Caught on the MATCH List? What It Means for Your Business and How to Get Off of It

Navigating the world of merchant accounts can take time and effort. For small businesses and high-risk merchants, understanding the MATCH list’s intricacies is crucial. 

This mysterious list, maintained by credit card companies, can profoundly impact your business's ability to process payments. 

In this blog, we’ll demystify the MATCH list, explain its significance, and provide actionable strategies to help you get off it. We’ll also discuss how a MATCH list merchant account can help. 

Unraveling the Mystery of the MATCH List

The MATCH list, or Member Alert to Control High-Risk, is a database that major credit card companies maintain, including Visa and Mastercard. 

It serves as a kind of "blacklist" for businesses deemed high-risk. Obtaining merchant services can become challenging if your company is on this list. Understanding why you might end up on this list is the first step in finding a solution.

Typically, businesses are added to the MATCH list due to excessive chargebacks, fraud, or violations of payment processing regulations. 

High-risk industries, such as travel, gambling, or adult entertainment, are often more susceptible to being flagged. It’s essential to recognize that being on this list doesn't mean your business is doomed—it simply indicates areas that need attention.

Knowing about the MATCH list and its implications is crucial for small businesses and high-risk merchants. It can affect your ability to obtain new merchant accounts and sometimes cause existing accounts to be terminated.

Knowledge is power, and understanding how the MATCH list works can help you take proactive measures.

The Impact of the MATCH List on Your Business

Being on the MATCH list can feel like a dark cloud hanging over your business. 

It directly impacts your ability to secure a merchant account, which is vital for accepting credit card payments. 

Without this capability, your business may struggle to compete in today’s digital marketplace.

When on the MATCH list, banks and payment processors view your business as a potential risk. This perception can lead to higher fees, stricter terms, or outright denial of services. 

It’s important to understand that while the MATCH list poses challenges, it’s not the end of the road for your business.

One of the most significant impacts of being on the MATCH list is its limitation on expanding your customer base. 

Without the ability to process payments smoothly, customers might turn to competitors who offer more convenient payment options. Addressing the issues that led to your inclusion on the list is essential for regaining control.

Recognizing the Red Flags: Why do Businesses End up on the MATCH List?

Understanding why a business might find itself on the MATCH list can help prevent such situations and address any underlying issues. 

Here are some common reasons:

• High Chargeback Ratios: Many chargebacks can indicate fraud or customer dissatisfaction, making businesses appear risky to banks and payment processors.
• Frequent Merchant Account Violations: Repeated violations of merchant account agreements, such as unauthorized transaction types or failure to comply with specific terms, can lead to listing.
• Suspicious Activity: Any unusual or potentially fraudulent activity noted by payment processors can trigger a review and possible listing.
• Business Model Considerations: Certain high-risk industries (e.g., adult services, travel, or subscription services) are more likely to be scrutinized, leading to inclusion on the list due to inherent risk factors.
• Negative Publicity: Legal issues, public complaints, or negative press coverage can adversely affect a business's reputation and lead to being flagged.
• Poor Financial Practices: Inadequate financial management, such as inconsistent cash flow or high debt levels, can raise red flags for financial institutions.

10 Steps to Remove Your Business from the MATCH List

Removing your business from the MATCH list can be challenging, but it is achievable with a systematic approach. 

Follow these comprehensive steps to assist you in regaining your merchant account privileges:

1. Obtain Your MATCH List Report

Request a copy of the report from the relevant payment processors or acquiring banks. This document will detail the reasons for your listing and provide insight into the issues that must be addressed.

2. Identify the Issues

Carefully review the report to pinpoint why your business was placed on the list. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing an effective remediation strategy.

3. Develop a Remediation Plan

Create a detailed plan outlining how to address each issue identified in the report. This may include improving internal processes, enhancing customer service protocols, or adjusting your pricing structure. Include measurable goals and timelines in your plan.

4. Implement Changes

Act on your remediation plan promptly. This can involve training staff, introducing new policies, and improving operational processes to mitigate chargebacks or compliance issues.

5. Gather Supporting Documentation

Compile documentation that demonstrates the corrective actions taken. This may include training manuals, revised policies, customer service records, or any evidence of improvements in financial practices.

6. Contact Your Acquiring Bank or Payment Processor

Reach out to your acquiring bank or the payment processor that placed you on the MATCH list. Provide them with a detailed explanation of your remediation efforts and the supporting documentation you’ve gathered.

7. Request a Review

Formally request a review of your status on the MATCH list. Be persistent but professional in your communication, reiterating your commitment to maintaining high compliance standards and customer satisfaction.

8. Monitor Your Progress

After submitting your request, stay in regular contact with your payment processor or acquiring bank to monitor the status of your application. Be prepared for additional questions or further documentation requests.

9. Be Patient

The review process can take time, so remain patient. Continue to maintain excellent business practices during this period to demonstrate your commitment to compliance.

10. Consider Professional Help

If the process becomes overwhelming or you face substantial challenges, consider consulting with a payment processing expert or legal advisor specializing in merchant services. They can provide guidance and advocate for your business if necessary.

By diligently following these steps, you can improve your chances of successfully removing your business from the MATCH list and regaining access to crucial payment processing services.

Exploring Alternative Payment Solutions

While your business is on the MATCH list, traditional payment processors may hesitate to work with you. However, there are alternative solutions that can help you continue accepting payments. Third-party payment processors and high-risk merchant service providers often specialize in working with businesses facing similar challenges.

These providers understand the unique needs of high-risk merchants and can offer tailored solutions to help you manage payments effectively. While the fees may be higher than traditional processors, these services provide a lifeline for businesses striving to rebuild their reputation and improve their standing.

It's essential to thoroughly research and vet these alternative providers before entering any agreement. Look for reputable companies with a track record of working with businesses like yours. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from industry peers can help you make informed decisions.

Rebuilding Trust and Reputation

Getting off the MATCH list is not just about fixing operational issues; it's also about rebuilding trust with customers and payment processors. Communicate openly with your customers about the steps you're taking to improve their experience and address any concerns they may have.

Enhancing your online presence and maintaining active communication on social media can help showcase your commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and testimonials, which can counterbalance any negative perceptions of being on the MATCH list.

Consistency is vital when it comes to rebuilding trust. Continuously monitor your business operations, address any emerging issues promptly, and maintain a high level of transparency with both customers and partners. Over time, these efforts will contribute to restoring your business's reputation.

How to Stay off the MATCH List in the Future

To avoid placement on the MATCH list, businesses should implement the following strategies:

• Maintain Compliance: Ensure all payment processing activities comply with industry regulations and standards. Regular training for staff on compliance matters can mitigate risks.
• Regular Operations Review: Conduct frequent audits of business operations, focusing on areas that may attract scrutiny from payment processors. Address any potential issues before they escalate.
• Effective Customer Service: Implement a responsive customer service approach to resolve complaints swiftly. A timely resolution can prevent disputes and chargebacks.
• Transparent Communication: Keep clear communication channels open with customers regarding policies and any issues that may arise. Transparency builds trust and reduces the likelihood of disputes.
• Monitor Chargebacks: Actively track and analyze chargeback patterns. Implement strategies to reduce chargebacks, such as enhancing product descriptions and improving order fulfillment processes.
• Positive Payment History: Work towards building a positive history with payment processors. Consistently meeting obligations and addressing issues proactively can help retain a good standing.
• Educate and Train Staff: Provide ongoing education and training for employees on best practices for transactions and customer interactions, ensuring they understand the importance of maintaining compliance and quality service.

By proactively adopting these measures, businesses can prevent future placement on the MATCH list and foster long-term relationships with payment processors.

SeamlessChex is Here to Provide MATCH List Merchant Accounts

Navigating the complexities of the MATCH list may seem daunting, but with the right strategies and mindset, your business can overcome these challenges. 

By understanding the reasons for your inclusion and taking proactive steps to address them, you're already on the path to recovery.

Remember, being on the MATCH list doesn't define your business's future. 

Here at SeamlessChex, we provide MATCH list merchant accounts. Contact our team today to learn more about our solutions and how we can help you.