Processing Service

If your company does not meet the minimum account requirements set by the credit bureaus, you may be able to report your trade lines through a third-party processor or stacking service. In this arrangement, your accounts are submitted to a processor, who then combines (or "stacks") them with accounts from other businesses.

Requirements for Using a Third-Party Processor:

1. Bureau Approval:
   The credit bureau must allow your company to report via a third-party processor. Approval is bureau-specific and may depend on your industry, account volume, or other criteria.
2. Data Furnisher Agreement:
   Your company must have an active Data Furnisher’s or Service Agreement with each bureau you intend to report to—even if you're using a processor.
3. Metro 2–Compliant Software:
   You must use bureau-approved credit reporting software that complies with the Metro 2 Credit Reporting Resource Guide.
4. Adherence to Bureau Guidelines:
   Your company must follow all reporting policies outlined in the bureau's Data Furnisher Agreement.
5. Timely Monthly Submissions:
   Your accounts must be sent to the third-party processor on a timely, monthly basis to ensure consistent reporting.
   
   Important Note:
   Reporting through a third-party processor does not guarantee that your accounts will be accepted by the credit bureaus. If your data is incomplete, inaccurate, or non-compliant, individual trade lines—or even the entire file—may be rejected.

A third-party processor, also known as a stacking service, is responsible for combining ("stacking") your accounts with those of other businesses and submitting the consolidated file to the credit bureaus on your behalf. When selecting a processor, it’s important to ensure they meet the following criteria:

Key Qualities of a Reliable Third-Party Processor:

Each credit bureau has its own policy regarding minimum reporting requirements. Generally, you are expected to report your entire portfolio, including accounts aged up to 6.5 years. However, if your account volume still falls below the required threshold, you may have the option to report through a third-party processor or stacking service.

To pursue this option, you will need:

• Metro 2–compliant software, following the specifications outlined in the Metro 2 Credit Reporting Resource Guide
• An active Data Furnisher's Agreement with one or more of the following bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, Innovis
• Approval from the bureau(s) to use a third-party processor or stacking service to submit trade lines on your behalf

We recommend contacting the credit bureaus directly to discuss your eligibility and explore approved third-party reporting solutions.

Generally, no. The major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, Innovis, and TransUnion—require that entities reporting consumer credit be legitimate, registered businesses with an approved Data Furnisher Agreement.

They do not allow individual consumers to report trade lines on behalf of another consumer, even if the reporting is done through a third-party processor or stacking service.

If you are not operating as a formal business entity that meets bureau requirements, you will not be permitted to furnish data to the credit reporting agencies.