What is the Match List?

The Match List, also known as the Terminated Merchant File (TMF) or the Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants (MATCH) system, is a database maintained by Mastercard. It contains information about businesses and their owners who have had their merchant accounts terminated for various reasons, such as excessive chargebacks, fraud, violations of card network rules, or illegal activities.

Merchant service providers, such as banks and payment processors, use the MATCH list as a reference to screen potential clients when they apply for a new merchant account. Being listed on the MATCH system can make it difficult for businesses to obtain a new merchant account, as many providers are hesitant to work with high-risk merchants or those with a history of issues.

If a business or its owner is on the MATCH list, they will need to resolve the underlying issues that led to the termination of their previous merchant account and demonstrate compliance with card network rules before they can be removed from the list and be considered for a new merchant account.