Can You Actually Get Removed from the MATCH List?

The short answer: sometimes. The MATCH list (Mastercard Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants) is managed by Mastercard, but populated by acquiring banks — and only the bank that added you can remove you. This makes removal difficult, but not always impossible.

There are three realistic paths off the list: voluntary removal by your former acquirer, disputing an erroneous listing, or waiting out the five-year automatic expiration. Which path applies to you depends entirely on why you were listed.

Step 1: Find Out Why You Were Listed

MATCH has 14 reason codes. Your former processor is required to tell you why you were listed if you ask. Request this in writing. The reason code matters because:

  • Reason codes 1–9 (excessive chargebacks, fraud, money laundering, etc.) are the hardest to dispute — the acquirer listed you for cause
  • Reason code 10 (bankruptcy/liquidation) typically just requires proof that debts were settled
  • Reason code 12 (identity theft / misrepresentation) is the most winnable dispute — if someone fraudulently opened an account in your name
  • Reason codes 13–14 (illegal transactions, violations) are rarely overturned
Key Fact

MATCH listings automatically expire after 5 years from the date your account was terminated. If you’re approaching that window, waiting may be the most practical path.

Step 2: Contact Your Former Acquiring Bank

You cannot contact Mastercard directly to dispute a MATCH listing — you must go through the bank that added you. Find the acquirer’s risk department or compliance team, not customer service, and submit a formal written request for review.

Your letter should include: your merchant ID, the business name, the date of termination, your reason code, and the specific grounds for your dispute. Attach supporting documentation — chargeback rate reports showing improvement, evidence of resolved disputes, or identity theft documentation if applicable.

Be prepared: most banks ignore or deny first-contact requests. Follow up persistently and document every interaction.

Step 3: Dispute Erroneous Listings

If you believe you were listed incorrectly — for example, your chargeback rate was below the threshold that triggered listing, or the listing was the result of identity fraud — you have grounds to dispute. Under Mastercard rules, acquirers must remove inaccurate listings.

Grounds for a successful dispute include:

  • The chargeback or fraud ratio cited was actually within acceptable thresholds
  • The termination was for a non-MATCH reason (e.g., you closed the account voluntarily)
  • The business listed is not yours (identity theft or data error)
  • The listing contains factual errors about your business name, address, or owner information

Step 4: If Removal Fails — Process While Listed

Being on the MATCH list doesn’t mean you can never process payments again. It means standard acquiring banks won’t work with you. Several legitimate paths exist for MATCH-listed merchants:

  • Offshore acquiring banks operate outside U.S. card network requirements and are not bound by Mastercard’s MATCH rules
  • High-risk processors specializing in MATCH merchants — these do exist, though rates will be higher and reserves will be required
  • ACH and eCheck processing — not card-based, so MATCH is irrelevant
  • Cryptocurrency payment gateways — similarly outside card network scope

Processing while MATCH-listed requires full disclosure to any new processor. Attempting to hide a MATCH listing from a new acquirer is fraud and will result in additional industry bans.

Step 5: Build a Clean Processing History

If you secure a new processing arrangement, use the window before your MATCH listing expires to rebuild your record. Maintain chargebacks below 0.5%, implement fraud prevention tools, use chargeback alerts (Ethoca, Verifi), and document everything. A clean 2–3 year history with a new processor significantly improves your position when you re-apply with mainstream banks after the 5-year expiration.

What Daystar Can Do for MATCH-Listed Merchants

Daystar Payments works with businesses in exactly this situation. We have relationships with acquiring banks and offshore partners that specialize in MATCH-listed merchants, and we can help you continue processing while you work toward removal or expiration. We’ll also help you implement the chargeback controls that prevent a repeat listing.

Contact our team to discuss your specific situation — there’s almost always a path forward.