Ch 4 Base Segment Fields 17 - 19

The video explores Base Segment Fields #17A, #17B, #18, and #19 from Chapter 4 of the Metro 2 Credit Reporting Resource Guide, showing readers how to use Metro 2 to accurately read credit reports, identify errors, and draft dispute letters to consumer reporting agencies (CRAs). These fields—account status (#17A), payment rating (#17B), payment history profile (#18), and special comment code (#19)—interrelate to describe an account’s condition, using a paid, closed credit card with zero balance as an example.

Field #17A (account status) uses codes from Exhibit 4 (Chapter 5), like code 13 for "paid or closed, zero balance," reflecting the account’s state as of the "date of account information" (e.g., 16th of last month). Field #17B (payment rating) is required for certain statuses (e.g., code 13), indicating the account’s condition—here, "current" (0-29 days past due)—before reaching its final status within the current reporting month. Field #18 (payment history) covers the prior 24 months up to the last period (e.g., two months ago), showing consistent on-time payments (code 0), as current-month status is handled by #17A and #17B. Metro 2 mandates monthly reporting, but allows a "B" fill (no history) if data is unavailable—though this may not meet "maximum possible accuracy." Field #19 (special comment) adds detail via Exhibit 6/7 codes, like "M" for "closed at credit grantor’s request."

These fields clarify how a report should align: #17A shows the final status, #17B the prior state in the same month, #18 the historical record, and #19 any special notes. Errors—like missing history, inconsistent statuses (e.g., "paid" with a "collection" rating), or absent special comments—can be disputed by comparing to Metro 2’s rules, providing solid grounds for letters to CRAs.