Comparison
Metro2 vs MicroBilt: Full Comparison
MicroBilt is a credit bureau that accepts Metro 2 data from furnishers — not a tool for creating Metro 2 files. To report data to MicroBilt, you first need Metro 2 reporting software to generate your files. Metro2 by Switch Labs generates the files; MicroBilt (and other bureaus like M2 Reporter and Hutchins also support MicroBilt) can be one of the destinations you submit to.
Metro2
Modern, cloud-based Metro 2 reporting
Transparent pricing
No long-term contracts
Modern REST API
Free trial available
MicroBilt
MicroBilt, founded in 1978 and now owned by Fiserv, is both an alternative credit bureau that accept...
Pricing:Per-inquiry and subscription-based (contact for pricing)
Target:Subprime lenders, short-term lenders, collections agencies, property managers, and background screening companies
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Metro2 | MicroBilt |
|---|---|---|
Metro 2 Format Generation Generate compliant Metro 2 format files for credit bureau submission | Receives Metro 2 files — does not generate them | |
All Three Bureaus Submit to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion | MicroBilt IS a bureau — it does not submit to others | |
Real-time Validation Instant validation of data before submission | CRRG-aligned validation engine | |
API Access REST API for programmatic integration | Full REST API from $29/mo | For pulling credit data, not furnishing |
Bulk Upload Upload multiple accounts via CSV or Excel | Drag-and-drop field mapping | |
Error Correction Built-in tools to fix rejected records | Live editor with bulk updates | |
Audit Trail Complete history of all submissions and changes | ||
Modern UI Clean, intuitive user interface | Developer portal for data access | |
No Long-term Contract Month-to-month billing without commitment | Cancel anytime | |
Transparent Pricing Clear pricing without hidden fees | Published on website | |
Automated Bureau Delivery Automated SFTP delivery to credit bureaus on a schedule | Included from SMB plan ($29/mo) | |
Dedicated Support Direct access to support team | Enterprise tier |
MicroBilt Pros
- One of 5 major credit bureaus that accepts Metro 2 data — wider reporting reach
- PRBC alternative credit report for thin-file consumers
- Strong in specialty lending (subprime, short-term, collections)
- Developer API portal for pulling credit data
- 46+ years of industry presence
- Fraud detection and identity verification tools
MicroBilt Cons
- NOT a Metro 2 file generation tool — you need separate software to create files to submit to MicroBilt
- Enterprise-focused — complex onboarding and pricing
- Requires 100+ accounts for furnishing (similar to TransUnion minimum)
- Primarily serves as a bureau for specialty/subprime data, not mainstream credit
- Pulling credit reports is a separate service from furnishing data to them
When to Choose MicroBilt
- 1Lenders who want to pull alternative credit data for subprime or thin-file consumers
- 2Data furnishers who want to expand reporting beyond the Big Three to reach more consumers
Why Choose Metro2 Over MicroBilt
- Metro2 creates Metro 2 files; MicroBilt receives them — you need Metro2 first
- Several Metro 2 tools (M2 Reporter, Hutchins) support submitting to MicroBilt as a destination
- Metro2 is self-service from $19/month; MicroBilt requires enterprise agreements for furnishing
- Metro2 handles the complete workflow: file creation, validation, and delivery to bureaus including MicroBilt
Other Comparisons
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