The ECOA prohibits credit discrimination based on sex, race, marital status, religion, national origin, age, or receipt of public assistance. In some situations creditors may request this information (except religion), but it cannot be used to discriminate against you when deciding whether or not to give you credit. This law also protects businesses applying for credit.

According to the ECOA:

• Credit cannot be denied based on your race, sex, marital status, religion, age, national origin, or receipt of public assistance.
• Reliable public assistance must be considered in the same manner as other income.
• You have a legal right to know the reasons behind any denial of credit.

For further information regarding this law and other consumer and credit-related rights, visit the Federal Trade Commission's web site at www.ftc.gov.