The MATCH List: What It Is, How You Get On It, and How to Get Removed

If there's a boogeyman in the payments world, it's the MATCH list. Formally known as the Member Alert to Control High-risk Merchants (formerly TMF — Terminated Merchant File), this is Mastercard's database of merchants whose accounts have been terminated.

Being on MATCH doesn't mean your business is dead. But it does mean you need to know what you're dealing with.

What Is the MATCH List?

MATCH is a database maintained by Mastercard that acquirers (banks that process credit card transactions) use during underwriting. When a merchant's account is terminated for certain reasons, the acquiring bank can add that merchant to MATCH.

Key facts:

• Entries remain for 5 years from the date added
• Only acquiring banks can add or remove entries
• All major acquirers check MATCH before approving new merchants
• Being on MATCH doesn't automatically disqualify you — but many processors treat it that way

Reason Codes: Why You Were Added

There are 13 MATCH reason codes. The most common:

• Code 01 — Account Data Compromise: A data breach occurred at your business
• Code 02 — Common Point of Purchase: Your terminal was identified as a fraud common point
• Code 04 — Excessive Chargebacks: The most common reason — chargeback ratio exceeded thresholds
• Code 05 — Excessive Fraud: High levels of fraudulent transactions processed
• Code 09 — Bankruptcy/Liquidation: Business filed for bankruptcy
• Code 10 — Violation of Standards: Violated card brand rules
• Code 12 — PCI-DSS Noncompliance: Failed to maintain PCI compliance
• Code 13 — Illegal Activity: Business involved in illegal transactions

Your reason code matters enormously. Code 04 (chargebacks) is much easier to work around than Code 13 (illegal activity).

How to Check If You're on MATCH

You can't search the MATCH database directly — only acquiring banks and processors have access. To find out:

1. Ask your former processor directly if they placed you on MATCH
2. Apply to a new processor — they'll tell you during underwriting if a MATCH hit appears
3. Check rejection letters — they often reference MATCH findings

Getting Removed from MATCH

Removal is possible but not easy:

Wait It Out

Entries automatically expire after 5 years. For many merchants, this is the practical path.

Request Removal from the Adding Bank

Only the bank that added you can remove you early. Contact them with evidence that:

• The addition was in error (wrong merchant, incorrect data)
• The underlying issue has been fully resolved
• You've implemented controls to prevent recurrence

Legal Action

In cases of wrongful MATCH placement, legal action can compel removal. Consult a payment processing attorney if you believe the listing was erroneous.

Processing While on MATCH

Being on MATCH limits your options but doesn't eliminate them. High-risk specialists like Easy Pay Direct routinely work with MATCH-listed merchants.

Expect higher rates and possibly rolling reserves, but legitimate processing is absolutely available.