What is TMF MATCH LIST? TMF is abbreviated for Terminated Merchant File and is referred as the MATCH (member alert to control high-risk merchant) list. At some point, TMF (terminated merchant file) is still a most common terminology and there are still some people who are referred by the list name. The basic idea of MATCH list and TMF is same however, the terminologies are used interchangeably. TMF match list (terminated merchant file) is actually a database that is used by the Visa processing banks and MasterCard or the acquiring banks to mark the merchants or individuals who already have been suspended. The problem of being on the TMF match list (terminated merchant file) is that once a merchant business, proprietor, principal owner/s or managers of the merchant business are named in this list, it is most unlikely that applications for any other merchant account will be considered by the acquiring bank. Know that the TMF Match list (terminated merchant file) is a sort of BLACKLIST from where, getting a merchant’s name removed is near to impossible.
TMF Match list (terminated merchant file) revealing the secret of when the merchant had applied for the Merchant Account: As soon, a merchant applies for the new merchant account, all MasterCard and Visa merchant attaining banks must consult the MATCH list or TMF Match list (Terminated merchant file) database, in order to recognize whether the company, any of its principals or managers have been suspended for a certain reason. If a merchant’s new bank claimant gets a response with indication of a possible match against a merchant or principal with name on the TMF Match list, the claimant must cross check to make sure that the TMF list with the suspended name of individual/s or merchant/s is same as the list that have been used for generating the inquiry. In that case, the claimant must get in touch with the listing bank to find out the reason due to which a business, merchant or an individual is being mentioned in the TMF match list (terminated merchant file). Remember that even if a previous merchant claimant has listed a merchant/s or individual/s name or their business, it does not mean that they are entirely forbidden for achieving merchant account process in upcoming future. Whereas, the new claimant i.e. the bank or processor, must rely their approval decision on full investigation.