In addition to income, which bases must credit applications be considered on under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act?

• A. Net worth, job stability, credit rating
• B. Income and employment length
• C. Age, marital status, number of dependents
• D. Residence and social security number

Answer: (A)

Under ECOA, lenders must evaluate credit applicants based on information that reflects their ability to repay, not on personal characteristics. In addition to income, factors that properly indicate creditworthiness include net worth (overall financial resources), job stability (a steady income stream), and credit history or credit rating (past repayment behavior). These elements together help determine whether the borrower can reasonably repay the loan.

The other options rely on protected characteristics—such as age, marital status, or family status—and on information not used to judge creditworthiness, like residence or a social security number. That’s why the combination of net worth, job stability, and credit history is the appropriate set of bases to consider alongside income.