How to get off from the MATCH

The MATCH list (Merchant Alert To Control High-Risk) is a database maintained by Mastercard and you have to know about this because it can significantly impact your businesses which relies on credit card payments.

If you're on this list, it means your account was flagged as a high-risk merchant, usually due to excessive chargebacks, fraud, non-compliance, or other serious issues.

While this tool helps banks and processors screen applicants effectively, being blacklisted can severely hinder your ability to secure a new merchant account, making it difficult to process credit card payments.

What if this was a mistake?

If you were mistakenly placed on the list, you could work with your payment processor or acquiring bank to provide solid evidence that an error occurred. For example, if non-compliance with PCI standards led to your inclusion, showing a forensic auditor's certificate proving compliance might help. While these efforts can be successful, getting off the list is often a time-consuming and expensive process.

What can I do?

Getting off the MATCH list isn't easy, but you have a few options.

Wait five years

Mastercard automatically removes your information after 5 years. This is an awful long time, so this might not be the best option. While waiting for removal, you can still find a merchant account, although conditions might not be ideal. Some providers specialize in working with high-risk businesses and can help secure accounts that let you continue operating, but you will definitely face higher fees and stricter terms. Also you need to conclude a thorough due diligence on these partners because there are a lot of scams on the market, who might pose significant risks on your funds which are kept with them.

Ask for removal

You can also try contacting the payment processor that initially placed you on the list and request removal, provided you can prove that you're no longer a high-risk merchant. Documentation, like evidence of PCI compliance, can strengthen your case.

Hire a professional

usually payment experts are familiar with this issue and they can help you to resolve the dispute and to negotiate with Mastercard or file a lawsuit if necessary.

Having expert assistance can be critical in navigating the MATCH list removal process. Without proper guidance, it can become a lengthy and costly procedure, and any missteps might worsen your situation. A payment expert can help identify the root cause of your inclusion, collect the right evidence, and negotiate on your behalf to increase the chances of being removed from the list swiftly and smoothly.

How can PSP Angels help

PSP Angels Group is an independent payment consulting firm.

We understand the payment market and have a huge network of different banks and financial providers, so we can give?our?clients an accurate picture of all the different payment and banking options.

We know the payments market’s ever-changing risk appetite and licensing requirements, as well as what fees are currently offered. We help?our?clients make informative decisions about the possible options, prices and risks.

Within?our personalized payment consulting services, we set up an overall payment plan, help to move funds between countries, reduce real banking and payment risks, re-negotiate current fees to match the lower market rates, optimize tax and cash flow, and assist with the overall payment/banking setup.

Helping?our?clients to take their business globally, we explain what country uses which types of payment options and we also refer them to local payment providers for safer and cheaper banking and financial products. We have several partners who offer payment solutions, alternative payment methods, mobile payments, wallets, open banking, vouchers, crypto payments, chargeback and fraud tools, cashiers, and correspondent banks, based on individual circumstances and needs.

Our Cyprus?branch offers?various?fiduciary, accounting, taxation and audit services, where we assist companies not only during their operation, but also from incorporation, including company setup, licensing (office and personal setups, executive and non-executive directors, AML officers, lawyers, software providers, correspondent banks etc.)

Our Malta?branch offers?banking and payment consulting, aimed specifically for the iGaming and Gambling industry.

Via?our new Greek?branch, we now offer in mergers and acquisitions of financial licensed companies such as brokerages, crypto exchanges, banks, E-money institutions, small payment institutions, money service businesses insurance, and remittance companies, etc. globally

We also specialize in payment and financial evaluations on different projects to assist.

In 2023 PSP Angels won the Payment Consultants of the Year 2023 award by Acquisition International Magazine https://www.acquisition-international.com/winners/psp-angels-2/