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    Metro 2 Integration for Collect!

    Collect! by Comtech Systems is one of the most established collection management platforms in the industry (25+ years). It includes a native Credit Bureau Reporting (CBR) module that generates Metro 2 format files (426-character unpacked format) and supports SFTP automation for uploading to bureaus. Metro2 integrates with Collect! via its REST API (token-based authentication with CRUD endpoints for records, file upload/download, and reports) to provide an enhanced CDIA validation layer, error detection before bureau submission, and managed delivery to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. For agencies already using Collect!'s native CBR module, Metro2 catches formatting errors and edge cases that slip through — for agencies not yet reporting, Metro2 provides the complete pipeline.

    How It Works

    Metro2 connects to Collect!'s REST API using token-based authentication to pull debtor records, account data, and payment history. For agencies using Collect!'s native CBR module, Metro2 validates the generated Metro 2 files against CDIA rules before bureau submission. For agencies not yet using CBR, Metro2 generates Metro 2 files from raw account data and submits to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion via SFTP.

    Collect! logoCollect!
    Metro2Metro2
    Credit Bureaus

    API Integration Details

    Technical details about connecting to the Collect! API.

    Authentication

    Bearer token (operator login at POST /api/v1/auth/login returns access_token + refresh_token)

    Base URL

    https://www.collect.org/api/v1

    Documentation

    View Docs

    Sandbox

    Not available

    Pricing

    Contact Comtech Systems for Collect! licensing. Metro2 subscription is separate.

    Key API Endpoints

    MethodEndpointDescription
    POST/api/recordsCreate a new debtor or account record in Collect!.
    GET/api/records/{id}Retrieve debtor demographics, account details, and status.
    PUT/api/records/{id}Update account status, balance, payment information, or demographics.
    DELETE/api/records/{id}Remove a record from Collect! (use with caution).
    POST/api/files/uploadUpload files (payment imports, data files) to Collect!.
    GET/api/files/download/{id}Download Metro 2 files, reports, or exported data from Collect!.
    GET/api/reports/{type}Generate and retrieve built-in reports from Collect!'s reporting engine.

    Benefits

    Native Metro 2 CBR Module

    Collect! has built-in Credit Bureau Reporting that generates Metro 2 format files (426-character unpacked format) with 25+ years of compliance expertise. Metro2 adds an enhanced validation layer on top.

    REST API with CRUD Endpoints

    Collect!'s REST API supports Create, Read, Update, Delete operations on records, file upload/download, reports, and UI form data — with token-based authentication.

    Enhanced Validation Layer

    While Collect! generates Metro 2 files natively, Metro2 adds secondary CDIA validation to catch formatting errors, missing fields, and edge cases before files reach the bureaus.

    SFTP Automation

    Collect! includes built-in SFTP automation for uploading Metro 2 files to credit bureaus. Metro2 can manage this delivery or layer on top of existing SFTP workflows.

    Batch Processing

    Process thousands of collection accounts efficiently with Collect!'s high-volume architecture and Metro2's validation engine.

    eOscar Integration (Planned)

    Collect!'s next major version will include Services by eOscar integration for credit dispute management — Metro2 is ready to support this workflow.

    Data Fields That Sync

    Metro2 maps these fields from Collect! to Metro 2 format automatically.

    • Debtor demographics via REST API GET /records or database export
    • Account details including original creditor, placement date, and balance
    • Payment records and transaction history
    • Dispute history and resolution status
    • Metro 2 status codes from Collect!'s CBR module configuration
    • K1/K2 segment data for original creditor and debt chain tracking
    • Report output from Collect!'s built-in reporting engine

    Get Set Up in 5 Steps

    1

    Generate Collect! API Token

    Create an API token in Collect!'s administration settings. The REST API uses token-based authentication for all CRUD operations.

    2

    Connect to Metro2

    Enter your Collect! API base URL and token in Metro2. We'll verify the connection and pull sample records.

    3

    Choose Integration Mode

    Option A: Use Collect!'s native CBR module for Metro 2 generation and add Metro2 as a validation layer. Option B: Let Metro2 handle all Metro 2 generation from raw data.

    4

    Map Collection Statuses

    Review how Collect!'s account statuses map to Metro 2 status codes. If using the CBR module, verify existing mappings.

    5

    Test and Launch

    Generate a test Metro 2 file, validate against CDIA rules, and enable production reporting to credit bureaus.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does Collect! already have Metro 2 reporting?

    Yes. Collect! has a built-in Credit Bureau Reporting (CBR) module that generates Metro 2 format files in the 426-character unpacked format. It includes SFTP automation for uploading to bureaus and has 25+ years of Metro 2 expertise. Metro2 adds an enhanced CDIA validation layer and managed bureau delivery on top of Collect!'s native capabilities.

    Why use Metro2 if Collect! already generates Metro 2 files?

    Metro2 provides a secondary validation layer that catches formatting errors, missing required fields, and CDIA rule violations before files reach the bureaus. This reduces rejection rates and compliance risk. Metro2 also provides managed SFTP delivery and a dashboard for tracking submission status.

    Which version of Collect! is supported?

    We support all current versions of Collect! software via the REST API. The next major version of Collect! will be fully browser-based with enhanced API capabilities.

    What about eOscar dispute management?

    Collect!'s next major version will include Services by eOscar integration for credit dispute investigation. Metro2 is designed to support this dispute workflow when it becomes available.

    Can I use both Collect!'s CBR and Metro2?

    Yes. You can continue using Collect!'s native CBR module for Metro 2 generation and add Metro2 as a validation and delivery layer. Metro2 reviews the files before submission, catches errors, and provides a dashboard for tracking.

    Ready to Connect Collect!?

    Start reporting to credit bureaus from Collect! today. Our team will help you get set up quickly.