Ch 4 Base Segment Field 25

The video examines Base Segment Field #25, "CRA Compliance Date" or "Date of First Delinquency," from Chapter 4 of the Metro 2 Credit Reporting Resource Guide, guiding readers on using Metro 2 to accurately read credit reports, identify errors, and draft dispute letters to consumer reporting agencies (CRAs). This field, critical for calculating the seven-year purge clock for negative items, applies in three scenarios: (1) negative account status codes (e.g., 61-65 from Exhibit 4 in Chapter 5), like collections or charge-offs; (2) positive status codes 5 (transferred) or 13 (paid/closed) with prior negative payment history (e.g., 30-180+ days late); and (3) bankruptcies, tied to specific indicators.

This field’s importance lies in tracking when negative data should drop off reports. However, the video notes a key issue: Experian and TransUnion don’t disclose this date, while Equifax does—despite its role in Metro 2’s standardized format. Missing or inconsistent dates across bureaus (e.g., not matching payment history or status) can be disputed as errors, giving readers leverage in dispute letters to CRAs to enforce accuracy and proper purging per the industry standard.