ACN Review: Can You Really Make Money With This MLM?

If you’re looking for a side hustle or you’re interested in joining an MLM company, then you’ve probably heard of ACN. ACN is a telecommunications and merchant services provider that has been around since 1993. In this ACN review, we’ll answer all your questions about the company, including what it is, how it works, its products and services, compensation plan, and more. We’ll also discuss whether ACN is a pyramid scheme and if there are any alternatives to ACN.
What is ACN?
ACN stands for American Communications Network. It’s a multi-level marketing company that provides energy, telecommunications, and merchant services. ACN was founded in 1993 by four entrepreneurs: Robert Stevanovski, Greg Provenzano, Tony Cupisz, and Mike Cupisz. The company is headquartered in North Carolina and has operations in all 50 states and 25 countries.
ACN is considered an MLM because it uses a direct selling model to sell its products and services. ACN recruits independent sales representatives, who then sell ACN’s products and services to customers. The sales representatives earn commissions on their sales. ACN does not have retail stores, so all of its products are sold through its independent representatives.
What products and services does ACN offer?
ACN offers a variety of telecommunications and merchant services, including home phone service, wireless phone service, energy, satellite TV, security systems, and more. ACN’s products are provided by major brands such as AT&T, DirecTV, Sprint, and Verizon. ACN has a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
- Home phone services: ACN’s home phone service starts at $19.99 per month and includes unlimited local and long distance calling. ACN also offers features like call waiting, caller ID, voicemail, and more.
- Wireless phone services: ACN’s wireless phone service starts at $34.99 per month and includes unlimited talk and text. ACN’s wireless plans are available with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. ACN also offers international calling plans.
- High speed internet: ACN’s high speed internet starts at $39.99 per month. ACN offers speeds up to 25 Mbps.
- Satellite TV: ACN’s satellite TV service starts at $49.99 per month and includes over 140 channels. ACN also offers HD programming, DVR service, and premium channels like HBO and Showtime.
- Security systems: ACN’s security system starts at $39.99 per month and includes 24/ seven monitoring, text and email alerts, and more.
- Energy: ACN partners with energy companies to offer gas and electricity services in deregulated markets. ACN customers can choose from fixed-rate or variable-rate plans. ACN also offers green energy plans.
- Xoom Power: ACN partners with Xoom Power to offer electricity plans in Texas. ACN customers can choose from fixed-rate or variable-rate plans.
- Anovia settlement and processing: ACN partners with Anovia to offer credit card processing services. ACN customers can accept credit cards, debit cards, and ACH payments.
- GoDaddy: ACN partners with GoDaddy to offer web hosting and domain name services. ACN customers can choose from a variety of plans, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated servers, and more.

How does ACN work?
ACN operates in a similar way to other MLM companies. ACN recruits independent sales representatives, who then sell ACN's products and services to customers. The sales representatives earn commissions on their sales. ACN does not have retail stores, so all of its products are sold through its independent representatives.
If you're interested in joining ACN, you can sign up on the company's website. ACN costs $499 to join, and you'll need to purchase a starter kit. ACN's starter kits include a business in a box, which includes information on how to start and grow your ACN business.
How does ACN’s compensation plan work?
ACN’s compensation plan is based on a binary system. ACN representatives can earn commissions on the sales of products and services, as well as on the sales of other representatives they recruit. ACN also offers bonuses and incentives, like trips and cars, for meeting certain sales goals.
There are three ways you can get paid by ACN as an independent business operator:
- Retail Commissions: ACN representatives earn a commission on the retail price of products and services they sell to customers. ACN does not require representatives to maintain inventory, so all sales are made through ACN’s website.
- Recruitment Commissions: ACN representatives can earn a commission on the sales of other representatives they recruit. ACN uses a binary system, so representatives can only earn commissions on the sales of two other representatives. ACN also offers bonuses and incentives for recruiting new representatives.
- Residual Commissions: ACN representatives can earn residual commissions on the monthly services ACN customers keep. ACN customers can cancel their services at any time, so residual commissions are not guaranteed.
ACN’s compensation plan has been criticized for being confusing and difficult to understand. ACN representatives are also required to purchase ACN’s products and services, which can be expensive.
Is ACN a pyramid scheme?
ACN is not a pyramid scheme. ACN is a legitimate MLM company that offers products and services that customers want and need. ACN’s compensation plan rewards representatives for selling products and services, as well as for recruiting new representatives. ACN is a legal and ethical MLM company.
A pyramid scheme, on the other hand, is an illegal business model that rewards representatives for recruiting new members, rather than for selling products or services. Pyramid schemes are often disguised as legitimate MLM companies, but they are not.
Any lawsuits or complaints?
ACN has been the subject of several lawsuits and complaints. In 2014, ACN was sued by the Federal Trade Commission for operating as a pyramid scheme. The lawsuit was settled in 2016, and ACN was ordered to pay $150 million to its customers.
In 2017, ACN was sued by two former representatives for operating as a pyramid scheme. The lawsuit is still pending.
ACN has also been the subject of several complaints to the Better Business Bureau. ACN has an “F” rating with the BBB, due to its high number of complaints.
What I like about ACN
- ACN was founded in 1993 and is one of the oldest MLM companies.
- ACN is a legitimate MLM company that offers products and services that customers want and need.
- ACN’s compensation plan rewards representatives for selling products and services, as well as for recruiting new representatives.
- ACN is a legal and ethical MLM company.
What I don’t like about ACN
- ACN has been the subject of several lawsuits and complaints.
- ACN has an “F” rating with the BBB, due to its high number of complaints.
- ACN representatives are required to purchase ACN’s products and services, which can be expensive.
Are there alternatives to ACN?
If you’re interested in joining an MLM company, there are many other companies to choose from. Some of the most popular MLM companies include Amway, Herbalife, Mary Kay, and Tupperware.
- Amway is an MLM company that offers a wide variety of products, including health and beauty, home care, and personal care.
- Herbalife is an MLM company that offers health, wellness, and weight loss products.
- Mary Kay is an MLM company that offers a variety of beauty products, including skincare, makeup, and fragrances.
- Tupperware is an MLM company that offers a wide variety of food storage and kitchen products.
If you’re interested in joining ACN, or any other MLM company, be sure to do your research. Make sure you understand the company’s compensation plan, and make sure you are comfortable selling the company’s products and services. You should also be aware of the risks associated with joining an MLM company. These risks include high pressure sales tactics, expensive products and services, and the potential to lose money if you’re not successful.
If you’re not interested in joining an MLM company, there are many other ways to make money. You can start your own business, invest in real estate, or even start a blog. There are endless opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and take risks.
Our verdict on ACN

ACN is a legitimate MLM company that offers products and services that customers want and need. However, ACN has been the subject of several lawsuits and complaints, and has an “F” rating with the BBB. ACN representatives are also required to purchase ACN’s products and services, which can be expensive. If you’re interested in joining ACN, or any other MLM company, be sure to do your research and understand the risks involved. There are many other ways to make money, so you may want to consider alternatives to ACN.
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