Match List Merchant Account: TMF/MATCH List Merchant Accounts for Your Business

The Visa TMF (Terminated Merchant File) match list, also known as the MATCH list, is a database maintained by Visa that includes information about merchants who have been terminated or flagged for violating Visa's rules and regulations. When a merchant is added to the MATCH list, it signifies that they have had their merchant account terminated by a Visa acquirer due to specific reasons such as fraud, excessive credit card chargebacks, or violation of Visa's operating regulations. Any type of business can end up on the list, including businesses in high risk industries.

Being listed on the TMF match list can have significant consequences for a merchant. It can make it difficult for them to obtain new merchant accounts or payment processing services, as most acquiring banks and processors consult the list during their underwriting process. If a merchant is listed on the TMF match list, it's generally an indication to other bank and financial institutions that there may be increased risk associated with processing transactions for that merchant. It's important to note that the MATCH list is specific to Visa payments, and other payment networks may have similar lists with their own criteria and databases for terminated merchants. Merchants can end up on each networks' list, which can make it even more difficult to work with banks and financial institutions.

The Visa TMF (Terminated Merchant File) match list is a database maintained by Visa that contains information about merchants who have been terminated or flagged for violating Visa's rules and regulations for merchant payments. Being listed on the TMF match list can make it difficult for merchants to obtain new merchant accounts or payment processing services, as it signals to other bank or financial institutions that there may be increased risks associated with processing transactions for that merchant. Businesses can be added to the MATCH list for things like fraud, excessive chargebacks, and merchant collusion.

When a merchant is placed on the MATCH (Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants) list or TMF (Terminated Merchant File), it can have significant implications for their ability to obtain merchant accounts and payment processing services for their business. Here's what happens when your merchant account is placed on the MATCH list:

• Difficulty in Obtaining Merchant Accounts: Being listed on the MATCH or TMF list can make it challenging for a merchant to obtain new merchant accounts. Most acquiring banks and payment processors consult these merchant lists during their underwriting process to screen businesses. If a merchant's name appears on the list, it raises red flags and indicates a higher risk associated with processing transactions for that merchant. Consequently, many bank and financial institutions may be hesitant to provide them with payment processing services.
• Limited Processing Options: Merchants on the MATCH or TMF list may find their payment processing options severely restricted. It becomes challenging to find a reputable provider willing to take on the perceived risk associated with the merchant's business. This account limitation can impact their ability to accept credit card payments, potentially leading to loss of sales and negatively affecting their business activity.

It's important to note that being placed on the MATCH or TMF list typically occurs due to serious violations or breaches of the payment network's rules and regulations. Businesses can be placed on the MATCH list unknowingly, but list merchants often know when they are in violation. These merchant violations can include fraud, excessive chargebacks, unauthorized or illegal activities, or repeated non-compliance with the network's operating guidelines.

If a merchant believes they have been erroneously listed or wishes to dispute their placement on the list, they should contact the acquiring bank or payment processor responsible for reporting the information to the MATCH or TMF database and follow their specific dispute resolution process.

Merchants are placed on the MATCH (Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants) list for various reasons. The primary reasons for a merchant to be listed on the MATCH list include:

• Violation of Card Network Rules: Merchants may be added to the MATCH list if they are found to be in violation of the rules and regulations set by the credit card networks, such as Visa or Mastercard. These violations can include engaging in fraud, processing unauthorized transactions, or failing to comply with the network's operating guidelines.
• Excessive Chargebacks: Chargebacks occur when a customer disputes a credit card transaction and requests a refund from their issuing bank. Merchants who have a high volume of credit card chargebacks, indicating dissatisfaction or potential issues with their products, services, or customer service, can be placed on the MATCH list. Excessive chargebacks are seen as a risk indicator for bank and financial institutions.
• Unpaid Debt or Obligations: Merchants who have outstanding debts or business obligations to acquiring banks or payment processors may be added to the MATCH list. This could include situations where a merchant fails to pay processing fees or other financial liabilities related to their merchant account.
• Unauthorized or Illegal Activities: Engaging in unauthorized or illegal activities, such as processing credit card transactions for prohibited goods or services, can lead to a merchant being listed on the MATCH list. This includes activities like illegal gambling, illegal substances, or other illegal transactions.

It's important to note that being placed on the MATCH list is a serious matter for a merchant and can have significant implications for a merchant's ability to obtain payment processing services in the future. Acquiring banks and payment processors refer to the MATCH list to assess the risk associated with a merchant's business before approving or denying their application for a merchant account.

• Account Data Compromise
• Common Point of Purchase
• Laundering
• Excessive Chargebacks
• Excessive Fraud
• Unused
• Fraud Conviction
• Mastercard Questionable Merchant Audit Program
• Bankruptcy/Liquidation/Insolvency
• Violation of Standards
• Merchant Collusion
• PCI-DSS Non-compliance
• Illegal Transactions
• Identity Theft