Field H-3OptionalIdentification Fields
Metro 2 Field H-3: Cycle Identifier
Optional two-character code that identifies the billing/reporting cycle the file represents. Furnishers who report multiple cycles per month use it to distinguish each submission; single-cycle furnishers may leave it blank.
Quick Reference
Field Number:H-3
Position:11-12
Length:2 characters
Type:alphanumeric
Record:Header Record
Required:No
Validation Rules
- Two characters or blank-filled
- If used, must match the cycle agreed with each bureau
Examples
0112 Common Errors
- Reusing the same cycle id for distinct cycles
- Populating a cycle id the bureau has not enabled
Tips & Best Practices
- Most monthly furnishers report a single cycle and can leave this blank
- Coordinate cycle numbering with each bureau before using it
Related Fields
Other Identification Fields
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