How the MATCH List Impacts Your Business's Reputation

Getting on the MATCH List might feel like a significant roadblock for businesses that rely on payment processing. 

But what exactly is the MATCH List, and why does it matter so much? 

Whether you're a business owner or a marketing professional working with clients, understanding how the MATCH List impacts reputation is essential for managing payment challenges and maintaining customer trust in the face of customer demands.

This guide will help you understand the MATCH List, how it could affect your business, and—most importantly—how to stay off it. 

Plus, we’ll share actionable strategies to rebuild your reputation if your business does end up on the list.

What is the MATCH List?

The MATCH List, also known as the "Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants" List, is a database maintained by Mastercard. This database identifies businesses that banks and payment processors consider high-risk. 

When a business is placed on the MATCH List, acquiring a merchant account or processing payments becomes significantly more difficult.

Payment processors and acquiring banks reference the MATCH List before approving new merchant accounts. If your business is on the list, it's flagged as a high-risk entity, which can heavily influence a processor's decision to work with you.

Being listed can feel like a setback, but it's important to remember that it isn't permanent or inevitable. With proper strategies, businesses can mitigate the risk and manage this challenge effectively.

How Being on the MATCH List Impacts Your Business

Being placed on the MATCH List has broad implications for your company’s operations and reputation. 

Here’s how it can affect your business:

1. Restricted Payment Processing Options

Once your business is listed, acquiring banks and payment processors will likely deny you merchant accounts, making it harder to accept credit card or online payments. You may be forced to rely on alternative payment solutions, often with higher fees and less flexibility.

2. Damaged Reputation

Being on the MATCH List serves as a warning signal to banks and payment processors. It labels your business as a higher financial risk, which may raise suspicion among investors, partners, and even customers.

3. Higher Fees and Costs

If you find a payment processor willing to work with your business while on the MATCH List, expect to face increased fees or less favorable terms due to the added risk for the processor.

4. Fewer Growth Opportunities

The inability to easily process payments can directly strain your business’s ability to grow. Cash flow disruptions and limited payment options might deter customers and hinder expansion plans.

How Businesses Get on the MATCH List

Understanding what causes businesses to be added to the MATCH List can help you avoid these risks. 

Common reasons include:

• High Chargeback Rates. A high volume of chargebacks signals to processors that a business might not handle payments reliably.

• Fraudulent Activity. Any suspicion or evidence of fraud—or failure to detect it—can lead to MATCH List placement.

• PCI Non-Compliance. Failing to comply with Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards can result in being flagged.

• Bankruptcies. Filing for bankruptcy can raise financial concerns and land you on the list.

• Breach of Contract. Violating terms set by a payment processor can also trigger your inclusion.

Each of these factors is a warning sign for processors, increasing their perceived risk of working with a business.

How to Avoid Being Placed on the MATCH List

Proactive steps can protect your business and keep it off the MATCH List. 

Consider these strategies:

1. Monitor Chargebacks Regularly

Keep chargeback rates as low as possible. Review credit card disputes quickly and resolve customer issues early to reduce chargeback volume.

2. Implement Robust Fraud Prevention

Use fraud detection and prevention tools, such as address verification systems (AVS) and CVV checks, to prevent problematic transactions before they occur.

3. Maintain PCI Compliance

Invest in PCI-compliant software and follow best practices for handling customer payment information securely.

4. Maintain Clear Policies

Draft clear refund, cancellation, and customer service policies to reduce potential disputes. Transparency builds trust and lowers chargeback risk.

5. Work With Trusted Partners

Collaborate with reliable payment processors that prioritize fraud prevention and compliance.

By taking these measures, you can minimize your chances of being flagged and maintain a positive relationship with your payment processor.

Getting Off the MATCH List

If your business is already on the MATCH List, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to remove yourself and rebuild trust.

1. Identify the Reason for Placement

Understand why you were added to the list. Request details from your processor or Mastercard to address the primary issue.

2. Resolve the Issue

Take corrective action, whether it’s updating compliance protocols, disputing inaccuracies, or covering outstanding chargebacks. Demonstrating change is crucial for removal.

3. Work With High-Risk Processors

Some payment processors specialize in working with high-risk businesses. These processors can help you continue operations while you work on resolving the MATCH List status.

4. Request Removal

Once the issue is fully resolved, communicate with the acquiring bank or processor that placed you on the list. They are responsible for submitting a removal request to Mastercard.

5. Rebuild Reputation Gradually

Being removed from the MATCH List does not automatically restore trust. Use measures like customer testimonials, financial audits, and transparent communication to show partners and banks you’ve rebuilt a stable foundation.

Take Control of Your Business Reputation

The MATCH List can feel overwhelming, but with proper measures, clear policies, and proactive strategies, you can protect your reputation and manage financial risks. 

The key is understanding the system, avoiding mistakes that trigger placement, knowing how to recover if it happens, and identifying match list merchant account providers who can help you thrive, no matter what. 

For more guidance on securing your business’s payment processing future, contact our team today to learn more about our strategies and how we can help you.