Consumer Terms

    ECOA Code: Definition

    A code indicating a consumer's relationship to an account.

    Definition

    The ECOA (Equal Credit Opportunity Act) Code indicates the consumer's relationship to and responsibility for a credit account. Common values include Individual (1), Joint Contractual (2), Authorized User (3), and Co-signer (5). This code is critical for accurate credit reporting.

    Examples

    • 1 = Individual
    • 2 = Joint
    • 3 = Authorized User
    • 5 = Co-maker/Co-signer

    Usage Notes

    • Must accurately reflect consumer's legal obligation
    • Authorized users typically not liable for debt
    • Joint holders equally responsible

    Related Metro 2 Fields

    10
    ECOA Code
    Position 63-63

    All ecoa codes

    Declares each consumer's legal relationship to the account: who is liable, who merely has access, and who is being removed. Every code has its own reference page covering when to report it and the cross-field rules it has to satisfy.

    1Individual (Sole Responsibility)2Joint Contractual Liability3Authorized User5Co-Maker or Guarantor7Maker (Business Account With a Personal Guarantee)TTerminatedWBusiness / CommercialXDeceasedZDelete Consumer From the Account

    All Metro 2 code sets on one page

    Related Terms

    Primary ConsumerAssociated ConsumerJoint Account

    More Consumer Terms

    Primary Consumer
    The main individual responsible for a credit account.
    Associated Consumer
    Any additional individual connected to a credit account.
    Joint Account
    An account where two or more consumers share responsibility.
    Authorized User
    A person permitted to use an account but not liable for the debt.
    Social Security Number
    The consumer's 9-digit SSN used for identification.
    Date of Birth
    The consumer's birth date used for identification.
    Generation Code
    A suffix indicating generational distinction in names.
    Consumer Information Indicator
    A code providing special status information about a consumer.

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    ECOA Code - Metro 2 Glossary