In practice
When an acquirer terminates a merchant for a reason listed in Mastercard's rules, such as excessive chargebacks, fraud or a rules violation, it reports the merchant and its principals to MATCH. Other acquirers query the database during onboarding. The full guide explains how records are added and corrected.
Common confusion
MATCH is not a public blacklist or a credit report, and a record does not by itself decide approval. It informs the acquirer's underwriting decision.
Frequently asked questions
What does MATCH stand for?
Mastercard Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants.
Who can see MATCH records?
Acquirers participating in the system, for onboarding and risk purposes. It is not a public database.