Blog
Insights for furnishers, operators, and reporting teams
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Reporting Accounts Included in Bankruptcy
How should an account be reported when it is included in a consumer’s bankruptcy, including situations with joint borrowers (filer and non-filer) and the industry’s simplified reporting approach? When an account is included in a bankruptcy, accurate credit reporting depends on separating (1) consumer-level bankruptcy indicators from (2) account-level performance data. Under Metro 2, the…
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Temporary Payment Relief Reporting in Metro 2®: Payment Holiday vs. Deferment vs. Forbearance
What are the available options for reporting an account that has regular payments temporarily postponed? Temporary payment relief has become a high-scrutiny reporting area, especially when consumers enter short-term hardship arrangements. Metro 2® treats “temporary” relief as a short-term schedule change with a defined end date, not a permanent modification. The compliance objective is to…
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How to Report Accounts in Dispute or Under Investigation Under Metro 2®
When an account is under investigation, Metro 2® guidance generally expects furnishers to continue reporting the account, but to add the appropriate legal-compliance indicator so the consumer reporting agencies and data users understand the context. The goal is to preserve accuracy, prevent re-aging or “hiding” of adverse information, and document the dispute status in a…
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What to Expect When Onboarding as a Data Furnisher With the Credit Bureaus
As you move forward with onboarding as a data furnisher with one or more of the credit bureaus (or their onboarding partners), you may be asked to provide information and/or agree to some or all of the requirements below. While every program is different, these are common themes that come up during credentialing and go-live.…
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How Should Student Loan Forgiveness and Payment Pause Programs Be Reported?
What are the correct procedures for reporting student loan forgiveness, deferment, and payment pause programs under FCRA and Metro 2® guidelines? Recent changes in federal student loan policy—including widespread payment pauses, new forgiveness programs, and evolving deferment/forbearance options—have made accurate credit reporting more important than ever. Both the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Metro…
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How Do Data Furnishers Handle Consumer Identity Theft and Fraud Alerts?
What are the FCRA and Metro 2® requirements for reporting identity theft and fraud alerts, and what are the best practices for protecting consumers and ensuring compliance? Identity theft and fraud are persistent threats in the credit ecosystem. When a consumer’s identity is compromised, prompt and accurate reporting is essential to protect the consumer, prevent…













