Glossary
MATCH (Member Alert to Control High-risk Merchants) List
The MATCH list, which stands for "Member Alert to Control High-risk Merchants," is a database used by payment processors and acquiring banks to identify merchants whose accounts have been terminated due to high-risk activities. This list is maintained to provide a warning system for financial institutions about businesses that have previously posed a significant risk in terms of financial conduct. The reasons for inclusion on the MATCH list can include excessive fraud, high levels of chargebacks, bankruptcy filings, or involvement in illegal activities.
Inclusion on the MATCH list is a significant hurdle for any business in the payment processing ecosystem. It serves as a critical tool for financial institutions to manage risk but can be detrimental to businesses that find themselves listed. As such, it's important for merchants to understand the terms of their merchant agreements fully and to engage in practices that mitigate risks associated with chargebacks and fraud.