed by AAC, you’re legally agreeing to the payment terms outlined in that agreement. This often includes:

• The length of your membership (e.g., 12 months).

• Monthly or annual payment terms.

• Cancellation and renewal clauses.

• Early termination fees or penalties.

AAC enforces these terms strictly. For example, if your contract requires 30 days’ notice to cancel, AAC may continue billing until that notice period ends.

Before disputing a charge, review your signed agreement or contact your gym for a copy.

What to Do If You Receive a Collection Notice from AAC

If Affiliated Acceptance Corporation contacts you about an overdue balance, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:

1. Request Debt Validation: Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to request written proof of the debt. AAC must show details such as your original contract and payment history.

2. Verify the Amount Owed: Double-check the balance against your own records. Many disputes arise from billing after cancellation.

3. Avoid Verbal Agreements: Always communicate in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.

4. Contact the Gym Directly: Sometimes, the fitness center can confirm or reverse unauthorized charges.

5. Dispute Errors Promptly: If the balance is incorrect or you’ve already paid, file a formal dispute with AAC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

If AAC or any associated collection agency contacts you for unpaid dues, they must follow federal law. Under the FDCPA, collectors are prohibited from:

• Using harassment, threats, or obscene language.

• Calling repeatedly or outside the hours of 8 AM to 9 PM.

• Misrepresenting the amount or status of your debt.

• Discussing your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

Violations of these laws can result in statutory damages up to $1,000 plus attorney fees. If you suspect harassment, document all communication and contact a consumer protection attorney.

How to Cancel or Resolve an AAC Membership Account

Canceling a membership managed by AAC often requires following specific steps:

1. Review your contract: Look for cancellation instructions and required notice periods.

2. Submit written notice: Always send a signed letter or email stating your intent to cancel, with a copy for your records.

3. Contact AAC directly: Confirm receipt of your cancellation request.

4. Monitor your bank statements: Ensure charges stop after the notice period.

5. Dispute any unauthorized withdrawals: Contact your bank immediately if charges continue.

If you move, become disabled, or experience hardship, some gyms and AAC contracts allow early termination under specific conditions.

How AAC Affects Your Credit

If your account is unpaid and sent to collections, AAC may report it to credit bureaus. This can cause your credit score to drop significantly. Negative entries can remain for up to seven years, even if you later pay the balance.

To protect your credit:

• Always make payments on time.

• Resolve disputes before they escalate.

• Request written confirmation when an account is closed or settled.

If AAC or a related agency reports inaccurate information, you have the right to dispute it with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

When to Seek Legal Help

If AAC continues collection efforts despite disputes or fails to validate your debt, you may need professional assistance. A consumer protection attorney can:

• Stop illegal collection calls.

• File FDCPA or Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) claims.

• Help remove invalid debt entries from your credit report.

• Recover damages for emotional distress or financial harm.

Many attorneys handle such cases on a contingency basis — meaning you pay nothing unless they win.

Tips for Avoiding Billing Disputes in the Future

• Read all gym contracts thoroughly before signing.

• Ask for a copy of every document you sign.

• Cancel memberships in writing and keep proof.

• Monitor your bank statements regularly.

• Communicate in writing with AAC or your gym to maintain a clear record.

Taking these preventive steps ensures smoother billing management and protects you from unwanted financial stress.

Final Thoughts

Affiliated Acceptance Corporation plays a legitimate role in managing gym and fitness membership billing, but confusion often arises from unclear contract terms and communication gaps. Understanding how AAC operates — and knowing your rights — can help you navigate any billing or collection issues confidently.

If you’re being contacted about unpaid dues, take immediate action: request validation, review your contract, and ensure all communication is documented. By being proactive, you can resolve disputes efficiently, protect your credit, and prevent future financial complications.