What is the MATCH List?

The MATCH (Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants) List is a comprehensive database created and managed by Mastercard. Acquiring banks may reference the MATCH List to screen merchant applicants and determine the risk they pose prior to providing a merchant account.<br><br>The MATCH file, an updated version of the Terminated Merchant File (TMF), is essentially a detailed electronic list of businesses that have had one or more merchant accounts terminated by their acquiring bank.

Why am I on the MATCH List?

You can be put on the MATCH list by Mastercard, but most merchants are added by their acquiring bank. The most common cause for a merchant landing on the MATCH List is excessive chargebacks. Merchants who regularly exceed the acceptable chargeback thresholds will most likely see their business MATCHed.

How do I check if I'm on the MATCH List?

The fastest and surest way to know when and why you were added to the MATCH List is to reach out to your processor. They will be able to provide you with all the details you need to appeal the issue or move forward with a new plan.

How Do I Get off the MATCH List?

A merchantâs data will be removed from the MATCH list after the five-year period, assuming no additional MATCH entries were made. This is the only certain way of getting off the list.<br><br>Aside from that, there are only two circumstances where MATCH removal might potentially happen. First, if the acquirer contacts Mastercard on the merchantâs behalf and reports the original addition was made in error. Second, if the merchant was added using MATCH list reason code 12 (PCI-DSS Noncompliance), but has since become compliant.

How long does a MATCH listing last?

Once blacklisted, merchants remain on the MATCH list for five years. Merchants blacklisted due to PCI-DSS noncompliance, however, may be able to get off the list once found compliant.

Can your merchant be blacklisted?

Yes. In severe instances, Mastercard or acquiring banks may add merchants to whatâs known as the MATCH (Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants) list, which functions as an industry-wide blacklist.