The "MATCH File"

Master Card International maintains a database file of merchant companies and their principals whose merchant processing accounts have been terminated for any of many different specific reasons. 

This database was formerly known and referred to as the Terminated Merchant File or "TMF."  This file is used by Merchant Account Providers to identify specific merchants and principals who have already been terminated.  Once a merchant is on this list it is highly unlikely that future merchant account applications will be approved.  The "TMF", or MATCH list, is essentially a BLACKLIST from which it is almost impossible to ever be removed.  There is, however, the possibility of a Second Chance at a new merchant account:

"Second Chance" Match File Accounts Inquiry Form

As described above the MATCH list is a database of merchant companies and their principals (owners) by names, SS#'s, and more.  Virtually all providers of credit card merchant accounts check this list when they receive a new application for merchant status.  I have not heard of ANY applications being approved if the company and/or the principals were listed in the MATCH (TMF) database.  Only a fool would not take this very seriously.

Learn The Secret Of The Match File

Note: NOT ALL terminated merchant accounts are placed on the MATCH file list. 

Excessive number of counterfeit sales.  (Counterfeit is false, not a real sale.) Don't do any testing, such  charges and cancellations may cause the loss of your account.  All account activity must be legitimate.

Fraudulent activity as determined by an investigation.  This can be done by merchant bank (acquirer) or can be learned from Visa USA or Master Card International

 Merchant convicted of credit card fraud.

Merchant submitted unauthorized credit card charges, most often of the recurring variety. Never submit an unauthorized charge, never.

Excessive chargebacks. This is the most common reason for termination.  This is the result of poor or unethical (dishonest) merchant business practices.

"Laundering": Merchant deposited transactions that were generated by a different business.  This may seem innocent, but it is a violation of Visa and Master Card rules.  Merchant accounts are authorized for a specific category of service or product and must not be used for others.  Do not do your friend a "favor" by collecting his money using your merchant account, the consequences can be disastrous.

Violation of your merchant agreement.  The merchant bank (acquirer) determines that certain serious violations of the merchant agreement could result in increased loss exposure to itself or the credit card community.  Get familiar with your Merchant Agreement and follow the rules.  Ignorance is no excuse.

Do not underestimate the value of your Merchant account.  Not being able to accept credit cards can block your financial prosperity on or off the Internet.  Successful businesses can become overnight failures.  Take this VERY seriously.

Here are some additional guidelines:

Do not go over your officially authorized maximum ticket without permission from your Merchant Processor.  Likewise, do not exceed your authorized monthly maximum sales without advanced permission from your Merchant Processor (acquirer).

Provide your customers with timely and accurate debit information.  Be sure that it is easy for them to reach you with any of their questions, concerns or complaints. 

Make sure you have a Customer Support phone number appearing on your customers' monthly statements.  If they don't recognize your debit they should call you FIRST before they mistakenly deny the charge.  This can head off unnecessary charge backs to your account and help keep your account out of trouble.

Stay in touch with your customers using any means available.  Send E-mail, make phone calls, send newsletters.  The more they know you the better they will feel about you and your business.  Be Sure To Provide GREAT customers service.  Give them service equal to or better than the service that YOU would like to receive yourself.

  Be friendly and courteous in all regards.  Always put the customer first.  Show them how they may save money or save time.  Make good suggestions as though you were a member of their family. 

  Don't be short-sighted.  Consider your business a long-term enterprise.  Make your long term goals more important than quick short term profits that will benefit you more than your customer.

Worst Case Scenario

You did something, perhaps out of ignorance, and are now on the TMF .. Terminated Merchant File, the MATCH file.  Without special help you will probably not ever be able to get off this list, but you may be able to get a new merchant account anyhow.  My best suggestion is that you click the following link: 

"Second Chance" Match File Accounts Inquiry Form

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Learn The Secret Of The Match File

 
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