The MATCH list, also known as the Terminated Merchant File (TMF), is a database used in card acquiring to identify merchants that have been terminated for certain risk, fraud, compliance, or security reasons.
MATCH stands for Mastercard Alert To Control High-Risk Merchants. Mastercard describes MATCH Pro as a mandatory system for Mastercard acquirers, containing acquirer-reported information about certain terminated merchants and their owners.
In simple terms, the MATCH list helps acquirers and processors identify merchants that may require closer review before they are approved for card processing.
When an acquirer terminates a merchant relationship for a qualifying reason, it may be required to add the merchant, and sometimes related owners or principals, to MATCH.
The MATCH list is commonly checked during merchant onboarding and underwriting. PSPs, acquirers, payment facilitators, and processors use MATCH screening to understand whether a merchant or its owners have a previous termination record. If a match appears, the provider may ask for more information, reject the application, apply stricter conditions, or continue only after additional risk review.
A MATCH record does not automatically explain the full background of the case, but it signals that the merchant was previously terminated for a serious issue that needs review. This can make it harder for the merchant to open a new merchant account, especially with mainstream acquirers or low-risk payment providers.
Merchants may be added to MATCH for reasons connected to payment risk, fraud, compliance, or card network rules.
Common reasons can include:
The exact reason codes and listing rules are defined by Mastercard and acquiring requirements.
