The short answer
MATCH is Mastercard's database of merchants terminated for cause. Placement lasts five years and makes obtaining a new merchant account extremely difficult across all acquirers. Common reasons include excessive chargebacks, fraud, laundering and violating card-brand rules.
How placement happens
The terminating acquirer adds you, usually without a formal hearing. You are entitled to know the reason code. Merchants frequently discover placement only when the next application is declined.
Getting removed
Only the acquirer that placed you can remove you. If placement was in error, contact them in writing with evidence and escalate to Mastercard if refused. Meanwhile, high-risk specialists sometimes underwrite MATCH-listed merchants at higher cost.
Key takeaways
- Placement lasts five years across all acquirers
- Only the placing acquirer can remove an entry
- Managing your chargeback ratio is the practical prevention
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