MATCH list removal / Stripe
MATCH list removal through Stripe
If Stripe terminated your account and added you to the MATCH list, Stripe is the only party that can submit a removal request to Mastercard. This guide explains what Stripe looks for, how to approach their risk team, and what a strong request looks like.
Why Stripe adds merchants to MATCH
Stripe, as a Mastercard acquirer, is required to report merchants to MATCH when certain termination criteria are met. Common Stripe-related MATCH situations include:
- Excessive chargebacks — chargeback ratios crossing Mastercard's thresholds (MATCH code 4).
- Fraud — fraudulent transactions reported via Stripe Radar or issuers (MATCH code 5).
- Policy violations — selling restricted or prohibited products on Stripe's Restricted Businesses list (often codes 10 or 13).
- Identity or onboarding issues — misrepresented business details at onboarding (MATCH code 14).
Your Stripe termination email or dashboard notifications will typically reference the reason. For official definitions, see our MATCH reason codes.
What Stripe's risk team looks for
Stripe's compliance and risk team reviews removal requests against several criteria. Your request needs to credibly address each of these:
- Root cause — a clear, honest explanation of what caused the listing. Vague or evasive answers are not compelling.
- What changed — what operational, technical, or policy changes you implemented to fix the root cause.
- Evidence — supporting documents: updated policies, lower dispute data, PCI compliance certificates, adjusted product lines, or similar.
- No recurrence — a credible explanation of why the issue will not repeat.
Stripe's risk team are professionals who assess many requests. A well-structured, specific letter that speaks the same language as risk analysts significantly improves your chances.
How to submit a removal request to Stripe
The process is:
- Confirm that Stripe was the processor that terminated your account and added the MATCH listing.
- Identify the MATCH reason code (from your termination notice or dashboard).
- Prepare a structured removal request covering root cause, corrective actions, and evidence.
- Send the request to Stripe's risk or compliance contact via their support channels, addressed to the risk department.
- Follow up if you do not receive a response within a reasonable period.
We help you build and submit that request. Our questionnaire gathers the right facts, and we draft a tailored, professionally structured letter addressed to Stripe's risk team. Start your removal request.
Frequently asked questions
- Can Stripe remove me from the MATCH list?
- Yes—if Stripe added you to MATCH, only Stripe can submit the removal request to Mastercard. Mastercard does not remove listings on direct merchant request.
- What does Stripe 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 Stripe's risk department.
- How long does Stripe take to review?
- Review timelines vary—typically weeks to months. A well-prepared request addressing all relevant points tends to result in faster and more positive reviews.