Reason codes / MATCH codes / MATCH 3: Laundering
MATCH code 3: Laundering
Official definition and what it means for your removal request.
Definition
The Merchant was engaged in laundering activity. Laundering means that a Merchant presented to its Acquirer Transaction records that were not valid Transactions for sales of goods or services between that Merchant and a bona fide Cardholder.
What this means in plain language
This refers to misreported payment activity: transactions were submitted that did not reflect genuine sales to real customers. The scheme is saying your records didn’t match real commerce—sometimes called “laundering” in card-industry wording—not necessarily cash laundering in the criminal-law sense alone.
What you can do
If you were listed under MATCH code 3, you can submit a formal removal request to the PSP or acquirer that added you. They will review your case (cause, remediation, corrective actions) and, if satisfied, can request removal from the MATCH list. We help you draft and submit that request. See MATCH list removal and all MATCH and VMSS reason codes.
Removal guides by PSP
The approach to removal depends on which PSP or acquirer listed you. See our PSP-specific guides: