MATCH list removal / Square
MATCH list removal through Square
If Square terminated your merchant account and added you to the MATCH list, Square is the only party that can submit a removal request to Mastercard. This guide explains what Square looks for, how to approach their risk team, and what a strong request looks like.
Why Square adds merchants to MATCH
Square operates as both a payment facilitator and an acquirer, which means it carries responsibility under Mastercard's rules to report certain merchant terminations to MATCH. Common Square-related MATCH situations include:
- Excessive chargebacks — dispute ratios exceeding Mastercard's thresholds (MATCH code 4).
- Fraud — fraudulent transactions or misuse of the Square platform (MATCH code 5).
- Prohibited business activity — selling items restricted under Square's seller agreement (often codes 10 or 13).
- Identity or onboarding misrepresentation — inaccurate business details provided at sign-up (MATCH code 14).
Your Square deactivation notice will typically reference the reason. For official definitions, see our MATCH reason codes.
What Square's risk team looks for
Square's risk and compliance team reviews removal requests against several criteria. Your request needs to credibly address each of these:
- Root cause — a clear, honest account of what caused the listing. Vague or evasive answers will not move the review forward.
- What changed — specific operational, technical, or policy changes you made to fix the underlying issue.
- Evidence — supporting documentation such as updated terms, lower dispute data, new fulfilment processes, or compliance certifications.
- No recurrence — a credible explanation of why the same issue will not arise again.
Square's risk analysts process a high volume of requests. A structured, specific letter that addresses all of the above—rather than a general appeal—is far more likely to result in a positive outcome.
How to submit a removal request to Square
- Confirm that Square was the processor that terminated your account and filed the MATCH listing.
- Identify the MATCH reason code from your deactivation notice or Square Dashboard.
- Prepare a structured removal request covering root cause, corrective actions, and supporting evidence.
- Submit the request to Square's risk or compliance team via their support channels, clearly addressed to the risk department.
- Follow up if you do not receive a response within a reasonable timeframe.
We help you build and submit that request. Our questionnaire gathers the right facts, and we draft a tailored, professionally structured letter addressed to Square's risk team. Start your removal request.
Frequently asked questions
- Can Square remove me from the MATCH list?
- Yes—if Square added you to MATCH, only Square can submit the removal request to Mastercard. Mastercard does not remove listings on direct merchant request.
- What does Square need to review a MATCH removal request?
- A clear root cause explanation, concrete corrective actions, supporting evidence, and a credible case that the issue will not recur. The request should be addressed to Square's risk department.
- How long does Square take to review?
- Timelines vary—typically weeks to months. A well-prepared request addressing all relevant points tends to result in faster and more positive reviews.