MATCH List and Terminated Merchant File (TMF)
The TMF or MATCH List is a file maintained by Visa that contains the names and contact information of merchants who have been terminated by their acquirer. The Match List is a corresponding file maintained by MasterCard. Both files are used by card issuers to help prevent fraud by blocking transactions from these merchants. Why Am I on the MATCH List ? If you are a merchant and you have been terminated by your acquirer, it is likely that you will end up on the MATCH List. Acquirers are required to report terminations to Visa (for the TMF) and MasterCard (for the Match List), and these reports typically happen within 30 days of the termination. Once you are on the MATCH List, it can be very difficult to get removed. The process for removal is different for each card network, and even if you are successful in getting removed from one file, you may still be listed on the other. What Are the Consequences of Being on the MATCH List ? Being on the MATCH List can have a number of conseque