What is MATCH / VMSS?

What is MATCH?

MATCH (Mastercard Alert to Control High-risk Merchants) is Mastercard’s database of terminated merchant files. When a merchant account is terminated for certain reasons (e.g. excessive chargebacks, fraud, policy violations), the acquiring bank or payment service provider (PSP) is required to add that merchant to MATCH and assign a reason code.

Any new PSP or acquirer that you apply to will typically check MATCH. If you’re on the list, it can block or delay approval, or lead to stricter terms. Getting removed (or at least getting your case reviewed) usually requires a formal request to the PSP that added you, with evidence of remediation and corrective actions.

MATCH is managed by Mastercard but populated by acquirers and PSPs. Removal is not granted by Mastercard directly—you must work through the PSP or acquirer that submitted your listing. Mastercard: MATCH

What is VMSS?

VMSS (Visa Merchant Screening Service) is Visa’s equivalent database. Like MATCH, it holds records of merchants who have been terminated or flagged for specific reasons. Acquirers and PSPs must add merchants to VMSS when certain criteria are met and must check VMSS when onboarding new merchants.

If you’re on VMSS, applying for a new Visa-accepting merchant account elsewhere will surface that listing. Removal or review is again handled by the PSP or acquirer that placed you on the list, not by Visa directly. A structured removal request that explains what went wrong, what you’ve changed, and what evidence you can provide gives you the best chance of a review.

You can be on MATCH only, VMSS only, or both. Some terminations trigger listing on both networks. When preparing a removal request, it helps to know which list(s) you’re on and which reason code(s) apply. Visa: Merchant Screening Service (VMSS)

How does removal work?

Neither Mastercard nor Visa removes listings on request from merchants. The acquirer or PSP that added you is the one that can submit a removal or update. So the practical steps are:

• Identify which PSP or acquirer listed you (often the one that terminated your account).
• Prepare a clear explanation of what caused the listing and what has changed since.
• Gather evidence of corrective actions (policies, processes, compliance improvements).
• Submit a formal removal request to that PSP; they review and, if satisfied, request removal from MATCH/VMSS.

We help you build that request: a structured, professional summary and evidence checklist you can submit to your PSP. The PSP then replies to you with their decision.