Field 5RequiredIdentification Fields

    Metro 2 Field 5: Identification Number

    The furnisher's internal, stable identifier for the branch, office, verification center, or applicable account holder. This is distinct from the bureau-assigned Program Identifiers in the Header Record.

    Quick Reference

    Field Number:5
    Position:21-40
    Length:20 characters
    Type:alphanumeric
    Record:Base Segment
    Required:Yes

    Validation Rules

    • Must be unique and at least five digits long; the field permits alphanumeric content
    • Must remain consistent from month to month
    • Should not contain embedded blanks or special characters
    • Cannot be entirely zeros, blanks, or nines

    Examples

    BRANCH00001 MCNALLY00001

    Common Errors

    • Treating the field as a bureau-assigned subscriber or Program Identifier
    • Changing the value between reporting periods without bureau coordination
    • Using one value across accounts belonging to different reporting branches or holders

    Tips & Best Practices

    • Have the furnisher select and approve a durable internal value before certification
    • Use the same value on every row only when those accounts belong to the same reporting unit
    • Bureau-assigned Program Identifiers belong in the Header Record, not this Base Segment field

    Related Fields

    4
    Consumer Account Number
    The unique account identifier assigned by the data furnisher...
    H-4
    Innovis Program Identifier
    The subscriber/program code assigned to the furnisher by Inn...
    H-5
    Equifax Program Identifier
    The subscriber/program code Equifax assigns to the furnisher...
    H-6
    Experian Program Identifier
    The five-character subscriber code Experian assigns to the f...
    H-7
    TransUnion Program Identifier
    The subscriber/program code TransUnion assigns to the furnis...

    Other Identification Fields

    1Record Descriptor Word2Processing Indicator4Consumer Account NumberH-2Record Identifier (Header)H-3Cycle IdentifierH-4Innovis Program Identifier

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    Identification Number - Metro 2 Field 5