Equal Credit Opportunity - What Can Creditors Do?

Credit is used by millions of consumers to finance an education or a house, remodel a home, or get a small business loan. Creditors have rules to follow - so make sure you know the rules and ensure that they are followed.

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) ensures that all consumers are given an equal chance to obtain credit. This doesn't mean all consumers who apply for credit get it: Factors such as income, expenses, debt, and credit history are considerations for creditworthiness. The law protects you when you deal with any creditor who regularly extends credit, including banks, small loan and finance companies, retail and department stores, credit card companies, and credit unions. Anyone involved in granting credit, such as real estate brokers who arrange financing, is covered by the law. Businesses applying for credit also are protected by the law. When You Apply For Credit, A Creditor May Not...