Which of the following is a requirement of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act?

Which of the following is a requirement of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act?

• A. Lenders must assess creditworthiness based on race
• B. Lenders must provide applicants their credit score upon request
• C. Lenders may require the borrower to disclose their income source
• D. Lenders can discriminate against applicants

Answer: (B)

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) mandates that lenders treat all credit applicants equally, primarily prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age. One specific requirement set forth by the ECOA is that lenders must disclose an applicant's credit score upon request. This aspect of the law ensures transparency in the lending process and allows borrowers to understand factors influencing their creditworthiness. This provision is significant because it aims to empower consumers with knowledge regarding their financial standing and the criteria being used to evaluate them for credit. By making this information accessible, the ECOA supports fair lending practices and helps consumers take informed actions concerning their credit options. Other options do not align with the stipulations of the ECOA or the principles it upholds. For instance, requiring creditworthiness assessments based on race would directly contradict the purpose of the Act. Similarly, while lenders can allow inquiries about income sources to verify the borrower's ability to repay, this must be done without discriminatory practices. Discriminating against applicants is explicitly prohibited under the ECOA, reinforcing the Act's commitment to equitable treatment.

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) mandates that lenders treat all credit applicants equally, primarily prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age. One specific requirement set forth by the ECOA is that lenders must disclose an applicant's credit score upon request. This aspect of the law ensures transparency in the lending process and allows borrowers to understand factors influencing their creditworthiness.

This provision is significant because it aims to empower consumers with knowledge regarding their financial standing and the criteria being used to evaluate them for credit. By making this information accessible, the ECOA supports fair lending practices and helps consumers take informed actions concerning their credit options.

Other options do not align with the stipulations of the ECOA or the principles it upholds. For instance, requiring creditworthiness assessments based on race would directly contradict the purpose of the Act. Similarly, while lenders can allow inquiries about income sources to verify the borrower's ability to repay, this must be done without discriminatory practices. Discriminating against applicants is explicitly prohibited under the ECOA, reinforcing the Act's commitment to equitable treatment.