What are the Match / TMF File and how is it used?
The Match / TMF file is when a merchant fails to comply or honor the terms and conditions of the merchant credit card acceptance agreement. When this happens the merchant service provider or acquiring bank can report the information regarding the merchants business practices on the, "MATCH" file database. This database is used by acquiring banks to identify the merchants and principals who were terminated of the merchant account. It is also considered the card payment industries, "BLACKLIST." MasterCard and Visa hold the acquiring banks accountable for the credit card transactions that flow through your merchant processing account. Once chargeback levels increase and / or suspicious activity occurs, it is critical for business owners to resolve the matter immediately. If the issues are not resolved immediately the acquiring bank will have not choice but to terminate the merchant account and place the information on the owner and business on the "MATCH" list.
If my merchant account has been terminated, will this prevent me from obtaining a new merchant account?
Banks use the, "MATCH" to help assess their risk in opening merchant accounts. If the risk of opening a merchant account exceeds the bank's risk tolerance, the merchant application will likely be declined.
If my business is on the, "MATCH FILE" and I believe my business should not be on there, how do I get my business removed from the "MATCH" list?
We partnerships with top attorneys in the industry! They have extensive experience in helping merchants with removing their business from the, "MATCH" / Terminated Merchant File.
How can I avoid getting on the "MATCH" list?
Here are several ways to try to keep you business of the, "MATCH" list. Correcting the cause of consumer disputes, chargeback's and suspicious activity is a less expensive but, will have you facing the probability of being placed on the, "MATCH" list. Termination and listing can cost you your business. Here are several ways to try to keep you business of the, "MATCH" list.
IT ALL BEGINS WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE
Correct the cause of consumer disputes, chargeback's and suspicious activity. Relying on chargeback's to handle this will have you facing the probability of being placed on the, "MATCH" list. Termination of your merchant account and listing the business and principals information can cost you your business. Make sure there is a customer service number that will appear on your customer's credit card statement. Follow up with your customers; make phone calls, e-mail and newsletters always works. Stay in contact with your customers. Always provide exceptional customer service and treat your customers with the highest respect possible. Respond to your customers quickly with accurate information.
FOLLOW THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF YOUR MERCHANT AGREEMENT
Do not go over your authorized maximum ticket or your monthly processing sales / allowance without asking in advance for permission from your merchant service provider.
STAY AWAY FROM Money Laundering
Merchant deposited transactions that were generated by a different business. This is a violation of MasterCard and Visa rules and regulations. Merchant accounts are only authorized for your specific category of business and must not be used for others. Do not do your friend a, "favor" by collecting his money using your merchant account; this can cost you your merchant account.
KEEP YOUR CHARGEBACKS LOW
Chargeback's are a major industry problem and hurt all businesses. High chargeback's is anything that is more than 1% of the total sales volume. Increased chargeback's indicates risk exposure of the merchant, and can cause the merchant account to be terminated and to be placed on the, "MATCH" list.
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