Metro 2^® General Reporting Guidelines FAQ

Delinquencies should be calculated from the due date. For consumer reporting purposes, an account is not deemed to be delinquent until it is at least 30 days (Account Status Code 71) past the due date.

Cycle reporting is generally appropriate when the data furnisher has multiple billing cycles. Reporting would take place at the end of each billing cycle, resulting in more accurate and current reporting of account statuses.

Each of these fields provides specific information regarding the account and when reported together, provide a complete picture of the account.

• Date of Account Information — date that represents the current month's reporting period
• Account Status — status code that properly identifies the current condition of the account as of the Date of Account Information (e.g., current, 30 days past due, charge-off)
• Payment Rating — a code identifying whether the account was current, past due, in collections, or charged off prior to the Account Status Code being reported. Required when Account Status = 13, 65, 88, 89, 94, or 95
• Payment History Profile — up to 24 months of consecutive payment activity for the previous 24 monthly reporting periods prior to the Date of Account Information
• Special Comment — code that further defines the account, such as closed, transferred, or paid in full for less than the full balance

Note: For specific details about fields 24, 17A, 17B, 18, and 19, refer to the Field Definitions and Exhibits 4, 5, 6, and 7.

While ECOA requires only the reporting of spouse information, industry practices encourage the reporting of all consumers associated with an account.

Change the ECOA Code to the new value in the segment that has changed. Refer to Exhibit 10 for a list of ECOA codes, definitions, and logical usage.

ECOA Code T should be reported when a consumer is no longer associated with an account. In subsequent reporting periods, this consumer should not be reported. The account history will be retained, but future updates will not apply to that consumer's file.

ECOA Code Z should be reported when a consumer was reported in error and the account, including payment history, should be deleted from this consumer's file. It is imperative that ECOA Code Z is reported only for the consumer who was inaccurately reported. In subsequent reporting periods, this consumer should not be reported.

Note: Only inaccurately reported consumers should be deleted. Authorized users should be deleted from accounts included in bankruptcy since authorized users are not contractually responsible for payments.

For companies who report returned checks (collection agencies, debt buyers, or check guarantee companies):

• Date Opened = date of the check
• Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount = original amount of the check, excluding fees and interest
• Original Creditor Name = name of the payee (company to which the check was written)
• FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency = date the check was returned for non-sufficient funds. If not available, use the date of the check

Only inaccurate accounts should be deleted. Paid derogatory accounts (such as collections) should be reported as paid — not deleted.

• To delete an entire account (not fraud): Report Account Status Code DA
• To delete an entire account due to confirmed fraud: Report Account Status Code DF
• To delete a specific borrower: Report Z in the ECOA Code field of that consumer's segment

Use the Joint Customer tab to enter co-signers and additional borrowers.

Report T in the ECOA Code field in the segment for the consumer whose association is being terminated. All payment history for this account will be retained. Do not report this consumer in subsequent reporting periods.

• Report ECOA Code X only for the deceased consumer — not all consumers on the account
• If only one borrower is associated and they are deceased, discontinue reporting the entire account after reporting ECOA Code X
• Do not report the account with a trustee or estate name
• If multiple borrowers exist and one is deceased, continue reporting the account but stop reporting the deceased borrower after ECOA Code X is submitted. If the deceased was the main customer, move another borrower to the main customer tab

Important: Do not report ECOA Code X until you have received a legally sufficient death notice (e.g., death certificate). Consult with your Legal or Compliance team regarding what constitutes a legally sufficient death notice.

• Report the consumer's information in the main Customer tab with ECOA Code 2 (Joint/Contractual Liability) or 5 (Co-maker or Guarantor), as applicable
• Report the business name in the Joint Customer tab starting in the Last Name field
• Report Joint ECOA Code W (Business/Commercial) in the Joint Customer tab

Note: The business name will not be added to the consumer credit databases.

Any change in Account Number, Identification Number, Portfolio Type, and/or Date Opened may cause duplication if the consumer reporting agencies are not notified prior to the change.

It is very important to ensure that the FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency is reported accurately. When historical credit information is reported in the Payment History Profile, the Date of First Delinquency must reflect the date of the first delinquency that led to the earliest delinquency reported in the Payment History Profile.

Example 1: Account Status = 93 (Collection), Payment History Profile = GGGGGGGGGGGG666654321100, Date of Account Information = 03/30/2025, Date of First Delinquency = 05/24/2023.

Example 2: Account Status = 11 (Current), Payment History Profile = 000000GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG, Date of Account Information = 03/30/2025, Date of First Delinquency = 08/12/2022.

• When notified of the petition, report the applicable Consumer Information Indicator
• For Chapter 7 or 11, when the bankruptcy is discharged, report Consumer Information Indicator Q to remove the petition indicator and continue reporting normally
• For Chapter 12 or 13, when the repayment plan is completed, report Consumer Information Indicator Q to remove the petition indicator and continue reporting normally

Report the appropriate Consumer Information Indicator for the borrower who included the account in bankruptcy. Even though the creditor can pursue collection of collateral, the account is still included in bankruptcy. Reporting the Consumer Information Indicator has no impact on the creditor's ability to collect.

With the exception of a Chapter 7 account that has been reaffirmed through the Bankruptcy Court, the account is still considered included in bankruptcy. The appropriate Bankruptcy Consumer Information Indicator must be reported. Refer to FAQs 27 and 28 for detailed reporting guidelines.

Report a separate tradeline with a new Account Number for the portion of the account in repayment. For this new tradeline, report Consumer Information Indicator R (Chapter 7 Reaffirmation of Debt) plus the appropriate Account Status.

For the portion of the original tradeline still in bankruptcy, report the appropriate Account Status, the appropriate Consumer Information Indicator, and adjust the Current Balance accordingly.

While the consumer is making payments through the plan, report Consumer Information Indicator C (Chapter 12) or D (Chapter 13). When plan payments are completed and the account is still open, report Consumer Information Indicator Q to remove the petition indicator so ongoing payments can be reported normally.

Voluntary surrender: Report Account Status Code 95 (Voluntary Surrender) and the appropriate Consumer Information Indicator.

Redemption (consumer pays fair market value): Report Account Status Code 13 (Paid/closed account), Special Comment Code AU (Account paid in full for less than the full balance), and the appropriate Consumer Information Indicator.

Report Consumer Information Indicator Q to remove the previously-reported Bankruptcy Petition indicator. If the case is re-opened, report the Consumer Information Indicator for the appropriate disposition (petition, discharged, or dismissed).

Note: A case may be closed when the consumer does not pay applicable court fees or does not attend the required financial management class.

Report the account per existing Metro 2^® guidelines. If Terms Duration and Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount were modified by the plan, report the new values. Include Consumer Information Indicator 1A (Personal Receivership) for the consumer who filed the plan. When the plan is completed or dismissed, report Consumer Information Indicator Q.

• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount = zero
• Account Status = 97 (Unpaid balance reported as a loss — charge-off)
• Original Charge-off Amount = the original amount charged to loss (do not change this field as the balance declines)
• FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency = date of the first 30-day delinquency that led to the charge-off
• Date of Last Payment = date the most recent payment was received

• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount = zero
• Account Status = 64 (Account paid in full, was a charge-off)
• Special Comment Code = AU if settled for less than the full balance
• Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero
• Original Charge-off Amount = original amount charged to loss
• Date of Account Information = date paid
• FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency = date of the first 30-day delinquency that led to the charge-off

Report as charged off, or as settled if a settlement agreement was made. If reported as a charge-off:

• Account Status Code = 97
• Current Balance and Amount Past Due: If the consumer is no longer obligated, report both as zero and discontinue reporting. If a residual amount is owed, report that amount in both fields
• Original Charge-off Amount = original amount charged to loss
• FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency = date of the first 30-day delinquency

• Original Loan Amount = continue to report the original amount; do not change to include additional charges
• Account Status Code = 11, 71, 78, 80, 82, 83, 84, or 93, as applicable
• Special Comment Code = BB, BD, BE, or BG depending on termination type and balance status
• Current Balance = outstanding balance including additional charges
• Amount Past Due = total amount 30+ days past due

(a) Prepaid lease (entire payment at opening):

• Account Type = 3A (Auto Lease), Terms Duration = 001, Terms Frequency = P (Single Payment Loan)
• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount = zero, Account Status = 11, Special Comment = BS (Prepaid Lease), Current Balance = zero

(b) Lease paid in full in advance of termination:

• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount = zero, Account Status = 11, Special Comment = BS (Prepaid Lease), Current Balance = zero

• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount = zero
• Account Status Code = 13 or 61–65, as applicable
• Payment Rating = required when Account Status Code is 13 or 65
• Special Comment = AU (Account paid in full for less than the full balance)
• Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero
• Date of Account Information = date account was paid in full for less than the full balance

• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount = zero
• Account Status Code = 13 or 61–65, as applicable
• Payment Rating = required when Account Status Code is 13 or 65
• Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero
• Date of Account Information = date the account was paid in full
• Date Closed = for Installment/Mortgage accounts, date paid; for Revolving/Line of Credit, date closed to further purchases

Important: Payoffs should not be backdated for credit reporting purposes.

For Revolving, Open, and Line of Credit accounts only:

• Credit Limit = last assigned credit limit
• Account Status Code = 11, 71, 78, 80, 82–84, 93, or 97, as applicable
• Special Comment Code = M if closed by credit grantor, or Compliance Condition Code XA/XD/XE/XJ if closed at consumer's request
• Current Balance = outstanding balance amount
• Date Closed = date closed to further purchases/use

• Freeze the Account Status, Payment Rating, Payment History Profile, and Date of Account Information as of the date the account was paid
• Do not re-report paid accounts for more than three months

Do not report prepaid credit cards or gift cards because the consumer has no credit obligation.

"Temporary" means a short-term schedule change with an identified end date that is not permanent.

Option 1 — Payment Holiday/Skip-a-Pay: Report Terms Frequency for payments due, Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount as the new payment due (zero if no payments due), Account Status = 11 if no payments due, Payment History Profile = D if no payments due.

Option 2 — Report as Deferred: Refer to FAQ 44.

Option 3 — Report in Forbearance: Refer to FAQ 45.

• Terms Duration = blank, Terms Frequency = D (Deferred)
• Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount = total amount borrowed, excluding interest
• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount = zero
• Account Status Code = 11 (Current)
• Payment History Profile = B for accounts never in repayment; D for accounts previously in repayment but now deferred
• Current Balance = outstanding balance; Amount Past Due = zero

In the K4 Segment, report Specialized Payment Indicator 02 for Deferred Payment and the Deferred Payment Start Date.

• Terms Frequency = D (Deferred) if no payments due
• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount = zero if no payments due
• Account Status = 11 if no payments due during forbearance
• Payment History Profile = D if no payments due
• Special Comment Code = CP (Account in forbearance)
• Current Balance = outstanding balance reflecting any payments made
• K4 Specialized Payment Indicator = 02 and Deferred Payment Start Date when payments are deferred

Option 1 (Preferred): The new servicer reports transferred accounts with a new Consumer Account Number using the CHANGE button. This shows the change from the old account number to the new one. Do not report Special Comment AT or O with this option.

Option 2 (Results in two tradelines): The original servicer reports the transferred account with Account Status Code appropriate at time of transfer, Special Comment AT (internal) or O (external transfer), Current Balance = zero, and Date Closed = date of transfer. The new servicer begins reporting in the following month with a new Account Number.

Seller: Do not report the accounts as sold. Discontinue reporting.

Purchaser: Report with the seller's Account Number and Date Opened. Include payment history provided by the seller. Use L1 Segment to change to the new Account Number and Identification Number. Report Purchased From/Sold To Indicator = 1 and Purchased From Name = seller's name.

Seller: Report Special Comment AH (Purchased by another company), Current Balance = zero, Date Closed = date of sale, K2 Segment with Sold To Name.

Purchaser: Report with a new Account Number. Use character B in Payment History Profile for months owned by seller. Report FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency from seller's records. K2 Segment Purchased From Name = seller's name.

A payment reversal usually occurs when a check is returned for non-payment. If the change is made in the following month's cycle:

• Date of Last Payment = adjust to date of last payment that was not reversed
• FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency = reflect the first time the consumer was 30 days past due that led to the current status
• Payment History Profile = reflect appropriate delinquency in first position for the previous month
• Actual Payment Amount = payment received for this reporting period (zero if none)

Report only one tradeline. Use Terms Frequency reflecting the most frequent payment schedule. In months where only interest is due, report Special Comment Code BT (Principal deferred/interest payment only). In months where both principal and interest are due, do not report Special Comment BT.

If the timeshare is a mortgage: Portfolio Type = M, Account Type = 26 (Conventional Mortgage) or 08, Terms Duration = number of years of the loan.

If the timeshare is a loan: Portfolio Type = I, Account Type = 0A (Timeshare), Terms Duration = number of months of the loan.

• Potential Foreclosure: Continue reporting the correct Account Status Code
• Foreclosure Started: Report Special Comment Code BO with appropriate Account Status Code
• Foreclosure Cancelled/Reinstated: Stop reporting Special Comment BO
• Foreclosure Started / Now Paid: Report Account Status Code 65 with appropriate Payment Rating; discontinue Special Comment BO
• Foreclosure Completed: Report Account Status Code 94 with appropriate Payment Rating; discontinue Special Comment BO. If no deficiency balance, report Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero
• Redeemed Foreclosure: Report Account Status 65 with appropriate Payment Rating; Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero

Deed in Lieu: Report Account Status Code 89 with appropriate Payment Rating. If no deficiency balance, Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero with Date Closed as date deed was received.

Short Sale: Report Account Status Code 13 or 65 as applicable, Special Comment AU, Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero, Date of Account Information and Date Closed = date paid in full for less than the full balance.

• Special Comment = CM (Collateral released by creditor/balance owing)
• Account Status Code = applicable code for how consumer is paying the deficiency
• Current Balance = outstanding balance; Amount Past Due = amount 30+ days past due

When paid in full, report applicable paid Account Status Code, discontinue Special Comment CM, and report Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero.

Option 1 (Same Account Number): First month — report original consumer(s) with ECOA Code T and Special Comment H, Current Balance = zero. Following month — report new consumer(s) with Date Opened as date loan was assumed.

Option 2 (New Account Number): Same month — report original consumer(s) with ECOA Code T and Special Comment H, Current Balance = zero, and report new consumer(s) with new Account Number and Date Opened as date of assumption.

Report original loan for original borrower with Special Comment AT, Current Balance = zero, and Date Closed = date assumption completed.

Report assumed loan for original and new borrower(s) with new or modified Account Number, Date Opened = date of assumption, ECOA Code 7 (Maker) for new borrower, ECOA Code 5 (Guarantor) for original borrower, Payment History Profile = B filled for the first reporting period.

Do not report reverse mortgages because the consumer has no credit obligation.

Special Comment AW (Affected by natural or declared disaster) is optional and intended for narrative purposes only. It should not replace temporary relief payment plan reporting (see FAQ 43).

• Open accounts / Closed accounts with balances: Report applicable Account Status Code with Special Comment AW
• Derogatory accounts: Continue reporting those statuses and add Special Comment AW
• Debt buyers and collection agencies: Continue reporting Account Status Code 93 and add Special Comment AW. If accounts are sold or returned to original creditor, report Account Status Code DA to delete

Option 1 (Same Account Number and Date Opened): Modify amounts and terms. Optional Special Comment CO (Loan modified).

Option 2 (Account Number changes, Date Opened same): Same as Option 1, plus include L1 Segment with new Account Number.

Option 3 (Both change): Report original as paid (Account Status 13, Special Comment AS). Report new refinanced loan as a separate account with new Account Number and new Date Opened. Do not report payment history from before the new Date Opened.

During Trial Period: Report trial period payment in Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount field and Special Comment Code AC (Paying under partial payment agreement). Report appropriate Account Status based on whether the consumer is current or delinquent.

If loan is formally modified: Follow the same three options as FAQ 59 (same account number, account number change only, or both change).

• Date of Account Information = most recent date of update
• Account Status Code = code that applies to most recent update
• Payment History Profile = freeze as reported in previous regular reporting period; update/increment normally in subsequent periods

Report Account Status Code 96 (Merchandise was repossessed; there may be a balance due). Continue until:

• Consumer reinstates loan: Report Account Status 11. Special Comment AZ may be reported
• Consumer redeems by paying in full: Report Account Status 63, Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero
• No remaining balance: Report Account Status 96 with Current Balance = zero and Date Closed
• Balance remains after sale: Continue reporting Account Status 96 with remaining balance; increment PHP with value K. When paid in full, report Account Status 63

Note: If remaining balance is charged off, report Account Status Code 97 (only after sale of merchandise).

Report Account Status Code 95 (Voluntary Surrender; there may be a balance due). Continue until:

• Consumer reinstates loan: Report Account Status 11. Special Comment AO may be reported
• Consumer redeems by paying in full: Report Account Status 61, Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero
• No remaining balance: Report Account Status 95 with Current Balance = zero and Date Closed
• Balance remains after sale: Continue with remaining balance, increment PHP with value J. When paid, report Account Status 61

Note: If remaining balance is charged off, report Account Status Code 97 (only after sale of merchandise).

Option 1 (Preferred): Report L1 Segment to change the Consumer Account Number. This allows the consumer reporting agencies to retain all prior account history as one account.

Option 2 (Two tradelines): Report the transferred account with Special Comment AT, Current Balance = zero, and Date Closed. In the following month, report the new account with the new number, original Date Opened, and character B in Payment History Profile for months reported under the old number.

(a) Consumer retains account with new Account Number:

Option 1 (Preferred): Report L1 Segment to change Account Number. Continue reporting original Date Opened. Use D in Payment History Profile for months that are unknown due to the card being lost/stolen.

Option 2: Report Special Comment BL (Credit card lost or stolen), Current Balance = zero. Do not report on subsequent updates. In the following month, report the new card as a separate account with the same Date Opened.

(b) Consumer does not want a replacement: Continue reporting normally with Compliance Condition Code XA (Account closed at consumer's request). When Current Balance reaches zero, report Account Status Code 13 with applicable Payment Rating and Compliance Condition Code XA.

Continue to report the account as usual, but include Compliance Condition Code XB (Account information disputed by consumer under FCRA; data furnisher is conducting investigation).

When investigation is complete:

• If account is valid: Continue reporting normally. Report Compliance Condition Code XR to remove XB, or XH (Account previously in dispute — investigation complete)
• If account was opened or used fraudulently: Report Account Status Code DF to delete

• Account Type Code = 0G (Flexible Spending Credit Card), Portfolio Type = R (Revolving)
• Credit Limit = valid credit limit for revolving portion
• Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount = highest amount of credit utilized
• Current Balance = outstanding balance including revolving and flexible amounts
• Amount Past Due = portion of Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount 30+ days past due

Report debit cards only when backed by a line of credit or overdraft protection:

• Account Type Code = 43 (Debit Card)
• Portfolio Type = C, O, or R depending on terms
• Credit Limit = assigned credit limit
• Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount = highest amount of credit utilized when overdraft protection was used

Only report when charged off or in collection activity:

• Portfolio Type = O (Open), Account Type Code = 8B (Deposit Account with Overdraft Protection)
• Account Status Code = 93 (Collection), 97 (Charge-off), 62 (Paid, was a collection), or 64 (Paid, was a charge-off)
• Date of First Delinquency = date account was first overdrawn

• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount = zero
• Account Status Code = status at time of extinguishment (should not be 13 or 61–65)
• Special Comment Code = DE (Debt Extinguished Under State Law)
• Current Balance and Amount Past Due = zero

After reporting Special Comment Code DE, discontinue reporting the account.

Construction installment loan: Portfolio Type = I, Account Type = 0F (Construction Loan). If subsequently converted to a mortgage, report a new account — do not change the Portfolio Type on the original construction loan.

Construction line of credit: Portfolio Type = C, Account Type = 15 (Line of Credit). When the borrowing phase ends, report Special Comment CJ (Credit line no longer available — in repayment phase), continue reporting the last assigned Credit Limit, and maintain appropriate Account Status and Current Balance.