Listed on MATCH?
If you have tried unsuccessfully several times to get approval for merchant services or a payment gateway your business may be on the MATCH list.
The MATCH list is a database created to help payment processors make safer decisions when approving businesses for payment services. It includes key details like your business name, website, physical address, and the names of any partners or associates linked to your company. The acronym stands for Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants.
This list is an updated version of the Terminated Merchant File (TMF), and even though the TMF term is still used, the MATCH list is the current reference for high-risk businesses. If your business appears on the MATCH list, it means fewer payment providers may be willing to work with you.
Why Would Your Business Be Placed on the MATCH List?
There are several reasons why a business might get flagged for the MATCH list. Most often, businesses are added due to risky or unlawful activities, but sometimes external factors, like customer fraud or cyberattacks, can also lead to inclusion.
Here we have identified some common reasons businesses are placed on the MATCH list:
Illegal Activity – if your business has been involved in fraud, money laundering, or strange transactions.
Customer Data Breaches – if your customer data was hacked or compromised, it might result in being flagged.
High Chargeback Rate – a chargeback happens when customers dispute charges with their credit card company. It raises a red flag if your business has too many chargebacks (usually above 1% of total transactions).
Non-Compliance – if your business doesn’t meet industry standards, such as PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards), you might end up on the list.
Insolvency – if your business faces bankruptcy or financial difficulties, it may be flagged for high risk.
Partner Issues – if one of your business partners is convicted of fraud, it can also affect your business.
While being on the MATCH list doesn’t automatically block you from obtaining merchant services, it makes it harder. As a result, many providers will be hesitant to work with a MATCH-listed business.
Get Your Business Off the MATCH List
The first step in getting removed from the MATCH list is to figure out why your business was placed there. Most businesses are flagged due to a complaint from their payment processor or bank. If you think your listing was a mistake or you’ve corrected the issue, you can appeal to the bank or processor that placed you on the list.
Here’s how to begin:
- Reach out to the payment processor or bank that reported your business. Ask for specifics about why you were added to the MATCH list and what you need to do to resolve the issue. They may be able to guide you through the process of getting removed.
- If your business was placed on the list due to chargebacks or security violations, take steps to address those issues. For example:
- Reduce your chargeback rate by improving customer service, offering clear return policies, and using chargeback prevention tools.
- Make sure your website is PCI-compliant to safeguard customer data and prevent future security breaches.
- If the bank agrees that the issue has been resolved or that you were listed by mistake, they can request a correction. Follow up regularly to ensure the correction is made.
- If all else fails and you’re still facing challenges, you may need legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the appeals process.
Remember, a MATCH listing lasts for five years, so if you can’t get removed immediately, you might need to wait until the period expires. However, as long as you take steps to correct past mistakes, you will eventually be able to apply for merchant services again.
Keep Your Business Off the MATCH List
Once you’ve got your business off the MATCH list, it’s important to take proactive steps to avoid being flagged again. Here are some tips to help you stay in the clear:
1. Follow the Rules
Make sure you comply with all of Mastercard’s rules and regulations for merchants such as following the legal requirements and maintaining proper records for all transactions.
2. Minimize Chargebacks
Make sure to provide excellent customer service and clear product information to avoid disputes. You can also use tools to manage and reduce chargebacks.
3. Keep Your Website Secure
Ensure your website is PCI-compliant. This includes using strong firewalls, keeping your antivirus software up to date, and working with a secure payment processor.
4. Avoid High-Risk Industries
If your business is in a high-risk industry, like adult services or MLM (multi-level marketing), it may be harder to avoid being flagged. Make sure to operate within the law and be extra diligent with transactions and security.
By maintaining a solid reputation, keeping your business practices clean, and staying on top of security measures, you can greatly reduce the chances of ending up on the MATCH list again.
Bottom line
Getting placed on the MATCH list can make it more challenging to secure payment services for your business, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the line.
By understanding why your business is flagged, addressing the issues, and adhering to best practices, you can improve your chances of getting removed from the list and avoid future issues. Even if your business is currently on the MATCH list, there are still options available to you—it doesn’t mean your business is finished.
Need expert advice on how to get your business off this list?! Book a free consultation with our specialists today!
Want to get more informed? Read our article “Top 7 Alternatives to Paypal for Your Business in 2025” to find out about the best alternatives to PayPal.
Disclaimer
Widelia and its affiliates do not provide tax, investment, legal or accounting advice. Material on this page has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, investment, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. Please consult https://widelia.com/disclaimer/ for more information.
