How to Check MATCH List Status and Get Off It Fast!

If you’ve had trouble opening a new merchant account recently or received sudden declines from payment processors, there’s a chance you may be on the MATCH List. Also known as the Terminated Merchant File (TMF), the MATCH List is a powerful industry database used by credit card processors to flag high-risk or problematic merchants. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about what the MATCH List is, how to check your MATCH List status, why it matters, and most importantly, how to get off it quickly.

What Is the MATCH List?

The MATCH List (Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants) is a database maintained by Mastercard. It’s designed to help acquiring banks and payment processors assess merchant risk by identifying businesses or individuals who have previously had their merchant accounts terminated for serious reasons.

Being on the MATCH List doesn’t just affect Mastercard transactions; it impacts your ability to open merchant accounts with nearly all credit card processors, since most use this list to screen applicants.

Common Reasons Merchants Are Added:

• Excessive chargebacks

• Fraudulent activity

• PCI compliance violations

• Identity theft or illegal activity

• Bankruptcy or liquidation

• Account data compromise

• Merchant collusion

Each listing includes a reason code, giving insight into why a merchant was flagged.

How to Know If You’re on the MATCH List: –

Unlike a public database, the MATCH List isn’t something you can search directly. Only acquiring banks and payment processors have access. But there are ways you can find out:

1. Denied a Merchant Account? Ask Why:

If you’ve recently applied for a new merchant account and were declined, the provider may tell you the rejection is due to a MATCH List hit. You have the right to request the specific reason code and the acquiring bank that listed you.

2. Contact a Payment Processor Directly:

Work with a trusted high-risk payment processor. They can run a soft inquiry to check if you’re listed without affecting your credit or merchant profile.

3. Request Information from the Acquiring Bank:

If you know which bank added you to the list, you can contact their risk or underwriting department directly. Request the reason for your inclusion and details about your account status.

Important: Only the acquiring bank that added you can remove you from the MATCH List.

What Being on the MATCH List Means for Your Business: –

Being on the MATCH List makes it extremely difficult to open a new merchant account. Even if you’re accepted by a processor, you may face:

• Higher processing fees

• Rolling reserves

• Monthly volume caps

• Short-term contracts

• Additional compliance requirements

This can significantly affect your ability to accept credit card payments, which can hurt your cash flow, credibility, and customer experience.

How Long Do You Stay on the MATCH List?

A MATCH List entry typically remains active for five years. After that, it is automatically purged unless the listing institution updates it.

However, waiting five years isn’t your only option—there are ways to challenge and possibly remove yourself sooner.

How to Get Off the MATCH List Fast: –

Here’s a practical action plan if you’re trying to get removed from the MATCH List:

Step 1: Identify the Acquiring Bank:

This is the institution that reported your business. You’ll need to know who they are and what reason code they used to place you on the list.

Step 2: Review the Reason Code Carefully:

Each listing includes a code that corresponds to the reason. Some common codes include:

• 04: Excessive Chargebacks
• 07: Fraud
• 12: PCI Non-Compliance

Knowing the reason helps you build a focused response.

Step 3: Gather Documentation:

Prepare any documentation that supports your case:

• Proof of chargeback mitigation steps
• Letters from banks or processors
• Security compliance certifications
• Business formation or identity documents (in case of fraud)

Step 4: Contact the Listing Bank:

Only the bank that listed you can remove you. Reach out to their risk department and submit a written request with your supporting documents. Be respectful, clear, and professional. Acknowledge the issue and explain what’s been done to resolve it.

Step 5: Dispute Inaccuracies If Needed:

If you believe your inclusion was in error, you may need to escalate the matter. This can involve legal counsel or regulatory support, depending on the nature of the listing.

Can You Still Process Payments While on the MATCH List?

Yes, but options are limited. Some high-risk merchant account providers specialize in working with MATCH-listed businesses. These processors offer:

• Custom pricing
• Chargeback mitigation tools
• Extra fraud protection
• High-risk underwriting support

While not ideal, this can help keep your business running while you work to clear your name.

Pro Tip: Ask about eCheck or ACH payment options. These methods often don’t require credit card processors and can be an excellent workaround.

How to Prevent Being Added to the MATCH List Again: –

Once you’re removed or if you’re currently processing through a high-risk provider follow these best practices to stay in good standing:

• Keep chargebacks under 1%

• Stay PCI compliant

• Monitor fraud activity

• Use address verification (AVS) and CVV checks

• Respond quickly to disputes and refund requests

• Keep accurate records and secure systems

Prevention is the best cure. A clean payment record builds credibility and strengthens your ability to switch processors or scale operations later.

Final Thoughts: –

Getting on the MATCH List is serious but it’s not the end of the road. With the right approach, solid documentation, and a clear game plan, you can reduce the damage, maintain your operations, and even get removed from the list entirely. Understanding your MATCH List status puts you back in control of your payment future. Don’t ignore it tackle it head-on, and turn a setback into an opportunity for better compliance, transparency, and business growth.

On the MATCH List? We’ve Got You!

Being on the MATCH List doesn’t mean your business has to stop. eCheckplan offers alternative payment solutions to help you keep accepting payments confidently.
📞 Call us at (800) 974-9661 | 📧 Email: support@eCheckplan.com