MATCH List

The MATCH List

Let's clarify the acronym: MATCH stands for Member Alert to Control High-Risk. This system, developed and managed by MasterCard, compiles information about businesses and their owners whose credit card processing privileges have been terminated. Acquiring banks rely on this database to vet applicants and decide if they should be granted credit card processing privileges.

If you're reading this, it's likely because you've found yourself on the MATCH list (also known as the Terminated Merchant File or TMF). Being on this list is one of the worst scenarios for a merchant.

Getting on this list means the termination of your merchant account. It also serves as a warning to other companies, such as Allied Payments, indicating potential issues with your business, making it challenging to find another processor. To add to the difficulty, most merchants aren't aware they've been MATCH'd until they apply for a new merchant account and are denied.

Since being on this list can be detrimental, let's examine how merchants end up on it and how to avoid it.

How do you get put on the MATCH list?

Here are the most common reasons:

• A data breach

• Money laundering

• Excessive fraud or a fraud conviction

• Excessive chargebacks

• Violation of card payment industry regulations

• Collusion with other merchants

• PCI non-compliance

• Conducting illegal transactions

• Involvement in identity theft

• Labeled by Mastercard as a “Questionable Merchant”

How long does it last?

Being on the MATCH list generally lasts for five years. Removing your business from this list is a challenging process and often unsuccessful. To be candid, getting off is nearly impossible once you're on MATCH.

How do you get off the MATCH list?

Removing yourself from MATCH is challenging but not entirely hopeless. First, identify the reason you're on the list. If it’s because of something that can be fixed—like PCI non-compliance or non-payment of chargebacks—resolve the issue. Once you have, ask your former provider to contact MATCH and inform them that the problem has been addressed.

However, if you're on the list due to severe violations like fraud or money laundering, it could take years to clear your name—if ever. Attempting this may turn out to be a waste of time and energy.

If you believe you don't belong on the list, get a lawyer specializing in the payment card industry to fight for you. A typical lawyer might not have the necessary expertise to help.

Can I ever get another merchant account?

Yes. Allied Payments specializes in handling hard-to-place accounts and might be able to help. In such cases, it's very important to provide thorough documentation explaining why the MATCH list is erroneous and why your business is legitimate and reputable.

In summary

Landing on the MATCH list is a significant issue that can affect you for years or even shut down your business. It's crucial to manage your chargebacks, maintain PCI compliance, and adhere to payment card industry standards to avoid ending up there. If you find yourself on the list and don't belong, fight it—though it's not easy, it might be worth the effort. Alternatively, contact Allied Payments to inquire about a high-risk merchant account. But above all, aim to stay off the MATCH list from the start.