Businesses that need to report consumer credit data to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can choose from several Metro 2®-compliant software solutions. These providers cater to various business sizes (from small firms to large enterprises) and offer different deployment models (cloud-based SaaS vs. on-premise desktop software). Below is a comprehensive list of key Metro 2 software competitors, including pricing details and feature comparisons (support, integrations, compliance tools, automation, etc.).
Switch Labs – Modern Cloud-Based Metro 2 Reporting
Switch Labs offers a cloud-based Metro 2 reporting platform built for modern businesses. It provides a user-friendly web interface and requires no local installation. Switch Labs emphasizes real-time updates to stay compliant with the latest Metro 2 standards. It's accessible anywhere via browser and is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, lowering the learning curve.
Pricing
- •$19/month for up to 1,000 accounts
- •$49/month for up to 10,000 accounts
- •Enterprise volumes beyond 10k available via custom arrangements
Key Features
Deployment & Updates
100% cloud-based – no software installation needed. Users can log in from any location and device. Always up-to-date with Metro 2 format changes (no manual upgrades). The system performs built-in validation to ensure files meet Metro 2 and FCRA requirements before submission.
Compliance & Automation
Automated processes (scheduled report generation, etc.) minimize manual effort and provide multiple submission options. Data can be uploaded via a secure web UI or automated via API for seamless integration with internal systems.
Support
Switch Labs provides responsive support (email and chat), given its modern SaaS approach. The team offers onboarding assistance and ensures customers can easily get help through the cloud platform (e.g., in-app support channels).
Integrations
Multi-bureau support (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) out-of-the-box with API capabilities for seamless integration.
Bottom Line: Switch Labs stands out for affordability and ease of use – delivering enterprise-grade compliance at a price point (tens of dollars per month) far below most competitors' offerings.
The Service Bureau (TSB Software) – Credit Manager 5
TSB offers Credit Manager 5, a long-standing Metro 2 credit reporting software used by many industries since the 1990s. It's a desktop application known for reliability and comprehensive Metro 2 support. TSB is an official "Credit Bureau Approved" software provider.
Pricing
- •Standard edition: ~$3,500/year (suitable for up to ~50,000 accounts)
- •Elite version supporting millions of accounts available at higher cost
- •First-year fee covers software and one user license
- •Annual renewals include support and updates
Key Features
Deployment
Desktop application (installed on a Windows PC or server). Not cloud-based – users must install updates when provided.
Compliance & Automation
Credit Manager is kept current with Metro 2 format changes and the CDIA's Credit Reporting Resource Guide. It features built-in validation to catch data errors before file creation. The software can automate certain tasks: for example, it supports scheduled transmission to the bureaus. All Metro 2 fields and codes are supported.
Integrations
Import functionality that accepts CSV, fixed-width text, Excel, and other formats to import account data. However, being a desktop tool, integration is not as seamless as a cloud API; data exchange is typically via file imports/exports. It does support automated transfer of the generated Metro 2 file to each bureau for convenience.
Support
Expert support staff assisting customers with Metro 2 compliance. Support and minor software updates are included with the yearly lease renewal.
Overall: Credit Manager is a robust solution trusted by many, but it requires a higher upfront cost and on-premise management. It lacks the low monthly pricing and cloud accessibility of newer solutions like Switch Labs.
Hutchins Systems – Credit Time 2000 & e-CreditTime (MORFi Cloud)
Hutchins Systems, Inc., founded in 1986, is a veteran player in Metro 2 consulting and software. Their solutions are recommended/accepted by all major bureaus. They offer both desktop software (Credit Time 2000) and cloud-based platform (e-CreditTime/MORFi Cloud).
Pricing
Desktop (Credit Time 2000):
- •$595 for the first year (direct reporting version)
- •$395/year thereafter for continued use and support
- •Additional workstation license: $495 (one-time)
Cloud (e-CreditTime):
- •$39/month for one user and up to 100 accounts
- •$79/month supports up to 1,500 accounts (includes phone support)
- •Higher tier for unlimited accounts (custom pricing for very large volumes)
Key Features
Deployment
e-CreditTime is a cloud-based system accessible from any internet-connected device (no installation required). Hutchins highlights that e-CreditTime was "the first in the industry 'cloud' Metro 2 software."
Compliance & Automation
Hutchins places heavy emphasis on compliance. e-CreditTime performs extremely thorough data validation – over "1,000,000 validations for every 1,000 accounts" to catch errors. This includes checking Metro 2 field rules and FCRA requirements as data is entered. Both desktop and cloud software are continually updated with the latest Metro 2 format changes.
Integrations
Data import capabilities are provided (CSV, text, etc.) to load accounts. The cloud platform (MORFi) even offers a REST API for Metro 2, enabling integration of credit reporting into other applications/workflows. The software can report to alternative bureaus as well (e.g., Clarity, MicroBilt/PRBC) in addition to the Big Three.
Support
Comprehensive support for active subscribers. They provide an online user manual, training resources, and even consulting services for tricky Metro 2 scenarios. Given their decades in the industry, Hutchins is known for hands-on support and Metro 2 expertise.
Overall: Hutchins offers a rich feature set and deep compliance checks, ideal for those who prioritize accuracy and support. The trade-off is higher cost – e.g., ~$595 upfront or ~$79+ per month – and, for the desktop version, the burden of managing a local install.
M2 Reporter (M2 Systems LLC) – M2R Basic / Plus
M2 Reporter provides affordable desktop software solutions that are especially popular with small and mid-sized data furnishers. Their software is a Windows application (requiring Windows 10 or use of Boot Camp on Mac). M2 Reporter focuses on providing an intuitive interface with essential compliance checks.
Pricing
- •M2R Basic: $375 total initially (includes $225 setup fee + $150 for one year's subscription), then $150/year thereafter
- •M2R Plus: $420 initial + $195/year renewal for Standard license, or $695 initial + $220/year for Network license
- •Includes unlimited tech support and software updates
Key Features
Deployment
Desktop application installed on your PC. Not cloud-based; however, the cost is low and it doesn't require a long-term contract beyond the annual renewal.
Compliance & Automation
M2R software adheres to the latest Metro 2 format and codes. It performs validation on data to ensure accurate reporting. Automation features are modest: you can import data and generate the Metro 2 file; there is no built-in scheduling service.
Integrations
Data import accepts common file formats (CSV, Excel, etc.) to load accounts into M2R. Direct integration (API) is not available – it's a desktop app – but this import/export method covers most needs for small businesses. M2R can report to all major bureaus.
Support
Unlimited tech support is included with the active subscription. M2 Reporter's team is reachable via phone or email, and they have an online help center and FAQ. Because the company is smaller, support is often praised as personalized.
Overall: M2 Reporter is a budget-friendly on-premise choice, undercutting legacy players like TSB and Hutchins on price. It covers all fundamental features, but being a desktop solution, it lacks cloud convenience and advanced integrations. For a similar price range, Switch Labs offers a more modern cloud solution.
Data Furnishing – Premium Online Platform
Data Furnishing provides an online platform for credit data furnishing geared towards organizations that want a turnkey solution for reporting trade lines. It is a cloud-based service that not only generates Metro 2 files but also offers CRM features and analytics tailored to credit reporting programs.
Pricing
- •Pro: $250/month (billed annually) – includes all core features: direct Metro 2 reporting to bureaus, automated workflows, and priority support
- •Pro Plus: $500/month – adds enhanced analytics, dedicated account manager, and AI-powered assistant for compliance insights
- •No setup fees mentioned, just flat monthly rates
Key Features
Deployment
100% cloud-based – accessible via web browser. No installation needed. The service is hosted on secure cloud infrastructure.
Compliance & Automation
Full automation is a key selling point. The platform likely guides users through entering or uploading data and then automatically produces and routes the Metro 2 file. It includes "Metro-2 IQ" which presumably provides smart validation or insights on the data. The inclusion of an AI assistant in Pro Plus suggests a focus on automation and intelligent data checking.
Integrations
Built-in CRM within the platform. This indicates you can manage customer records and their credit building progress directly. Integration with other systems isn't clearly outlined, but they likely allow data import (CSV upload) and perhaps have APIs or webhooks for enterprise clients.
Support
Priority support is included at the Pro level, meaning subscribers get fast response times. Pro Plus users have dedicated account managers, implying very high-touch support. The emphasis on support matches the premium pricing.
Overall: Data Furnishing's solution is comprehensive and feature-rich, but its pricing is significantly higher than most other options (e.g., $250–500/month vs. Switch Labs' $19–49/month). For that premium, clients get an integrated CRM, analytics, and concierge-level support. Organizations focused purely on cost-efficiency and core reporting functionality may find better value elsewhere.
Conclusion: Why Switch Labs Leads
When comparing Metro 2 reporting software solutions, several factors come into play: pricing, deployment model, compliance features, integrations, support, and ease of use. While established players like TSB, Hutchins, and M2 Reporter have served the industry well for decades, modern businesses need solutions that match today's expectations.
Switch Labs stands out by offering:
- ✓Unbeatable pricing: Starting at just $19/month, Switch Labs costs 70-95% less than competitors while delivering the same core functionality
- ✓Modern cloud-first architecture: Access your data anywhere, anytime, from any device – no installations or updates required
- ✓Comprehensive compliance: Built-in validation ensures Metro 2 and FCRA compliance with automatic updates for format changes
- ✓Powerful integrations: RESTful API enables seamless integration with your existing systems and workflows
- ✓Responsive support: Modern support channels including email, chat, and comprehensive onboarding assistance
- ✓User-friendly interface: Intuitive design lowers the learning curve and increases productivity
For businesses seeking a reliable, affordable, and modern Metro 2 reporting solution, Switch Labs delivers enterprise-grade performance at a fraction of the cost of traditional providers.