What the MATCH list is
MATCH (Merchant Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants) is a database maintained by Mastercard. It is used by authorized acquiring institutions as part of the merchant underwriting process.
A termination for cause can lead to a MATCH report under applicable network criteria. Information in a record is available to authorized participating institutions reviewing merchant applications.
MATCH is a risk-information system used in underwriting. A record does not by itself establish the outcome of a future application.
MATCH vs TMF
TMF (Terminated Merchant File) is historical terminology for the Mastercard merchant risk program. Existing recorded evidence also identifies MATCH Pro as an enhanced service within that program. This does not establish identical data fields, retention rules, or procedures across versions; confirm the applicable service and rules with the acquiring institution.
How merchants get listed
Merchants are added to the MATCH list by the acquiring bank that terminated their account. The reporting bank assigns a reason code explaining why the termination occurred.
Important characteristics of MATCH listings:
- •Advance-notice practices are not established by the recorded evidence; ask your processor or acquiring institution
- •The listing is triggered by the acquiring bank, not by the merchant
- •Mastercard requires acquiring banks to report certain termination events
- •How principal-owner information is recorded is not established by the available evidence; confirm with the reporting institution
- •Entries typically remain for five years from the date of placement, not the underlying event; confirm the applicable retention rules
MATCH reason codes
Reason codes identify the reported basis for a listing. The existing summaries below are not verified current definitions; ask your processor or acquiring institution to confirm the applicable code and meaning.
| Code | Reason |
|---|---|
| 01 | Account data compromise The merchant was involved in a payment card data breach or unauthorized data access. |
| 02 | Common points of purchase The merchant was identified as a common point where fraudulent cards were used. |
| 03 | Laundering The merchant was terminated for transaction laundering (processing payments for another undisclosed business). |
| 04 | Excessive chargebacks The merchant's chargeback rate exceeded the payment network's acceptable thresholds. |
| 05 | Excessive fraud The merchant generated excessive fraud activity as reported by the card network. |
| 07 | Fraud conviction A principal owner was convicted of a fraud-related crime. |
| 08 | Mastercard questionable merchant audit program The merchant was terminated as part of a network compliance program. |
| 09 | Bankruptcy / insolvency / liquidation The merchant filed for bankruptcy, was declared insolvent, or went into liquidation. |
| 10 | Violation of standards The merchant violated payment card network standards or rules. |
| 11 | Merchant collusion with fraud The merchant cooperated with or facilitated fraudulent activity. |
| 12 | PCI noncompliance The merchant was found to be in significant non-compliance with PCI DSS requirements. |
| 13 | Illegal transactions The merchant processed transactions for illegal goods or services. |
| 14 | Identity theft The merchant was involved in identity theft. |
Source: Mastercard published MATCH reason codes. Verify current codes directly with Mastercard documentation.
Impact on merchant applications
Authorized acquiring institutions use MATCH information during merchant underwriting. A listing can materially affect underwriting and account eligibility, but does not by itself establish an approval or decline.
A MATCH listing is not proof of a permanent inability to obtain processing. The prospective acquirer must assess the application under its requirements and applicable network rules. Merchants in this situation should:
- •Be transparent about MATCH status when applying; do not conceal or misrepresent a listing
- •Ask prospective acquiring institutions whether they can review the disclosed situation; do not assume approval
- •Higher pricing, reserves, additional documentation, or account restrictions are possible outcomes dependent on the prospective acquirer's underwriting decision
- •Address the underlying issue that caused the listing, if possible
- •Confirm the applicable retention rules with the reporting institution; do not assume removal on a precise date
What to verify before applying again
A MATCH listing does not provide enough information to predict an approval decision. Before submitting another application, document the listing reason, the business model you are applying under, and the processor-specific requirements that may affect the review. Ask prospective acquirers for written underwriting requirements and proposed account terms, including pricing, possible reserves, payout availability, contract restrictions, and termination conditions.
Prepare your application
Review documents and questions that can surface during higher-complexity underwriting.
Research higher-complexity providers
Start with published provider research, then confirm your own situation directly.
Understand processor restrictions
See how a provider-specific rejection can differ from a MATCH listing.
What to do if listed
If you suspect a MATCH listing, contact your processor or relevant acquiring institution to investigate. Merchants do not have direct public database access, and ProcessorFit does not conduct MATCH lookups. Consider the following steps:
Confirm the listing
Contact your processor or relevant acquiring institution. Request written confirmation of any disclosed listing information, reason code, reporting institution, placement date, and other relevant dates where available.
Understand the reason code
Ask the reporting institution to explain the code. Gather account termination notices, processor/acquirer correspondence, relevant transaction and dispute records, and documentation supporting any claimed factual error.
Assess whether the listing was correct
Compare the disclosed information with your records. Understand that the typical five-year retention period is not a guaranteed removal date, and be transparent in future applications.
If you believe it was an error, dispute it
The reporting acquiring institution is the primary contact for a suspected error. It may submit a correction request under applicable network rules. Timing and outcomes depend on the responsible institutions; correction or removal is not guaranteed.
Consult a qualified attorney
MATCH disputes and the implications for future processing involve legal and regulatory complexity. A qualified attorney experienced in payments law can help navigate the process.
What to do if incorrectly listed
If you believe you were listed on the MATCH database in error, consider these steps:
- 1.Contact the reporting acquiring institution as the primary contact. If you do not know which institution reported the listing, ask your processor to help identify it.
- 2.Present termination notices, correspondence, relevant transaction and dispute records, and documentation supporting your claim of a factual error.
- 3.Ask the reporting institution whether it can submit a correction request under the applicable network rules.
- 4.If the bank does not agree, consult a payments attorney about your options.
- 5.Ask the responsible institution and your attorney what review options apply. The recorded evidence does not establish a direct merchant appeal channel; correction and removal outcomes depend on applicable network rules and responsible institutions.
Not legal advice
ProcessorFit does not provide legal advice. The MATCH dispute process involves legal and regulatory considerations. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Next steps
Related pages
Methodology & sources
Sources checked
- Mastercard MATCH program documentation, checked July 2026
- ProcessorFit research interpretation based on public provider documentation
Verification note
MATCH program rules, dispute procedures, listing criteria, and retention periods are governed by Mastercard's program documentation, which is subject to change. Consult a qualified attorney for MATCH-related disputes or removal requests.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. MATCH list disputes involve legal complexity — consult a qualified attorney. ProcessorFit does not guarantee approval or eligibility with any provider and does not advise on methods to evade underwriting review.
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