What is the TMF Listing and What Does it Mean for Merchants?

May 16, 2023

What is the TMF listing?

What is the TMF Listing?

Hopefully you are reading this without having the misfortune of having a termination of your merchant file. But if you’ve just been informed of being added into the Terminated Merchant File (TMF) or MATCH record, then this information should help you understand what it means for you and how to get off of the TMF listing as fast as possible.


TMF Payment Processing

TMF Payment ProcessingFirst of all, don’t feel bad about being added to the TMF listing, there are still TMF payment processing solutions out there. ACH payment processing for MATCH listed merchants being one of them.

You are not the only merchant that has been caught completely off guard with wondering how to get off TMF list. Unfortunately, most merchants discover they’re on the TMF list after being declined for a merchant account – yet so many are completely unaware of this situation until they have submitted an application for a new account elsewhere, only to then discover that they are on the TMF listing.

This list goes by two or three names. It is called either a Terminated Merchant File (TMF) or MATCH (Member Alert to Control High-Risk). Terminated Merchant File, or TMF listing, was the term employed the most in years past but MATCH has become more commonly used as of late.


MATCH Listed Merchant Account

MATCH Listed Merchant AccountEven if you find yourself on the MATCH list, there are still merchant account options for you. ACH or echeck processing is perfect for merchants who have been put on the MATCH list.

When it comes to some of the reasons your company might end up on the TMF listing, some of the reasons might include chargebacks, participating in actions that are fraudulent, and even money laundering.

If you have received a “reason code,” it is possible to find the exact reason for why you’re on the TMF listing via the MasterCard website. When it comes to learning how to get off TMF list, it’s important to understand that once you’re on it, you will remain in the system for five years. This again leads to the question of how to go about TMF list removal.


TMF List Removal

For TMF list removal you will have to meet the bank that added you to the TMF listing to begin with. They might agree to TMF list removal and have your name removed entirely or change a number of the file details. This issue can be adjusted over time if too many chargebacks caused your name to land on the TMF listing.

After all of the chargebacks are rectified and no chargebacks have been created, it may be possible for TMF list removal. In case you have tried everything possible and you are still at a loss as to what to do, you may need to seek legal counsel.

If you have found yourself on the TMF listing or looking for a MATCH listed merchant account, PayKings is your answer. Many businesses and industries are labeled as “high risk,” making it hard for them to receive credit card payment processing from conventional financial institutions. Fortunately, high risk merchant account providers like PayKings not only offer high risk merchant accounts, but they also make the process simple, fast, and hassle free. Click here for your QuikQuote and start accepting payments in as little as six hours.

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May 16, 2023 | High Risk Merchant Account | Guest Post