MATCH list

Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants (MATCH) list serves as a database maintained by payment containing information about merchants and their principals who have been terminated from card acceptance programs due to excessive , , or other violations of merchant agreements. This risk management tool protects the payment ecosystem by preventing high-risk merchants from simply switching processors to continue problematic business practices that could harm and the broader payment network.

The operational framework of the MATCH list involves automatic screening processes where and check potential merchants against the database before approving new accounts. Listed individuals and businesses face significant barriers to obtaining new merchant services, as their inclusion signals previous compliance failures or risk management concerns that could expose new providers to financial liability and regulatory scrutiny.

The impact of MATCH list inclusion extends beyond immediate payment processing restrictions, affecting business operations, cash flow management, and growth opportunities for affected merchants. Organizations can petition for removal after demonstrating compliance improvements and risk mitigation measures, though the process requires substantial documentation and often involves waiting periods that recognize the serious nature of the violations that led to initial listing.