How to Get Off MATCH: Everything You Need to Know

Mastercard’s MATCH list is used to control high-risk merchants by informing issuing banks and other credit card processing services about merchants with a history of fraud or suspicious activities before they issue a line of credit to these individuals. This gives these financial institutions the chance to decline without further risk.

Here is a closer look at how you — as a merchant — can end up on Mastercard’s MATCH list and what being removed from it entails.

What is the Match List?

Mastercard compiles and manages a blacklist called the Merchant Alert To Control High-Risk. This blacklist, commonly called the MATCH list, is a database of merchants or business owners whose accounts have been terminated or have been deemed a significant risk for payment processors during the past five years for any number of reasons. The acquiring bank is responsible for adding merchants to the MATCH list, screening merchant applicants, determining risk, and managing terminated merchant accounts. While Mastercard’s MATCH list is one of the most efficient informational tools banks can use to screen potential applicants, being on this blacklist can bring serious trouble. That’s because banks and processors typically decline engaging with merchants who end up on the MATCH list database.

Once you are on Mastercard’s blacklist, you have to wait five years to fall off of the list automatically, i.e., to be returned to normal status — that is when you will be permitted to process free and clear. For most merchants, five years is far too long to wait without processing.  Not too many businesses in today’s day and age can survive without credit card processing.

Global can help.

To be removed from Mastercard’s MATCH list, a merchant or business owner must follow the credit card giant’s standard rules and procedures. Most merchants don’t even realize they’re on the MATCH list until they submit an application for a merchant processing account to a new processor, and are subsequently declined. By this time, unfortunately, you’ve already been placed on the MATCH list and you will be prohibited from processing for 5 years. Since 2008, Global Legal Law Firm has been fighting for merchants to be removed from the MATCH list; Global is working twenty to forty MATCH/TMF cases each month – this unique experience can help you resolve your matter in a timely and effective manner with minimal disruption to your business.

Terminated Merchant Files

One of the largest card brands, Visa, operates a database called the TMF List, which stands for Terminated Merchant Files. At Mastercard, this database is called the MATCH list, also known as the Member Alert To Control High-Risk Merchants (MATCH). Both lists operate similarly and contain information about merchant accounts. The vast majority of these accounts found on either list have been closed by credit card processors globally. Most often, a merchant is placed on the MATCH/TMF listfor high chargebacks or for violating Mastercard’s rules in one of fourteen different ways. By far, the two most common reasons for MATCH list placement are excessive chargebacks or transaction laundering.

All credit card processors routinely check the MATCH list to verify whether any new, potential users have a TMF. They must also add merchants to the MATCH list if their accounts are closed for meeting specific criteria, like chargebacks, merchant collusion, illegal transactions, or fraud. This is typically done one day after the account is terminated or becomes eligible for termination.

TMFs are only supposed to be informational tools, but many credit card processing companies refuse to do business with merchants who are on Mastercard’s database. This is because Mastercard’s database is the only one with a broad, global reach.

What Happens When You’re Put on the MATCH List?

When an acquiring bank detects a high-risk merchant or terminates an account, it records the business name, the principal owner’s details, and other business partners on file. When the blacklisted merchant attempts to open an account with another provider, the new card processor must run an inquiry on the MATCH system before signing an agreement according to Mastercard’s security and procedure rules. 

One of the consequences of being on the MATCH list is a high rate of rejections for merchant account applications. Without an account, businesses cannot process electronic payments, which ultimately causes more significant problems like revenue loss and damaged reputation. 

Several card processors specialize in working with high-risk merchants, but this often comes at a higher fee and strict or limiting agreement terms.

What To Do When You Find Out You’re on the MATCH/TMF List

There are things you can do to protect your business after a MATCH/TMF listing. 

Find Out Why You’re on the MATCH List

If you received a notification of MATCH placement, the reason for this might be included in the document. However, if you find out about the placement when applying for a new merchant account, call a MATCH List law firm to determine why. 

Speak with a MATCH/TMF List Lawyer

When you find out why you’ve been MATCH’d, an attorney will help you understand your situation, legal options, and the likelihood of removal. Payment processors or banks are also likely to act on the matter more promptly when corresponding with a lawyer rather than the business owners. In most instances, MATCH list removal is possible.

Global Legal is an industry leader in MATCH/TMF removal, having litigated and won against large financial institutions such as PayPal, Fiserv, and American Express.

Explore Alternative Payment Processing Solutions

Global can connect you with trusted, US-based processors who specialize in working with high-risk merchants.

However, these options come at a cost which includes:

• Higher setup and processing fees
• Requirements for reserve funds
• Risk monitoring measures for merchants
• Long-term contracts with penalties for early termination

Virtual wallets and crypto may also come in handy at this time, but they can be limiting due to customer diversity. Remember, alternative payment providers are not obligated to work with a high-risk merchant and may decline your application depending on your business and the reason you were MATCH’d.

What Are the Steps to Follow to Get off Mastercard’s MATCH List?

Here are the steps to follow for your MATCH/TMF removal and how an attorney can help you if you qualify.

Step 1: Gather Information and Documentation Regarding the Issue

The documents and other details you gather will serve as evidence to support the MATCH removal, especially if you’ve been placed by error. A MATCH list law firm will identify the documents that matter most depending on your situation and prepare a compelling case to present to your past payment processor. Examples of documents you may gather here are merchant contracts and agreements, financial records, and compliance certifications. 

Step 2: Address and Fix Your Reasons for Being MATCH’d

Next, you must resolve the reasons you were added to MATCH.  This often involves employing the necessary measures to uphold regulatory compliance, such as updating your policies, scheduling more internal audits, and establishing stronger oversight mechanisms. As you do this, maintain detailed records of all steps you’ve taken to address the issue to act as evidence when filing an appeal for removal. 

The attorneys at Global serve as legal advisors for MATCH’d businesses by explaining the applicable laws and evaluating new compliance measures to ensure they meet the state, federal, and card brand rules.

Step 3: Contact a MATCH Lawyer to Fight for Your MATCH/TMF Removal

When hiring a lawyer, it’s best to work with one who specializes in electronic payment agreements because they understand what acquiring banks are looking for when handling removal requests. Because of Global’s decades of experience representing top financial organizations in the electronic payment industry, our MATCH removal letters carry a lot of authority and influence among payment processors. 

Step 4: Monitor the Progress of The Appeal

A MATCH list lawyer facilitates this back-and-forth communication and follows up with your past payment processor so you can focus on getting the business back up and running. Remember to record all interactions with your card or payment processor representatives. 

What Are Mastercard Rules and Standards for Credit Card Processors?

Mastercard has also listed several standards and procedures that credit card processors and banks must meet, including the use of the member alert system to control high-risk merchants (MATCH). They include:

• Diligently updating the MATCH list regarding merchant termination
• Checking the MATCH database before issuing credit to a merchant
• Acting in good faith

If a credit card processor fails to place a merchant who has violated MATCH-related criteria on Mastercard’s TMF database, the processor must pay any losses, including unpaid chargebacks.

How Can You Avoid Landing on Mastercard’s MATCH List?

To avoid landing on the MATCH list, merchants should consider:

• Ensuring they have a remarkable track record of solid data security in accordance with guidelines set forth by the PCI Security Standards Council, including the ability to process credit card payments efficiently and securely
• Establishing a strict verification process, including but not limited to CVV codes, card expiration dates, and billing address
• Installing security patches to ensure the efficiency of their card processing system
• Strengthening the safety and security of their card payment environment

Mastercard’s MATCH List Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding MATCH.