Metro 2 Segments Explained
A Metro 2 file is assembled from a small set of fixed-width segments. Every file opens with a Header and closes with a Trailer. In between, each account is one Base Segment, with optional segments appended when the account needs them — additional consumers (J1/J2), original-creditor and transfer detail (K1/K2), mortgage and specialized-payment data (K3/K4), identifier changes (L1), and employment (N1).
What are the segments in a Metro 2 file?
A Metro 2 file contains a Header Record (file metadata), one Base Segment per account (core account + primary consumer), optional J1/J2 segments (additional consumers, same/different address), K1–K4 segments (original creditor, purchased/sold, mortgage, specialized payment), an L1 segment (account/identification-number changes), an N1 segment (employment), and a Trailer Record (control totals). Segments are appended to the Base Segment in a defined order; the Record Descriptor Word reflects the combined length.
Segment quick reference
| Segment | Carries | Fields |
|---|---|---|
| Header Record | Identifies the data furnisher and file characteristics | 15 |
| Base Segment | Primary account and consumer information | 49 |
| J1 Segment | Additional consumer information for joint accounts | 8 |
| J2 Segment | Second additional consumer for joint accounts | 6 |
| K1 Segment | Original creditor information for transferred accounts | 3 |
| K2 Segment | Purchased portfolio information | 3 |
| K3 Segment | Mortgage information | 3 |
| K4 Segment | Specialized information | 4 |
| L1 Segment | Employment information | 4 |
| N1 Segment | Consumer statement | 4 |
| Trailer Record | File totals and record counts | 5 |
Field counts reflect the fields documented in this reference and may not enumerate every position in the official layout.
Header Record
Identifies the data furnisher and file characteristics
When to use: Always — exactly one per file, as the first record. Identifies the furnisher and the reporting cycle.
Base Segment
Primary account and consumer information
When to use: Always — one per account being reported. Carries the core account and primary-consumer data.
J1 Segment
Additional consumer information for joint accounts
When to use: When an additional consumer (joint holder, authorized user, co-signer) shares the primary consumer's address.
J2 Segment
Second additional consumer for joint accounts
When to use: When an additional consumer lives at a different address — the J2 carries its own address block.
K1 Segment
Original creditor information for transferred accounts
When to use: When you must disclose the original creditor — common for debt buyers and collection agencies.
K2 Segment
Purchased portfolio information
When to use: When an account was purchased from or sold to another party — documents the chain of ownership.
K3 Segment
Mortgage information
When to use: For mortgage accounts that need agency or MERS identifiers.
K4 Segment
Specialized information
When to use: When standard term fields cannot express the arrangement — deferred or balloon payments.
L1 Segment
Employment information
When to use: In the single cycle when a Consumer Account Number or Identification Number changes, so history is preserved.
N1 Segment
Consumer statement
When to use: Optionally, to report employer and occupation data for the consumer.
Trailer Record
File totals and record counts
When to use: Always — exactly one per file, as the last record. Carries the control totals the bureau reconciles.
Related references
See these segments in your own file
Drop a Metro 2 file into the free in-browser viewer to see how the Header, Base, and appended segments are laid out. Nothing is uploaded — your file stays on your device.