Which federal law mandates that lenders provide credit without discrimination based on specific protected characteristics?

The correct answer is the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). This federal law was enacted to ensure that all individuals are given an equal opportunity to obtain credit, regardless of certain protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age. ECOA prohibits lenders from discriminating against applicants when determining creditworthiness, thereby promoting fairness in the lending process.

The other options address different aspects of fair housing and lending practices. The Fair Housing Act specifically targets discrimination in housing sales and rental, along with related transactions, focusing more on housing than on credit specifically. The Equal Opportunity Act is often confused with ECOA but is not the name of a specific federal statute; instead, it generally refers to the principles of equality in various contexts. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) primarily aims to promote transparency in lending through disclosure of terms and costs associated with borrowing, rather than addressing discrimination. Hence, ECOA is the correct choice when discussing laws that target non-discrimination in lending practices.