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Navigating the Maze of TMF and MATCH Listings: A Lifeline for Merchants

  • Writer: Greg Berard
    Greg Berard
  • Oct 30, 2023
  • 2 min read

Introduction:


The Terminated Merchant File (TMF) and Member Alert to Control High-risk Merchants (MATCH) listings are dreaded terms in the merchant services industry. Being listed can make it incredibly difficult to secure a merchant account, but it's not the end of the road. In this blog post, we'll explore what these listings mean and how PaymentsDoctor.com can help you find banks willing to work with you on a case-by-case basis.


What Are TMF and MATCH Listings?

Terminated Merchant File (TMF)

  • What It Is: A database that contains information about businesses and owners whose merchant accounts have been terminated.

  • Why It Matters: Being on this list can make it challenging to open a new merchant account.

MATCH List

  • What It Is: Managed by Mastercard, the MATCH list is a more comprehensive database that includes merchants who have had their accounts terminated for various reasons, including fraud.

  • Why It Matters: Like the TMF, being on the MATCH list can severely limit your options for payment processing.

The Implications of Being Listed

  • Limited Options: Many acquiring banks will refuse to work with merchants who are on these lists.

  • Higher Fees: If you do find a bank willing to work with you, expect higher processing fees.

  • Reputational Damage: Being listed can harm your business reputation, making it difficult to form partnerships.

There's Still Hope: Case-by-Case Basis

Specialized Banks

  • Some banks specialize in high-risk merchant accounts and are willing to work with businesses on these lists.

Individual Assessment

  • These banks often assess the risk associated with your business individually, rather than making a blanket decision based on the TMF or MATCH listing.

PaymentsDoctor.com Can Help

  • At PaymentsDoctor.com, we have extensive experience helping merchants navigate the complexities of TMF and MATCH listings. We can connect you with banks that are willing to work with you on a case-by-case basis.

Conclusion

Being on the TMF or MATCH list is undoubtedly challenging, but it's not insurmountable. With the right guidance and partnerships, you can find a payment processing solution that meets your needs. PaymentsDoctor.com specializes in helping high-risk or "misunderstood risk" merchants find real partners for payments, even if you're on one of these lists.


Additional Resources

For more personalized guidance on navigating TMF and MATCH listings, contact us at PaymentsDoctor.com.

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