MATCH List : A Real-Life “Burn” Notice for Merchants?

In Danger of Getting Added to the MATCH List? Here’s What to Do

For merchants, getting placed on the MATCH List (Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants) can be a nightmare. This Mastercard-managed database flags businesses that have had their merchant accounts terminated, making it extremely difficult to secure new credit card processing services. If you're on this list, it means acquiring banks see you as a high-risk merchant, which can put your business in jeopardy.

What Lands You on the MATCH List?

There are 14 specific reasons why a business might be added to the MATCH List. Some of the most common include:

? Excessive chargebacks – Surpassing chargeback thresholds set by payment networks.

? Excessive fraud – Too many fraudulent transactions relative to sales volume.

? PCI-DSS noncompliance – Failing to meet data security standards.

? Bankruptcy or insolvency – Business financial instability.

? Identity theft or fraud conviction – Fraudulent activity linked to the business or owner.

The issue? Many merchants don’t even know they’ve been added to the MATCH List until they attempt to open a new account and get rejected.

What Happens If You’re MATCHed?

Once you’re added, your information stays on the MATCH List for five years. During that time, traditional payment processors will likely deny your applications. If you still want to accept card payments, you’ll have to work with a high-risk merchant account provider, which often comes with:

?? Higher processing fees

? Stricter terms and reserve account requirements

?? Long-term contracts with early termination penalties

What Can You Do?

While removal is rare, you do have options:

Contact your previous processor – If you believe you were added in error, work with your old acquirer to correct it.

Find a high-risk payment processor – Some specialize in working with MATCH-listed merchants.

Adjust your business practices – Reduce chargebacks, comply with PCI-DSS, and implement fraud prevention tools.

Wait it out – If you can maintain clean processing practices, your listing will automatically expire after five years.

How to Avoid MATCH List Trouble

The best defense is prevention. Keep your chargeback ratio low, comply with industry regulations, and implement fraud detection tools. Proactively monitoring your merchant account status can help you avoid costly disruptions.

?? Have you ever dealt with MATCH List issues? How did you navigate them? Share your insights below!

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