Comparison
Metro2 vs The Service Bureau: Full Comparison
TSB's Credit Manager is a reliable legacy desktop application with a 30+ year track record, but its $599–$2,999/year pricing, desktop-only deployment, and lack of API or cloud capabilities make it poorly suited for modern businesses. Metro2 offers cloud access, API automation, and automated bureau delivery starting at just $19/month.
Metro2
Modern, cloud-based Metro 2 reporting
Transparent pricing
No long-term contracts
Modern REST API
Free trial available
The Service Bureau
The Service Bureau (TSB), founded in 1992, offers Credit Manager — a Windows desktop Metro 2 reporti...
Pricing:$599–$2,999/year (first year)
Target:Established, high-volume data furnishers with Windows infrastructure who value a long track record
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Metro2 | The Service Bureau |
|---|---|---|
Metro 2 Format Generation Generate compliant Metro 2 format files for credit bureau submission | ||
All Three Bureaus Submit to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion | Plus Innovis and D&B (5 total) | |
Real-time Validation Instant validation of data before submission | CRRG-aligned validation engine | Hundreds of CRRG-aligned checks |
API Access REST API for programmatic integration | Full REST API from $29/mo | |
Bulk Upload Upload multiple accounts via CSV or Excel | Drag-and-drop field mapping | CSV, TXT, XML, Excel, Access, SQLite (Elite) |
Error Correction Built-in tools to fix rejected records | Live editor with bulk updates | |
Audit Trail Complete history of all submissions and changes | Comprehensive log files | |
Modern UI Clean, intuitive user interface | ||
No Long-term Contract Month-to-month billing without commitment | Cancel anytime | Annual lease required |
Transparent Pricing Clear pricing without hidden fees | Published on website | Must navigate to lease page |
Automated Bureau Delivery Automated SFTP delivery to credit bureaus on a schedule | Included from SMB plan ($29/mo) | Manual SFTP upload |
Dedicated Support Direct access to support team | Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM MST |
The Service Bureau Pros
- Over 30 years of market presence — longest track record alongside Hutchins
- Supports 5 bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, Innovis, and Dun & Bradstreet
- Hundreds of built-in CRRG-aligned compliance checks
- AES-256 encrypted database storage
- In-house (non-outsourced) support staff in Utah
- 30-day free demo available
- Imports from CSV, TXT, XML, Excel, MS Access, Metro 2 426 format, and SQLite (Elite+)
The Service Bureau Cons
- Desktop-only — Windows required, no cloud, no Mac, no mobile access
- No API for automation or integration with external systems
- Annual lease model — you never own the software
- Dated user interface reflecting 1990s-era architecture
- File delivery requires manual SFTP/HTTPS upload initiation
- Major version upgrades cost extra (unspecified 'discounted rate')
- Stacking service requires non-refundable 3-month deposit ($375–$1,050)
When to Choose The Service Bureau
- 1High-volume furnishers with 50,000+ accounts on Windows infrastructure
- 2Organizations needing Dun & Bradstreet commercial credit reporting
- 3Companies with existing TSB relationships since the 1990s
Why Choose Metro2 Over The Service Bureau
- Cloud-based — access from any device, any browser, no installation
- Full REST API for automation and integration (TSB has no API at all)
- Automated SFTP delivery to bureaus instead of manual uploads
- Starting at $19/month vs. $599/year first-year cost
- Month-to-month billing — no annual lease commitment
- Modern interface reduces training time and data entry errors
Other Comparisons
Ready to switch from The Service Bureau?
See why businesses are choosing Metro2 for their credit reporting needs. Start with a free trial—no credit card required.