Frequently asked questions
Common questions about MATCH, VMSS, and how the removal process works.
What is MATCH / VMSS?
MATCH (Mastercard Alert to Control High-risk Merchants) and VMSS (Visa Merchant Screening Service) are industry databases maintained by Mastercard and Visa respectively. They record merchants whose accounts have been terminated for risk-related reasons such as excessive chargebacks, fraud, or policy violations. When a payment service provider or acquirer terminates a merchant account under qualifying conditions, they are required to report that merchant to MATCH or VMSS. A listing on either database can severely restrict your ability to open a new merchant account with most acquirers and payment processors worldwide, because those providers check these databases during onboarding.
How long do you stay on the MATCH or VMSS list?
A MATCH listing typically remains active for five years from the date it was added. A VMSS listing also remains for up to five years. However, a listing can be removed before that period expires if the original acquirer who placed the listing submits a formal removal request to Mastercard or Visa and it is approved. This is why submitting a well-prepared removal request as early as possible is important — every month on the list is a month where opening new payment processing is significantly harder.
How do I know if I am on MATCH or VMSS?
You cannot check the MATCH or VMSS databases directly as a merchant — access is restricted to acquirers and payment service providers. The most common way merchants discover they are listed is when a new PSP or bank declines their merchant account application and mentions MATCH or VMSS as the reason. You can also contact the PSP that terminated your account and ask them directly whether they submitted a MATCH or VMSS report. If you received a termination notice, review it carefully for references to Mastercard MATCH or Visa VMSS.
Who put me on the MATCH or VMSS list?
Only the acquirer or payment service provider that terminated your merchant account can add you to MATCH or VMSS. Mastercard and Visa themselves do not add merchants directly — it is always the reporting acquirer. The most straightforward way to find out is to contact the PSP that terminated your account and ask whether they submitted a MATCH or VMSS report and under which reason code. If you have worked with multiple PSPs, any one of them could be the reporting party.
Can you guarantee removal?
No. The decision to remove a listing rests entirely with the original acquirer who placed it, and ultimately with Mastercard or Visa. We cannot guarantee that a removal request will be approved, and no legitimate service can make that promise. What we can do is help you prepare the most credible, structured, and professionally worded request possible — one that directly addresses the reason code, demonstrates genuine remediation, and speaks the language that PSP risk teams expect. A well-prepared request materially improves your chances compared to an informal or incomplete one.
Who sends the removal request?
We draft and submit the removal request to your PSP or acquirer on your behalf. The request is addressed to the risk or compliance department of the acquirer that listed you. That risk team then performs an internal review and communicates the outcome to you directly. We act as an independent submission service — we are not affiliated with Mastercard, Visa, or any card network. You remain responsible for the accuracy of the information you provide, and the final decision on removal rests with the acquirer.
How does the process work?
You complete our step-by-step questionnaire, providing details about your business, the listing, the root cause, and the corrective actions you have taken. We use that information to draft a tailored, professionally structured removal request letter. Once you complete payment, we submit the letter to your PSP's risk team. The risk team then reviews the request and contacts you with their decision. The entire drafting and submission process typically takes less than an hour on your side.
What documents are typically required?
The supporting evidence expected varies by PSP and by the MATCH or VMSS reason code that applies to your listing. Commonly requested items include updated refund and return policies, evidence of improved chargeback or dispute ratios, PCI DSS compliance certificates, customer support process documentation, proof of identity and business registration, and any audits or third-party assessments you have undergone. Our questionnaire includes an attachment section where you can link to or describe the evidence you have, so the request letter can reference it appropriately.
What happens if my removal request is rejected?
If the acquirer declines your removal request, it does not mean you are permanently listed. You can gather additional evidence, address the specific objections raised by the risk team, and submit a revised request after a reasonable interval. Some acquirers provide written reasons for a rejection, which can guide improvements to the next submission. In some cases, merchants explore legal avenues if they believe a listing was incorrect or unjustified. The five-year listing period also has a natural end date, after which the listing expires automatically.
Can I get a new merchant account while listed on MATCH or VMSS?
It is very difficult but not always impossible. Most mainstream acquirers and PSPs screen applicants against MATCH and VMSS and will decline anyone with an active listing. Some specialist high-risk acquirers may still onboard listed merchants, often at significantly higher fees or with additional conditions. The practical reality is that being on MATCH or VMSS severely limits your processing options and increases costs, which is why removal is generally the most important commercial priority for any listed merchant.
Can I be on both MATCH and VMSS at the same time?
Yes. A merchant can be listed on both MATCH (Mastercard) and VMSS (Visa) simultaneously, either from the same termination event or from separate incidents. This can happen if your acquirer processes both Mastercard and Visa and reports the termination to both networks, or if different acquirers report you to different networks at different times. In that case, separate removal requests need to be submitted for each listing, as the two databases are maintained independently.
How much does it cost?
We charge a one-time flat fee per submission. There are no recurring charges, no hidden fees, and no additional cost if a revised submission is required due to new information you provide. The fee covers drafting the removal request letter, submission to your PSP's risk team, and access to the completed document. You can see the current fee on our checkout page before committing.
Can I submit the removal request myself without using your service?
Yes — there is no rule that prevents you from contacting your acquirer directly and submitting a removal request yourself. However, acquirer risk teams review many requests and respond most favourably to those that are structured, professionally written, address the specific reason code, and demonstrate credible remediation. A poorly prepared or informal request is unlikely to succeed and may make subsequent attempts harder. Our service exists to help you prepare a request that meets the standard risk teams expect.
Does a MATCH or VMSS listing affect my personal credit score?
No. MATCH and VMSS are payment industry risk databases used by acquirers and PSPs — they are completely separate from credit reference agencies such as Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. A MATCH or VMSS listing does not appear on a personal or business credit report and does not directly affect your credit score. The impact is specifically on your ability to obtain and retain merchant accounts for card payment processing.
Submit a removal request?
We help you draft a structured MATCH / VMSS removal request and submit it to your PSP / Acquirer.
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