Terminated Merchant Account / TMF / Match List

A system introduced and managed by MasterCard, MATCH is basically a database that keeps the entire information about businesses with terminated credit card processing privileges. All merchant processing banks or acquiring banks use this database in order to screen their potential applicants. It helps them find out whether or not an applying merchant has ever been terminated before. An acquiring bank having a proper justification can add and remove businesses to and from the Terminated Merchant File.

This list is maintained as a blacklist which is always accessible for acquiring banks that need to cross-check while taking on new merchants. This prevents them from getting into business with ineligible businesses. One of the major downsides to this system is that the information listed on the database is not verified or confirmed for accuracy by MasterCard itself. This, in a way, allows the acquiring banks to take decisions on their own, which often makes things difficult for merchants.

While the causes for being placed on the MATCH list may vary from merchant to merchant, the most common reasons are excessive chargebacks, money laundering, and participation in fraudulent activities. Although it was very easy for the banks to place merchants on the database in the past, MasterCard has now become stricter with them.
As per the new guidelines, acquiring banks are now required to give proper reason codes before adding anyone to the list. This has made it easier for merchants to check the table and find out the meanings of reason codes applied on them. For example, the code “01” refers to Account Data Compromise. Similarly, the codes “02” and “03” imply Common Point of Purchase (CPP) and Money Laundering, respectively.

When you getadded to the MATCH list as a merchant, all the details related to your business are recorded, including the company’s name, business type, head, and business partners. Once blackballed, you lose your eligibility to new merchant accounts. You may get a new merchant account with other banks, but it’s a very complicated process.

On finding a merchant applicant on the blacklist, a bank can ask the previous acquiring bank for an explanation as to why their account was terminated in the first place. After getting the information, it is totally up to the bank whether it wants to accept or decline the application. The bank can also offer a conditional permission based on definite terms and conditions, trying to prevent the same thing from happening in future.

The only way out after getting terminated is to seek help from the same acquiring bank that placed you on the list. The best way is to call the provider and explain your case as politely as possible. You may have to be patient while they put the line to the concerned person. After getting into contact with the right person, you can know the reason for your termination, as well as the best way to get off the list.

While acquiring banks often help terminated merchant get off, it may be impossible in certain situations. In case of fraudulent activities, for example. However, you can get time to correct your credit report if the reason for your termination was too many chargebacks.

There are only a few processing banks that support terminated merchants and approve them for new merchant accounts. If you are on the MATCH list and need a merchant account, you need to provide them with the exact and precise reasons for your termination. But since you may not find such a provider that easily, the best way is to try your best to avoid falling into the category of blacklisted merchants. Being blackballed not only affects your existing credit card processing services, but also makes it difficult to survive in the highly competitive corporate market!