Field H-2RequiredIdentification Fields

    Metro 2 Field H-2: Record Identifier (Header)

    Constant value that identifies the first physical record of the file as the Header Record. It tells the receiving bureau that the file metadata (reporter identifiers, cycle, dates) follows.

    Quick Reference

    Field Number:H-2
    Position:5-10
    Length:6 characters
    Type:alphanumeric
    Record:Header Record
    Required:Yes

    Allowed Values

    ValueMeaning
    HEADERHeader record identifier

    Validation Rules

    • Must contain the literal value HEADER
    • Must be left-justified
    • Appears exactly once, as the first record in the file

    Examples

    HEADER

    Common Errors

    • Missing or misspelled HEADER literal
    • Header placed after Base Segments instead of first

    Tips & Best Practices

    • The Header is the file's cover sheet — one per file, always first
    • A missing/invalid Header rejects the entire file (see error H001)

    Related Fields

    H-3
    Cycle Identifier
    Optional two-character code that identifies the billing/repo...
    H-8
    Activity Date
    The date through which account activity in the file is repor...
    H-9
    Date Created
    The date the file itself was generated. It can be on or afte...

    Other Identification Fields

    1Record Descriptor Word2Processing Indicator4Consumer Account Number3Identification NumberH-3Cycle IdentifierH-4Innovis Program Identifier

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    Record Identifier (Header) - Metro 2 Field H-2