Metro 2 Base Segment
The Base Segment is the core component of Metro 2 format, containing essential consumer account information for credit reporting.
Overview
The Base Segment is a required component of every Metro 2 credit file. It contains fundamental information about a consumer's credit account, including account details, payment history, and current status. Each Base Segment must be exactly 426 characters in length and follows a fixed-width format.
The Base Segment includes critical data such as account identifiers, dates, payment amounts, account status codes, and consumer information. Understanding the structure and proper formatting of the Base Segment is essential for successful Metro 2 credit reporting.
Base Segment Structure
| Field | Position | Length | Type | Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment Identifier | 1-4 | 4 | Alphanumeric | Yes |
| Processing Date | 5-12 | 8 | Date (MMDDYYYY) | Yes |
| Time Stamp | 13-16 | 4 | Numeric (HHMM) | Yes |
| Identification Number | 17-36 | 20 | Alphanumeric | Yes |
| Account Number | 37-66 | 30 | Alphanumeric | Yes |
| Portfolio Type | 67 | 1 | Alphanumeric | Yes |
| Account Type | 68-69 | 2 | Alphanumeric | Yes |
| Date Opened | 70-77 | 8 | Date (MMDDYYYY) | Yes |
Note: This table shows key fields. The complete Base Segment contains additional fields for a total length of 426 characters.
Key Components
Account Identification
Includes the subscriber's identification number and the consumer's account number. These fields uniquely identify the account being reported and must remain consistent across all reporting cycles.
Account Status Information
Contains current status codes, payment history, and account condition. This includes information about whether the account is open, closed, paid, or in collection status.
Payment Data
Records current balance, payment amount, scheduled payment amount, and payment history pattern. Payment data must be reported accurately to ensure proper credit evaluation.
Date Information
Includes critical dates such as date opened, date of last activity, date of last payment, and date closed (if applicable). All dates must be in MMDDYYYY format.
Consumer Information
Contains consumer demographics including surname, first name, social security number, and date of birth. This information links the account to the correct consumer profile.
Important Notes
- •The Base Segment must always be exactly 426 characters in length
- •All numeric fields must be right-justified and zero-filled
- •Alphanumeric fields should be left-justified and space-filled
- •The Base Segment identifier must always be "BASE" in positions 1-4
- •Each Base Segment can be followed by optional J1, J2, K1-K4 segments
Best Practices
Validate Before Submission
Always validate your Base Segment data against Metro 2 specifications before submitting to credit bureaus. Use validation tools to catch formatting errors.
Maintain Data Consistency
Ensure that account identifiers and consumer information remain consistent across all reporting periods. Changes should only occur when legitimately required.
Report Accurate Payment History
Payment history codes must accurately reflect the consumer's payment patterns. Incorrect reporting can lead to compliance issues and consumer disputes.
Update Regularly
Submit updated Base Segments regularly (typically monthly) to keep credit bureau records current and accurate.
Ready to Start Reporting?
Our platform makes Metro 2 Base Segment reporting simple and error-free